E-3 Reference Guide: First Things First

This E-3 Reference Guide is provided for international scholars currently at the University of Washington or who have been offered employment at the UW and will be arriving in the near future. The E-3 visa is your opportunity to participate in the teaching and research mission of the University of Washington. You bring to our campus not just unique skills and knowledge, but your rich culture and traditions as well, adding a global dimension to all aspects of University endeavor.

The E-3 visa is only available to citizens of Australia working in a “specialty occupation.” The decision to sponsor you for an E-3 visa is made by the Office of International Students & Scholars (ISS) after a careful review of applicable federal laws and University policies. Please direct any questions about visa sponsorship to ISS. Without exception, Labor Condition Applications and visa petitions based on University of Washington employment are processed by ISS. Only the Vice Provost for Academic Personnel has authority to sign a Labor Condition Application on behalf of the University. Attorneys are not permitted to represent the University's interests in immigration matters.

The number of E-3 visas issued nationwide is limited to 10,500 per fiscal year. Spouses and children of applicants do not count against the annual quota.