Many Australian nationals looking to reside here in the United States hope to obtain an E-3 visa that gives them permission to do so. That said, if you are an Australian national, you may wonder exactly how you should go about getting your visa. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned immigration lawyer from the Lightman Law Firm to learn more about how to get an E-3 visa and how our firm can help. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Do I need to have an in-person appointment to get an E-3 visa?
Though you can, of course, obtain an E-3 visa through an in-person appointment, it is also possible to apply for your E-3 visa through the mail if you are seeking to renew your E-3 visa.
What is the process for applying for a mail-in E-3 visa?
First, on the USCIS website, you will go through the steps of applying and selecting your location as though you’re scheduling an in-person interview. Based on where you live, you will either select Sydney or Melbourne. Next, you’ll pay the fee, create the profile, and either apply through the expansion or standard program. You’ll then answer some pre-screening questions.
As long as you answer each question correctly, you should receive an interview waiver document. In the past, they would send Australian nationals express post satchels to use to mail everything in, but now, in most cases, you will have to pick up a compliant satchel on your own. This satchel will contain various forms of documentation regarding your DS-160 that you should only complete with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney.
Should I have my passport mailed back to me if given the option?
In many cases, whether your passport is mailed back or you go to pick it up yourself is rather inconsequential. However, we have seen issues with embassies sending back passports to clients where they get lost in the mail or other complications arise. It’s rare, but it can happen, so if possible, you should consider just picking it up yourself.
For more information, simply click the video below, wherein Attorney Matthew Curtis, of the Lightman Law Firm, is interviewed about how the process of obtaining an E-3 visa works.
