Can I be a freelancer with an E-3?

The E-3 visa was created for Australian citizens who come to work in the United States in specialty occupations. It is quite specific regarding the sponsoring company and the position for which the visa was initially granted.

In broad terms, the E-3 visa requires the holder to work exclusively for the employer who sponsored the visa petition. This means that, in most cases, acting as a freelancer – that is, offering your services independently to multiple clients – may not comply with the terms of this visa. The core rule of the E-3 visa is a direct employment relationship, with a position that requires specialized qualifications, and self-employment activities generally do not fall into this category.

It is important to always strictly follow the United States immigration laws. Changing the nature of your work relationship without proper authorization can jeopardize your legal status in the country. After all, any change in visa status or professional activity may require status adjustment or filing a new petition, something that should be done cautiously.

In case of doubts or when considering a change in your professional profile, it is worth seeking guidance from specialists or consulting firms in the immigration field, avoiding risks and scams that often arise from marketing campaigns promising easy or guaranteed solutions. Each situation is unique and deserves careful attention to ensure you are complying with all requirements established by U.S. laws.

Remember that maintaining your status in compliance is essential to fully enjoy the experience of living and working in the United States without setbacks.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.