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Initial E-3

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) only accepts E-3 requests from NU sponsoring departments, so any E-3 application should begin with the E-3 applicant speaking with his or her sponsoring department; once the department has confirmed its sponsorship, the Australian National (AN) can apply.

View instructions for incoming E-3 beneficiaries

Petitions can only be started within six months of employment start date. OISS processing times are subject to change based on processing volume.

Steps for Host Department

1. Submit E-3 visa request documents to OISS

The host department is responsible for collecting and submitting the following items to OISS.  Please save all documents in one PDF and send to evrequests@northwestern.edu.

  • E-3 Department Request Form
  • Official University position confirmation, which must cover dates of requested E-3, salary and job title.
    • For faculty: faculty appointment letter
    • For staff positions: Human Resources offer confirmation letter
    • For research staff: research staff appointment
    • For postdoctoral fellowships: postdoctoral research appointment
  • E-3 Itinerary Letter (See example)
  • CV
  • Diploma
  • Transcripts
  • Credential Evaluation if degree is from overseas
  • Passport Bio page
  • Any previous immigration documents, such as DS-2019 or I-20

2. OISS and department manage the prevailing wage determination (PWD) and Labor Condition Application (LCA) requirements

  • OISS obtains the prevailing wage determination to ensure that the university's wage offer is adequate.
  • OISS files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor.
  • OISS emails the LCA notice to the host department, which posts it at a conspicuous place for 10 business days. See posting notice instructions.
  • The department then returns LCA to OISS.

3. OISS prepares materials for the E-3's visa application

  • OISS prepares E-3 packet for the Australian National to take to U.S. Embassy.
  • OISS coordinates with the host department for delivery of the E-3 packet to the E-3 beneficiary.