US new land of opportunity
Visa restrictions for Australians seeking work are now so loose that American companies cannot seem to hire enough Australian talent.
Huge Inc, an international digital creative agency headquartered in New York, has hired 90 people this year including 15 Australians, because - besides having talent - they're easier to employ than other nationalities.
"The E3 visa has changed things for American companies because they can mobilise their Australian workforce and there is no issue," said Laura Taylor, a human resources manager at Huge Inc.
"You can say that you want to hire this person and within a month it can happen."
The E3 visa is now the secret weapon for Australians aspiring to work in the US. Signed into law in 2005 by president George Bush as part of the free trade agreement between the US and Australia, its original motivation was Australia's contribution of troops to the Iraq war.
The visa is geared for "specialty" occupations but whereas a similar visa, H-1B, is open to all nationalities and has a cap on numbers, the E3 is solely for Australians and its quota is rarely filled.
"The E3 visa [application] is one of my favourite things to work on because [it is] so easy," said Ms Taylor. "The H1-B has all these countries competing for a limited number of visas. It is very difficult because when it opens up in April for an October start date that cap is met by the end of the week with all the companies vying for those visas."
On the other hand, she's never had a problem with the E3. "Every one has been a sure-fire case."
Karl Stanton, one of 15 Australians working at Huge, said that without the E3 visa his career path would have been very different. He had worked in Sweden before heading to New York.
"I wouldn't be here except for the E3," Mr Stanton said.
"I don't have a degree and I worked straight out of school. [It'd be] impossible to do on pretty much any other visa."
Because of the visa category, he says, the focus for ambitious Australians has changed from the traditional work stint in London to opportunities in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The E3 visa is a fantastic option for Australians because it is specifically designed for them, making the application process smoother and less competitive compared to other visas like the H-1B. It allows Australians to work in specialty occupations in the US with fewer restrictions.
The E3 visa is exclusively for Australians and has a quota that is rarely filled, making it easier to obtain. In contrast, the H-1B visa is open to all nationalities and has a cap that is quickly reached, making it more competitive and difficult to secure.
American companies are keen to hire Australian talent because the E3 visa makes it easier and faster to employ Australians compared to other nationalities. This streamlined process allows companies to quickly mobilize their workforce.
The E3 visa has significantly expanded career opportunities for Australians in the US, allowing them to work in specialty occupations without the intense competition faced with other visas. This has shifted the focus from traditional work stints in London to new opportunities in cities like New York.
Yes, Australians without a degree can apply for the E3 visa, as it focuses on specialty occupations rather than educational qualifications. This flexibility opens up opportunities for those with relevant experience.
An Australian can start working in the US with an E3 visa in as little as a month after the hiring decision is made, thanks to the streamlined and efficient application process.
The E3 visa was created as part of the free trade agreement between the US and Australia, motivated by Australia's contribution of troops to the Iraq war. It was signed into law in 2005 by President George Bush.
No, the quota for the E3 visa is rarely filled, making it a more accessible option for Australians compared to other visas like the H-1B, which quickly reaches its cap.
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