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:
Before You Sponsor
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 $2,965 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.
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:
Refer the prospective employee to our guidance on how to obtain a visa.
Notify us of any substantial changes in employment
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.