Sponsoring or Extending an E-3
E-3 status is for Australians in a full-time “specialty occupation” that requires a “theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree, or its equivalent, as a minimum requirement” at a wage that meets the higher of the prevailing wage or the actual wage.
The E-3 requirements are similar to H-1B but does not require a petition.
On this page:
Eligibility
E-3 sponsorship requires that the scholar meet the following criteria:
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- must be an Australian citizen
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- must be in a full-time position as an Officer of Research or Officer of Instruction
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- the salary meets Department of Labor prevailing wage requirements
Before You Sponsor
- 1
- Australians seeking an alternative to H-1B
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- Allowing dependent family members to apply for employment authorization
- 1
- By applying directly for a visa at a U.S. consulate in Australia
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- Through a Columbia University petition filed by ISSO with USCIS
Begin the process immediately, once the position has been offered. Processing time will depend on whether E-3 status is obtained by travel or inside the U.S.
Visa application at a U.S. consulate is recommended over a petition within the U.S.
Application by I-129 petition to the USCIS inside the U.S. USCIS processing time is unpredictable, lengthy, but a petition may be expedited through Premium Processing for an additional $2850 fee to USCIS.
How to Sponsor / Extend
CUMC departments should contact ISSO-CUMC.
Gather your documents
We need these documents for the Department of Labor (DOL) component of the E-3 application.
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- Document
- Cover Sheet
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- Document
- Curriculum Vitae, needed for us to select appropriate specialized field. (No CV needed for extensions of the same position)
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- Document
- NEW! **Combined** Prevailing Wage and Actual Wage Form
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- Document
- A copy of the job description. If the job was posted in RAPS, we need a copy of that description.
Log in to the Scholar Sponsorship Portal (SSP) with your UNI and password to initiate an online application for E-3 sponsorship
This must be initiated by the department, not the scholar. Contact us if you are a department administrator requesting access to the SSP.
We will contact you
Wait for us to confirm that the position meets Department of Labor eligibility.
Receive the LCA
When we receive the certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor, we will email you for pick-up at our office, in Armstrong Hall at 545 W. 112th Street, on the 4th floor. The processing time is dependent on the individual application, but generally within 20 days.
Prepare a letter for your scholar’s visa application
This for the prospective E-3 to take to a consulate, preferably in Australia.
The letter should:
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- be printed on department letterhead
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- state the job title
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- state the requirements for the position including the degree and field of study needed
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- state the job duties
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- state the dates of employment (up to two years)
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- state the salary (the salary has to meet the prevailing wage on the LCA)
Refer the prospective employee to our guidance on how to obtain a visa.
Notify us of any substantial changes in employment
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- a new or additional location
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- different duties
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- change in title
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- change in amount or source of funding
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- resignation or termination
Failure to notify us may result in fines imposed on the University and the barring of one year of the hiring of E-3 employees.
Extending an E-3
Before You Extend
E-3 status can be granted for a two-year period at a time. Although there is no time limit for E-3 status it does require "nonimmigrant intent" and the individual may face increasing scrutiny if they continue to extend over a period of years.
How to Extend
Follow the same instructions listed above for the extension.
CUIMC departments should contact ISSO-CUIMC.