Australian visa to work in the US

DON'T get caught up in a Green Card nightmare – a visa just for Australians is your ticket to living the American dream.

MOST Australians would jump at the chance to trade in their flat for a New York apartment, or an LA studio – but strict US visa conditions has made the American dream almost impossible.

The Green Card Lottery is just that, with most not even bothering to buy a ticket. And what are the chances of securing the H-1B business visa, where only 65,000 visas are issued globally? Australia, there is another way…

As part of the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the US, Australian citizens with a tertiary qualification and work experience can work in the US for up to two years on the E-3 visa. And with 10,500 up for grabs just for Australians each fiscal year – from October 1st to September 30 – you won't have to kidnap immigration staff to get one.

The visa is for specialist occupations, who the US Embassy defines as positions needing "a theoretical and practical application of a body of specialised knowledge".

Applicants will need to have a bachelor or higher degree in the specific specialty, and have a job offer from the US before apply for the E-3 visa.

There are no upper age restrictions and both E-3 visa holders and their spouses can work in the US for up to two years. Once you have one, it can be renewed indefinitely in two-year blocks.

"The work situation in the US is very positive, in particularly those with a legal, IT or accounting background," says Michael Cook of the Michael Page International recruitment agency.

US job search sites such Monster, jobbank and jobsabroad will give you an idea of the work opportunities available and give you the opportunity to get your resume in front of potential employers. Another option is to ask an international recruitment agency to act on your behalf.

"Those with the necessary experience will put you in touch with our consulting team in the US, who will talk to them over the phone and organise job opportunities."

For more, visit the US Embassy's E-3 visa information.

Hot tip: Give the US Consular Services in your state a call to make an appointment to find out if you qualify for an E-3 visa.

If you have been successful, websites such as Advance, an organisation connecting Australian professionals in New York and around the world.

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