Important differences include that spouses of E-3 visa holders may work in the United States without restrictions[6] and there is no maximum limit on renewals.
Although INA § 101(a)(15)(E) requires that all E nonimmigrants maintain an intention to depart the United States upon expiration of their authorized E stay, the guidelines issued by the USCIS state that applications for E classification, including extensions or change of status, cannot be denied solely on the basis of an approved Permanent Labor Certification or pending or approved immigrant visa petition.
[9] The regulations for applying for an E-3 visa were published in the United States Federal Register on September 2, 2005.
The Australian subclass 457 long stay business visa provides similar working rights in Australia for U.S. citizens.
[16] This was withdrawn due to Alberta being limited to a maximum of 5,000 nominations of any type, at all, under Canada's provincial nominee program.
The E-3 visa was enacted by section 501 of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief on May 11, 2005.
"[20] Australia is eligible for E visas pursuant to a process enacted in the Immigration Act of 1990 (Pub.
The enactment of the E-3 visa within the E category reflects that the E-3 was closely related to the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
According to the New York Times, "is often perceived as having been a 'thank you' for to Australia [sic] for its military support" in the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.