H-1B vs E-3: which US visa is right for you?
Both are specialty-occupation work visas, but the E-3 is reserved for Australian citizens, avoids the H-1B lottery and is renewable indefinitely in two-year increments.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa (H-1B) | E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa (Australians) (E-3) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | For professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree, sponsored by a US employer. | For Australian nationals coming to perform services in a specialty occupation requiring a degree. |
| Government cost | ~US$780 base I-129 petition fee plus US$215 registration and ACWIA, fraud and Asylum Program fees (employer-paid) | ~US$315 visa fee (E category); employer files a Labor Condition Application |
| Processing time | ~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing | ~Weeks (often faster than H-1B; no annual lottery) |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years (longer with a pending green card) | Up to 2 years per entry, renewable indefinitely |
| Where to apply | US employer files petition; visa stamped at a consulate abroad | At a US embassy or consulate abroad (or change of status in the US) |
| Work rights | Employment only for the petitioning employer in the named role | Specialty-occupation work for the sponsoring employer |
| Pathway to PR | Dual intent allowed; common route to a green card via employer PERM/EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship. | No dual intent by design; a green card requires a separate employer or family petition. |
Which is right for you?
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa (H-1B)
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree, sponsored by a US employer.
Full H-1B guide →E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa (Australians) (E-3)
For Australian nationals coming to perform services in a specialty occupation requiring a degree.
Full E-3 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, H-1B or E-3?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa (Australians) (E-3) is the lowest at ~US$315 visa fee (E category); employer files a Labor Condition Application. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, H-1B or E-3?
Indicatively E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa (Australians) (E-3) is the quickest at ~Weeks (often faster than H-1B; no annual lottery). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between H-1B and E-3?
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa (H-1B) is for for professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree, sponsored by a US employer. E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa (Australians) (E-3) is for for Australian nationals coming to perform services in a specialty occupation requiring a degree.