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 specifically designed for Australians, making it easier to obtain compared to other visas like the H-1B. It allows Australians to work in specialty occupations in the US, and its quota is rarely filled, providing more opportunities for Australian talent.
The E3 visa is exclusively for Australians and is less competitive than the H-1B visa, which is open to all nationalities and has a cap that is quickly met. The E3 visa process is simpler and more straightforward, making it a preferred choice for Australian professionals.
American companies find it easier to hire Australians due to the E3 visa, which streamlines the hiring process. This visa allows companies to quickly mobilize Australian employees without the competitive constraints of other visa types.
The E3 visa has opened up significant career opportunities for Australians in the US, particularly in the technology sector. It 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 demonstrated by Karl Stanton, who successfully pursued a career in New York without a formal degree, thanks to the E3 visa.
The E3 visa was signed into law in 2005 by President George Bush as part of the free trade agreement between the US and Australia. It was initially motivated by Australia's contribution of troops to the Iraq war.
The E3 visa process is efficient, allowing US companies to hire Australian talent within a month. This quick turnaround is a significant advantage for both employers and employees.
The technology sector is a major beneficiary of the E3 visa, as it allows Australian professionals to easily work in the US, filling roles in high-demand specialty occupations.
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