E-3 Employees

E-3 status allows Australian citizens to come to the United States to perform services in a specialty occupation.

Expand the sections below for guidance on maintaining your E-3 status. UMB departments interested in information about E-3 sponsorship should visit E-3 Sponsorship. 

Sunapsis Login

Sunapsis Login Link

What is an E-3? ▾

E-3 status permits a US employer to temporarily employ Australian nationals in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation is defined as requiring the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge in a field of study.

To qualify for E-3 sponsorship, a position must require at least a bachelor's or higher degree in specific field(s) of study. E-3 work authorization is employer and employment specific. As such, an individual in the US in E-3 status is only authorized to work for their sponsoring employer.

Obtaining or Extending E-3 Status ▾

The information provided below applies to both initial applications to obtain E-3 status, as well as extending your current E-3 status.

E-3 Processing when outside the US

After your hiring department submits a complete E-3 request in Sunapsis, OIS will prepare a Labor Condition Application (LCA) that must be certified by the US Department of Labor. After certification, OIS will provide a copy of the certified LCA and advise you on the other documentation that will be required to apply for an E-3 visa at the US embassy or consulate.

After obtaining the E-3 visa, you may enter the US no more than 10 days prior to the start date listed on the LCA.

On average, this process takes 1 month after OIS receives a complete request.

E-3 Processing from within the US

If you are currently in the US, OIS must file a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and secure an approval before employment may begin. To initiate this process, the hiring department must submit a complete E-3 request in Sunapsis.

On average, this process takes 3 months after OIS receives a complete request.

Maintaining E-3 status ▾

  • E-3 status is employer and employment specific. Consult OIS prior to any changes in your UMB employment. Examples of changes that must be authorized include:
    • Title
    • Number of hours worked
    • Department
    • Location
    • Position duties
  • Generally, E-3 employees may not accept honoraria or payment from outside sources.

Length of stay ▾

E-3 status may be granted for up to 2 years at a time. There is no maximum number of extensions, however the individual must maintain intent to return to their home country.

Traveling outside the United States  ▾

Prior to departing the US, please complete the International Travel Reporting e-form in Sunapsis and schedule an online advising appointment.

Required documents to re-enter the United States:

  • A valid passport
  • A valid E-3 visa stamp
  • Labor Condition Application (LCA) used to obtain E-3 status
  • Evidence of continued employment (i.e., three most recent paycheck stubs, a letter from your employing department)
  • If UMB filed an E-3 petition for you with USCIS:
    • A valid E-3 approval notice, i.e. the original lower portion of the I-797 approval notice and a copy of the upper portion.
    • A copy of the entire petition. If you have not received a copy, please ask for one from OIS.

Change of US address ▾

All non-US citizens are required to report any changes in their residential address to the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of the change. E-3 workers can report their address change by using the USCIS electronic change of address form.


Learn more about how to update your address with the University, Central Payroll Bureau, and benefits providers here.

Dependents ▾

You may sponsor your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 as E-3 dependents.

Spouses of E-3 visa holders are authorized to work in the US. Review details on the USCIS website. Children of E-3 workers may not be employed in the United States.

E-3 dependents (spouses and children) may study full-time or part-time.