USCIS announced that effective February 24, 2021, Premium Processing will be available to those requesting a change of status or extension of status for E-3 visa classification for qualified Australian professionals.

The USCIS Premium Processing Service expedites USCIS’ processing times for certain visa categories.  Specifically, it requires an additional filing fee (currently $2,500) and guarantees a response from the agency – either an approval or Request for Evidence – within 15 calendar days of the date USCIS received the request.

The E-3 visa classification is available only to qualified nationals of Australia with a legitimate offer of employment in the United States to serve in a specialty occupation (professional) which requires at least a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the job.

U.S. employers who wish to secure E-3 visa classification for a qualified Australian national who is physically outside of the United States are not required to submit an I-129 Petition via USCIS and may have the individual apply for an E-3 visa directly through the U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad.

If you have any questions about the E-3 visa process, please feel free to contact Lawler & Lawler.