The United States E-3 work visa which exclusively given for Australian citizens. Though is being issued in record number to more Australians applied, the expatriates living in the USA and immigration lawyers have noticed that the increasing number of Australians are being denied this special visa.
One in every ten Australians applied for E-3 work visa are rejected by the American immigration authorities.
An analysis made by US state department shows that 958 Australians were rejected to get an E-3 work visa in 2014 raising the number up from previous year 783 and about 642 of the year 2012.
It is known that American authorities are denying the visas to the less qualified people for roles in hospitality and administration, as the special visas are for university degree holders.
Even though, a large number of Australians were rejected E-3 visas, but also the record number of 8834 people received E-3 visa in 2014. However, it requires a university degree, job offer by US employer and necessary skills.
Growing at a rate of 20 percent per year, E-3 visa approvals are on a track to hit 10,500 by the end of this year.
Although the rising number of visa denials is a concern, the number of Australians sent back are relatively stable over the past few years. The E-3 visas after issued must be renewed every two years.
The E-3 visas compared to H-1B visas is a big advantage, if once E-3 visa approved, it can be renewed indefinite times, same time permitting the spouses to work unlike in H-1B visas.
However, one of the most frustrating issues in E-3 visa is its renewal as it requires an Australian citizen to leave the US and renew it in overseas American visa consulate, even working for same employer in the USA.
