Can I work for another company in my spare time on an E-3?

As a general rule, no. The E-3 is a visa tied to a specific employer, so the work authorization applies only to the position, role, and employer listed in the petition. Working for another company in your spare time falls outside that authorization, even on a part-time basis.

The visa is granted specifically for the specialty occupation position described in the original petition. Taking on a second paid activity without proper authorization can jeopardize the holder’s immigration status.

• Authorization is limited to the role, worksite, and employer named in the petition.
• A second job (known as ‘moonlighting’) requires formal backing.
• It may be necessary to update the authorization or file a new petition.

If the goal is to expand professional activities, the safe path is to get proper authorization before starting. It is worth confirming the correct procedure with USCIS or a specialist to avoid putting the visa at risk.

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.