Similar to H-1B classification, H-1B1 and E-3 visas are for professionals employed in "specialty occupations," and sponsoring employers must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) prior to submitting a visa application. However, these classifications offer many advantages to H-1B status: Applications may be made directly with a US embassy or consulate abroad without having to file a petition with the USCIS beforehand. These classifications are also not subject to the annual H-1B cap.

Please contact our office should you have further questions on H-1B1 and E-3 visa classifications.

What is an H-1B1 Visa?

The H-1B1 visa classification allows Chilean and Singaporean national professionals to enter the United States to work in a specialty occupation. The spouse and children need not be Chilean/Singaporean citizens. H-1B1 visas may be applied for directly at a U.S. consular post. In some cases, we may recommend that an H-1B1 petition be filed beforehand with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) in the United States. If you will be applying for the H-1B1 visa based on a USCIS approval, you should have the Form I-797 Approval Notice issued by the USCIS before beginning the visa application process. This notice would have been sent to your employer upon approval of the H-1B1 petition filed on your behalf. If you cannot locate this notice, please contact our office or the appropriate contact person at your employer.

What is an E-3 Visa?

The E-3 visa classification allows Australian national professionals to enter the United States to work in a specialty occupation. The spouse and children need not be Australian citizens. Upon arrival in the United States, E-3D spouses may apply for work authorization.