E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Moderator's Note:
Welcome to 2011's E-3 thread. This is a continuation of the E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread which followed on from the E-3 2009 Visa thread.

These threads have personal experiences with E-3 first time and renewal applications, both in Australia and at US Consular posts elsewhere.

Please use the 'search this thread' feature to narrow down the posts and have a gander at what has already been posted. Bear in mind that visa application processes can change quickly, and always confirm any 'old' information.
end Mod note/meauxna
---------------------------------
Hello All,

I thought that some of you may have been interested in my E3 Visa renewal that I had processed today in Vancouver.

The most time consuming part turned out to be booking the appointment, I did that about 6 weeks ago using their online system, the appointment I got was for Monday Dec 20th at 10am.

I did all the DS-160 forms online and paid for the visa fees (at $390 per person for 4 of us was a sharp hike from last time). My employer took care of the LCA a while back so i was pretty well ready to go.
The family is staying in Vancouver so we drove and parked in the pay parking station almost directly across from the consulate, we arrived about 9am so we went and had a coffee just near the consulate.
We (wife and 2 kids)turned up at 940am as was immediately let in the ground floor for the initial security check. From here we went up to the first floor and waited in a large waiting room until we were called up to do our fingerprints. They fingerprinted my wife and I and then we sat down again. We were called up to the 20th floor at about 1120am. This is much more crowded with a small area to sit where you can basically listen to everyone go througuh the interview process. A moment of light relief when the Canadian family in front of us with two teenage children were asked by the interviewing officer if the son had some some issue at the border last time he crossed. The son was about 18 and was assuring his parents that nothing had happened and they were saying that they still loved him even if they had to leave him behind when they went back to the US in a week.
Anyhow we got called to the window and the interviewing officer asked if it was a renewal and I said yes and she asked when we would like to pick it up, I thought I would push the envelope and ask for today, she actually laughed (not an emotion often associated with US consular officials) and said we should be prepared for Wed afternoon but she would try to push it through for tomorrow. About 1 minute later after some furious typing she said we could come back tomorrow at 215pm and pick up our passports with our renewed E3's. She said that even though when you make the appointment they ask you for a DHL facility you would like to pick up your passports from, it is quicker for you to pick it up back at the consulate.
All done at exactly 12 noon. Back to the car and out of there.
I did not have to produce any supporting documentation, no job offer, degree, anything at all. The only other question she asked was whether I was still doing the same job, which I am.
I am not sure if this was a help to anyone but I often read of people asking about getting their visa in a country other than Australia and this was my experience.

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Dude, thank you for sharing ...congrats :)

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Hi, just a short update but no news to report. I'm still waiting to hear back from the company, although I got an email on Monday (three days ago) saying they were still keen to have me but were waiting on the approval from the higher-ups. I'm hoping the holiday season caused the delay, not anyone balking at the E-3 paperwork.

Anyway, I've been keeping an eye on visa wait times and Ottawa is still coming up with the shortest time. I'd love to hear from other people who have gotten their first E-3 recently, especially through Canada.

Thanks!

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Hey everyone,

Will I be OK with a 3 year Aussie Bachelor's degree (Griffith Uni) if I take my E3 interview in Melbourne?

I'm thinking I will be OK based on this:

But I realise now that it doesn't explicitly say that 3 year Australian degrees are acceptable.

I have my 3 year Aussie degree plus 4.5 years work experience (I have 12 years experience all up but some is pre-degree and the rest may be hard to prove.) Was thinking I could use my experience to bridge the missing year, if it's actually a problem.. but not too sure if you can mix+match like that?

Someone please tell me I still qualify :)

Cheers
pink

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Hi Everyone,
Over the last few days I've been reading through this thread since the initial posts from 2005. I've noticed that the E3 process has been evolving over time.

I'm in the process of applying for my own E3 visa. I'm in New York (VWP) and have a solid job offer in a telco. They are in the process of completing the LCA and I've completed the online DS-160 form. So far so good.

I intend to apply for the initial E3 visa in Vancouver (open to other Canadian posts). I do not intend to return to Australia as I need to begin working asap and Canada appears to be the best bet for a quick turn-around.

I have a few questions:

- I understand a lot of people renew their visa in Vancouver, but there's less talk about an initial application. Has anyone had success in recently appling for their initial E3 visa there?

- Degree equivalency. I have both an Australian bachelors and Masters degree. How do I go about getting these certified as US equivalent degrees? My uni was unable to help and pointed me to AEI in Washington (http://aei.gov.au/AEI/AboutAEI/AEICo...Washington.htm) but they were unable to assist. From what I've read, this isn't such a problem when applying in Australia. However, because I'll be applying in Canada, I want to make sure they were aware that my degrees have a US equivalent.

Thanks for your help!

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Point 2 - I have a bachelors and Masters from Australia. Didn't have to provide any certification. My US attorney didn't ask me to get it done. Note: I also had some 8+ years experience. Also, my interview was in Sydney.

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

I used the Trusteforte Corp: http://www.trustfortecorp.com/

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Update: I rang Canberra's $3/minute line and they said a 3-year Australian Bachelor's degree is sufficient provided it's relevant to the position. No U.S.-equivalency needed.

I appreciate it's probably a case-by-case thing but it's at least promising to hear :)

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

What type of degree and length, if you don't mind me asking?

Just in case the company lawyer forces me to do this, I'd be interested to know of a place that's likely to equate my 3-year AU Bachelor of IT (+ 4.5 years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience) with a US bachelor's degree.

Or even just any success story of having a 3-year AU degree deemed equivalent to a US bachelor's.

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

This is not immigration/official advice, but so you know: the general understanding is that a 3 year AU/UK Bachelors is equivalent to a 4 year US Bachelors. Things like vague entry requirements (in contrast to strict VCE/HSC prerequisites) and general ed requirements bloat programs considerably.

It seems to be well understood here that 'the British system' advances very quickly (at the expense of breadth.)

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Ah that's very comforting to hear! So when you say "general understanding" does that include evaluation firms in the USA? In other words, I can be pretty confident my 3 year AU degree will be equivalent if I send it to any of these places people have recommended in the thread?

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Actually, I meant that many 'normal' people seem to know this - the evaluation firms have to!

I have not paid a lot of attention to this issue over the course of these threads, but I think there are many cases of people being fine just with their AU degree alone. Since you are interviewing in Oz, I doubt that you really need any equivalence certification at all - it seems to be more of an issue for those applying at non-AU consulates, where they might not be familiar with our system.

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Ah OK. Yeah the consulate in Canberra said there's no need, I guess I just have to tactfully convince the company lawyer of this :) Although hopefully by the sounds of it the evaluation will be successful anyway. Thanks retzie.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

I've been following this forum for a long long time. I've currently on my 3rd E-3 visa. First two were with one employer (both applications were done in Canada) and more recently (late last year) I changed employer and this new visa was also done in Canada. All without issues.

Like many people- I was also interested in doing the visa renewal's / transfer to new employer from within the U.S.- but (like most people) it all seems a bit convoluted (particularly that lack of detailed info on whether you an start work with the new employer before the transfer is approved) and going to the great white north was always the easier option.

Due to unforeseen circumstances- I'm going to have to change employer again. Rather than me, my wife and young baby (U.S. Citizen) all going to Canada again to get new visas- I was thinking of doing it a little differently and I'm interested if anyone can see a hole in my idea.

1. I go to Canada alone and get a new E3 Visa for myself.

2. When I get back to the U.S., my wife files for status adjustment to her E3D.

3. When we are home in Australia at Christmas time, then my wife gets a proper E3D visa at that time.

We could all go the Canada like we did last time- but finding a babysitter whilst we were at the embassy was a right pain and it not fair to drag the baby to Canada and hole up in a hotel for several days in the middle of winter. Been there, done that.

Anyone see any issues with my idea? Thanks for any insight people may have.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Hi Everyone

I am currently working on E3 visa , and i want to change employer .I have a valid visa until 2012 june .

My question is for changeing employer do i need to cross the broder and get new visa or can my employer file I 129 petition.

which is quciker and easier as my new employer wants me to start As early possible.

Please suguuest.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

The new employer must file a petition on your behalf. Once it's accepted, you can switch jobs. You don't need to leave the country to do this. However, you need to realize that as soon as you switch companies, your current visa becomes invalid for travel... so if you travel outside the US, you must go to a US Consulate overseas to get a new visa put in your passport before you'll be allowed to return to the US. If you have no plans to travel outside the US, you don't need to worry about that.

Ian

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

HI

Thank You Ian

I have one more question .
My employer wants to start as soon as possible , so they are suggesting me to go to canada or bahamas for new visa stamping .
my wife have a valid visa and I 94 until 2012. if she is not acompanying for new visa with me now ,is she legally in status Or i need to apply Dependent petition to her .

thank you .

Please Suggest.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Hi

Can anyone please tell me that on renewing my E3 at US consulate outwith US, whether the new E3 (hopefully of 2 years) will be dated from date of interview or date of expiry of current E3?

Many thanks

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

What visa does she have now?

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Hi

E3d dependent visa.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

You don't need to post the same question in multiple threads.

Ian

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

She has a dependent visa... meaning, validity is dependent on your visa. Once you change employers, her visa - like yours - becomes invalid. I think she can apply for a change, the same as you... but again, if she leaves the US, she will need to get a new visa in her passport before returning to the US. For that, she'll need proof of your E-3 visa and a copy of your marriage certificate. You'll want to check all this out before proceeding just to be sure.

Ian

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

So I'm on a E3 visa working for a company in the US. I've got some sketchy plans to maybe take a sabbatical for a few months - so would still be employed etc in my role, and all that. Just not working, or getting paid. Does that affect my E3 at all?

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

You are meant to notify USCIS I believe if there is any material change in what you are doing, compared to what you are meant to be doing as per your job description that the visa was granted for. I assume that would cover er.. "not working or getting paid", since it is a work visa. Sounds similar to the "benching" of H1B's, which is not permitted.

Why are you making these "sketchy plans" - your choice, or the company's?

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Cheers for your reply. So yep - these sketchy plans are my choice (not sure whether I could get it approved etc - but it is in the HR policy so you never know); just kind of toying with the idea of taking a couple of months off and seeing some of the sights. Wasn't sure whether I'd need to exit and re-enter of the VWP or something. The idea would be to return to the same role - so I guess in someways like an extended period of annual leave without the income...

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Definitely not doable while remaining on E3, imho.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Hi all - this thread is great, has lots of useful information!

I am going over to the US in March under the VWP to look for a job and would like some advice. I'm an accountant with 10 years experience, have a bachelors degree in commerce and am a qualified CA so I know I will fulfil the E3 requirements in that respect, but I don't have a job lined up yet.

What is the best was for me to go about looking for jobs in the US? I have heard a lot of stories about well qualified people looking the 'old fashioned way' (ie searching the online job websites etc) with no success. I have also heard some employers won't even consider you if they know you need a visa, no matter how simple the process may be. Is it best to go through a recruiter? Any advice or tips from people who have been through this process would be appreciated.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

True, but there are also success stories. In my experience, people tend to focus on that which concerns them the most. In this case, the failure to secure a job. As an aside, I'm amused by your concept that "online job websites" constitutes the "old fashioned way". The best method, since you ask, is sloggin' door to door... meeting people and networking.


Also true. There are many unemployed accountants with superior qualifications (most in the US have both an MBA and CPA) and experience... and they don't need to be sponsored... and they can start work tomorrow.


No... well, not unless you want to throw money down the drain.

I don't want to deliberately dash your dreams, but you'll need to demonstrate superior qualifications just to be considered.

I'm sure others will be along shortly to toss in their $0.02 worth. Good luck to you! :)

Ian

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Here is my 2 cents worth.

1. As Ian mentioned NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK. I am from accounting and finance field and the fact is, Americans like to do it their own way so they don’t give a damn about an overseas CA. Cruel but true. However, they value experience just as much. The way I approached is, I was very active about 6-8 months before my trip here. The first half of this I tried to make as many contacts as possible via BE / Linkedin and then friends. Networking is the key. 2 months out of arriving here, I was lucky to know 4-5 recruitment consultants. I had set up interviews with them BEFORE I got here

2. Line up your resume. Through contacts, I was able to ‘Americanize’ my resume so that was sorted out. 3-4 months before I actually visited I had my resume ready and was sending it out on LinkedIn or applying on websites (direct)

3. Narrow down your location. US is a huge country so no point in hoping to cover east and west coast in 2 weeks. Zoom into the area

4. Know where your experience is. Stick to it and apply within the area of expertise

5. Research into skype US mobile number. 2 weeks out, you can hammer it hard and put that as you contact point

When you are here-
1. Let them know E3 visa is mere formality. Most of the folks here are aware of the TN visa. You can always say to them that the E3 is very similar to TN, in that, no petition, no expense, no delay in getting

2. Be flexible but not desperate. Living here is expensive, especially NYC or say SF/Calif. So don’t be desperate for a job here or you will be paid peanuts

Thanks it from me unless you specific questions

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Thanks guys! I had started half-heartedly reaching out to some of my contacts overseas but will make that more of a focus now.

Also - is it worth making cold calls / sending my resume and details directly to companies in my area of expertise, or is that generally a waste of time?

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Most of them won't care if you are in the country. The best is to reach out of them, tell them you are not wasting their time and the timeline of you being in the US. That way, you get a bit of a leverage.

I found, once I was concrete with my plans the folks here were generally ready to listen.

By far, you are going to find a job based on your networking capabilities mate. Recruiters have perhaps 20-30 people whom they can place and who require no visa. ...

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

Dear dmzungu

I was wondering if you can spare a time for clarifications as I am in
the same boat. I was wondering if you can email me on [email]removed[email]
regarding the procedure. I am currently in California on a visa waiver program
and have found an employer. They prefer using a lawyer to assist me to obtain my
E-3 visa. For some reason, the lawyer has suggested for me to contact the Vancouver
consulate to double check if this is possible. I mentioned to the lawyer of 2 friends
from Australia who got their E-3 visas in Vancouver however he suggests otherwise.
I had difficulty getting through their visa application trunkline for some reason.

About your degree equivalency, I used IERF (International Education Research Foundation)
http://www.ierf.org

- they were very prompt and organized in providing my equivalency report, if you still
need one.

All the best

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

You should never post your email address in a public forum. Further, we actively discourage people contacting others privately to discuss immigration issues.

Ian

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Hi,

I've posted before, situation is the same but it's taking a while. I just got final approval for the job, the employer just needs to fill out the LCA (ETA Form 9035). I was wondering if anyone knew the best site to find this form - when I Google it this site:

http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/preh1bform.cfm

has a problem loading. Is that just my computer, do you think the site is down or am I looking at the wrong thing?

Would appreciate any help on this matter. Thanks!

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Yamoo, that site is not loading for me and is timing out on ping too. Try later.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Working now.

Not the first time that this site has broken. When my current employers' lawyers were trying to lodge my last LCA it was down for ~5 days...

Re: E-3 Visa 2010 Running Thread
 

The official answer is at http://www.usvisa-info.com/en-CA/sel..._united_states and is basically that they strongly recommend you applying for the visa in your home country.

Numerous people here have had success getting renewals and/or new visas for a different employer in Canada, but the criteria for those visa is different to that for a new applicant. If you already have an E3, then the presumption is that you have already passed the requirements for your degree/etc, so the Canadian embassy isn't making a call on that. For a new visa, they are.

Personally I'd be heading back to Australia rather than taking the risk. Yes, it'll probably cost you more, but it's significantly lower risk than finding yourself being denied a visa in Canada and then not being allowed re-enter the US.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Great. I spoke to the employer on Friday and they said that they were able to get it. Now I just need to wait for it to be approved!

Thanks for your help.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Presuming there's no issues, it'll be 7 days, almost to the minute...

They used to be approved (almost) instantly, but it seems something changed a year or so back, and they now take exactly 7 days.

Re: E-3 Visa for Australians Thread- It's all in here
 

Yeah, I can vouch for that.

When attorney to my employer filed tjhey said the same thing - 7 days to the minute and indeed it was 7 days...

If all is well, you should have an approval in 7 days.