Do I need a sponsor for the E-3?

Yes, in practice you depend on an employer. The E-3 requires a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation, and it is that employer who makes the process possible.

Even though it is not a formal ‘sponsorship’ like in other categories, the employer plays a similar role: it is the employer’s responsibility to submit to the Department of Labor a certification called the Labor Condition Application (LCA), which attests that the working conditions and compensation offered meet applicable standards.

In other words, you cannot petition on your own: the hiring company is an essential piece for moving your visa application forward. Without a job offer and without that certification, the E-3 cannot proceed.

Since requirements and steps may change, it is worth confirming the current requirements with the Department of Labor, the consulate, and, if needed, with a specialist before starting the process.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.