USCIS Expands Premium Processing for E-3 Petitions

USCIS announced on Feb. 24, 2021 that petitioners filing a request for a change or extension of status to E-3 classification will now have the option to request premium processing service. The E-3 classification applies only to nationals of Australia who are coming to the United States solely to perform services in a specialty occupation.

An Australian national who is outside the United States may apply for an E-3 nonimmigrant visa directly through the Department of State.  For Australians already in the U.S., a Employer may file a Form I-129 with USCIS and request change of status, or if the Australian is already in E-3 status, a change of employer. To qualify for the E-3 classification, the Australian citizen must have a legitimate offer of employment in a specialty occupation and possess the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials, among other things. USCIS’s premium processing service allows petitioners to pay an additional filing fee to expedite the adjudication of certain forms, generally within 15 days.