Does the E-3 require an interview at the U.S. Consulate?

In most cases, yes. The E-3 is a nonimmigrant visa for Australian nationals going to work in specialty occupations in the United States, and a consular interview is part of the standard process for issuing this type of visa.

In practice, the interview allows the consular officer to confirm the information in the application, assess the applicant’s eligibility, and review the supporting documentation. For this reason, first-time applicants are generally required to appear in person at the consular post.

There are situations in which the interview may be waived, particularly in some renewals for applicants with a straightforward consular history. Even so, a waiver is not the norm: it depends on the individual consulate’s assessment and may vary according to the applicable policy.

• First-time applicants: an interview is almost always required.
• Renewals: a waiver may be possible in certain cases, at the consulate’s discretion.
• Changes in the applicant’s profile or documentation tend to require an interview.

Since scheduling rules and waiver eligibility vary by consular post and change over time, always confirm the current requirements with the Department of State and the consulate where you plan to apply before scheduling your trip.

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.