Skip to main content

What are the Differences Between and E-3 and H-1B Visa?

By June 10, 2020May 19th, 2021H-1B and E-3 Visa, Immigration
Courtesy of PicServer, labeled for reuse: http://www.picserver.org/images/highway/phrases/employment.jpg

The E-3 and H-1B visas are similar but have some key differences.  This post summarizes the key similarities and difference between the H-1B and E-3 visas.

You can find out more about the E-3 visa by clicking here.

You can find out more about the H-1B visa by clicking here.

Question H-1B E-3
Is there a visa lottery? Yes.  For the last several years, the H-1B has been subject to a lottery as far more applicants apply than available visas No
Which Nationalities can Apply? Nationals from any country can apply Only Australian Nationals can apply (Requires a passport from Australia)
What is the application process? Application must be submitted to USCIS and after USCIS approves the petition, the applicant can go to a Consulate to get the Visa.  USCIS could take months to process the petition unless you pay for premium processing. Most applicants apply at a Consulate where they bring their supporting documentation and get a decision right away.  USCIS is also an option but premium processing does not exist for this petition.
When can you apply? For cap subject H-1B petitions, applications can only be made in April for a start date of October. Anytime
Does the visa require a specialty occupation and a BA? Yes. Both visas have a minimum requirement that the applicant have a BA and the job must require a BA. Yes
Is a Labor Condition application required? Yes Yes
Who can pay for the Petition? Employer Employer
Which petition is more expensive? H-1B petitions are more expensive as significant Government imposed filing fees and likely RFE costs Applicant only has to pay Consular fees (normally $205). Also, typically no RFE
How are family treated? Can my spouse work? Spouse can only work under very limited circumstances where the primary applicant is going through a green card process. Spouse can apply for work authorization and can work anywhere.
What are the employer Obligations? Significant compliance requirements including paying for the return flight home of applicant if he/she is terminated Employer does not have to pay for return flight home if applicant is terminated.
How long can the visa be issued for? 3 years at a time up to a maximum of 6 years No cap on the number of renewals and issued in 3 year increments
Which petition has the higher approval rate Approval rate of approximately 70% Approval rate of over 95%
Is the visa dual intent? Yes No (but applicant need not maintain a residence in their home country)

FREE H-1B / E-3 Visa Resources

Click on the buttons below in order to claim your free H-1B / E-3 Visa Guide, sign up for our free H-1B / E-3 Visa Webinar, or watch our H-1B / E-3 Visa videos.

Download Our H-1B / E-3 Visa Guide
Sign Up For Our H-1B / E-3 Visa Webinar
Watch Our H-1B / E-3 Visa Videos

Set up an H-1B / E-3 Visa Consultation

For a dedicated one-on-one H-1B / E-3 Visa consultation with one of our lawyers, click on the button below to schedule your consultation.

Schedule a consultation

This website and blog constitutes attorney advertising. Do not consider anything in this website or blog legal advice and nothing in this website constitutes an attorney-client relationship being formed. Set up a one-hour consultation with us before acting on anything you read here. Past results are no guarantee of future results and prior results do not imply or predict future results. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits.

Leave a Reply

FREE WEBINARS
GET YOUR FREE
We are happy to offer our H-1B / E-3 visa guide that describes the H-1B / E-3 visa requirements, and other advise to assist with your visa application.
H-1B / E-3 VISA GUIDE
For more info visit our H-1B / E-3 visa service page or schedule a consultation so we can handle your H-1B / E-3 visa process.