Does the E-3 Need Sponsorship? costs, Timeline & Employer Obligations.

What is E-3 Visa?

The E-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa for Australian nationals seeking employment in the United States in specialty occupations. It is similar to the H-1B visa but exclusive to Australians, offering benefits like lower fees and renewable status. The visa is employer-specific, meaning it requires a valid job offer and sponsorship from a U.S. employer.

Common Job Roles Sponsored Under This Visa

• IT & Technology (Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Data Scientist, Network Administrator)
• Engineering & Construction (Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager, Architect)
• Healthcare & Science (Medical Researcher, Clinical Specialist, Pharmacist)
• Finance & Business (Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant)
• Education & Training (University Lecturer, Curriculum Specialist, Research Associate)

Employer Sponsorship Requirements for E-3 Visa

To sponsor a worker under the E-3 visa, the employer must:

• Offer a specialty occupation role requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Obtain a Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Show the offered salary meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for that occupation.
• Provide a written job offer to the Australian candidate.
• Ensure compliance with all U.S. labor and immigration laws.
• File Form I-129 if the employee is changing or extending status while in the U.S.

How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor E-3 Visa?

Typical costs include:

• LCA filing: No fee
• Visa application fee: USD $205 (paid by the employee at the U.S. consulate)
• Attorney or filing fees: USD $1,000–$2,000 (if applicable)
• Recruitment or compliance costs: Varies by employer

Employers usually cover administrative or legal costs, while the visa application fee is typically paid by the applicant.

Estimated Timeline for Sponsoring E-3 Visa

Processing times are generally:

• Labor Condition Application (LCA): 7–10 business days
• Consular visa interview and issuance: 2–4 weeks
• Change of status via USCIS (if applicable): 2–3 months

Overall, E-3 visa sponsorship typically takes 1–2 months from job offer to start date, making it one of the fastest U.S. work visa options.

Alternative Hiring Solutions That Don't Require Visa Sponsorship

Sponsoring an E-3 visa can still be complex and time-sensitive, requiring employers to complete LCAs, manage consular paperwork, and wait for interview slots. For companies needing rapid onboarding, this process can create delays, especially when hiring globally distributed teams.

Instead, employers can hire internationally without relocation using Playroll’s Employer of Record (EOR) model. This allows companies to compliantly onboard Australian professionals—or talent in over 180 other countries—within days, not months. Playroll manages contracts, payroll, benefits, and tax compliance according to local laws, removing the need for sponsorship.

This model provides a faster, more cost-effective, and legally compliant way to scale teams globally, without visa sponsorship fees, relocation costs, or government processing delays.