Moving to the US on an E3 Visa: Complete Guide for Australians

Moving to the U.S. on an E3 visa is one of the biggest transitions an Australian professional will make. If you've completed your E-3 visa interview, received your visa stamp, and have a start date with your employer, the immigration paperwork is behind you. What comes next is building a life in a new country.

This guide covers what happens after you land - getting your Social Security number, opening bank accounts, understanding U.S. health insurance, obtaining a driver's license, and navigating the financial and practical realities that surprise most Australians in their first year.

E3 visa checklist: everything you need to do

Here's everything you'll need to do in your first year, organized by when to do it. The rest of this guide explains each step in detail.

What to do before you leave Australia

Some tasks are easier to complete while you still have an Australian address and phone number.

Documents to bring

Carry originals in your carry-on, not checked bags:

• Passport with E-3 visa stamp
• Job offer letter with employer name, address, start date, and salary
• LCA (Labor Condition Application) certified copy
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Professional certifications or licenses relevant to your role
• Marriage certificate if your spouse is joining you on E-3S
• Evidence of ties to Australia (property ownership, family) in case of questions at the border

Digital copies

Before leaving, scan and store cloud copies of all documents. If your passport is lost or stolen, having digital copies significantly speeds up replacement.

Financial preparation

Your Australian financial infrastructure won't transfer automatically. Before you leave:

• Notify your Australian bank you'll be overseas to prevent fraud blocks
• Ensure you have a card with no international transaction fees (Wise, Bankwest Zero Platinum, or similar)
• Bring enough cash for the first few days (U.S. dollars)
• Research whether your Australian credit card issuer offers global transfer programs (Amex does)

Phone and connectivity

Your Australian phone number becomes valuable for two-factor authentication on Australian accounts. Here's how to handle the transition:

• Port your Australian number to a VoIP service before cancelling your plan
• Get a U.S. SIM before leaving (T-Mobile and AT&T have prepaid options available internationally)
• After getting your U.S. SIM, set up Google Voice for a free secondary U.S. number (Google Voice requires an existing U.S. number to register)

Week 1: The foundation

Your first week establishes everything else. Three priorities: I-94 verification, Social Security number, and bank account.

Understanding your I-94

Your I-94 is your official arrival and departure record. It shows your admission class (E-3 for you, E-3S for spouse dependents) and your "Admit Until" date.

Your visa stamp and your I-94 are different documents with different purposes.

Your visa stamp can expire while you're in the United States and you remain in legal status as long as your I-94 is valid. You only need a valid visa stamp to re-enter the country after traveling abroad.

Immediately after arriving:

Go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov

1. Enter your passport information
2. Print your I-94 record
3. Verify the admission class shows E-3 (not B-1/B-2 or another status)
4. Note the "Admit Until" date

CBP no longer issues paper I-94 forms at airports. Your record is electronic, and you're responsible for printing and keeping copies. You'll need your I-94 for Social Security application, driver's license application, bank account opening, employment verification (Form I-9), and any government paperwork.

How to get your Social Security number on an E-3 visa

You can't receive a paycheck without a Social Security number (SSN), which is the U.S. equivalent of your Australian tax file number. Your employer can complete Form I-9 employment verification using your passport and I-94, allowing you to start work immediately. However, payroll systems require an SSN to issue payment.

Immigration data takes time to propagate through government systems. Waiting 7-10 days after entry before visiting the SSA office reduces the chance of verification delays. If you go on day one, the SSA may not be able to verify your status in their system (called SAVE), requiring a return visit.

What to bring to the Social Security office:

• Passport with E-3 visa stamp (original, not copy)
• Printed I-94 from CBP website
• Job offer letter showing employer name and address
• Proof of U.S. address if you have it (apartment lease, employer letter, hotel confirmation)

The process:

Find your nearest SSA office at ssa.gov/locator

1. Walk in during office hours (appointments generally not required, but check your local office)
2. Take a number and wait (times vary from 15 minutes to 2+ hours depending on location)

Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)

1. Provide your documents for verification
2. Receive a receipt confirming your application

Timeline: The SSA website states cards typically arrive within 2-4 weeks. Real-world reports vary from 5 days to 4+ weeks depending on verification delays and mail speed.

If you need to start work immediately, ask the SSA officer for a receipt letter confirming your application is in progress. Some employers accept this temporarily. Additionally, employers using E-Verify can sometimes verify work authorization electronically before your card arrives. Ask your HR department.

E-3S spouse work authorization

E-3 spouses have work authorization tied to their I-94 status, not a separate work permit. This is one of the E-3 visas biggest advantages over other work visa categories.

What this means practically:

• Work authorization begins when you enter the U.S. on E-3S status
• You can start working immediately (you don't need to wait for your SSN)
• Employers use your passport and I-94 for Form I-9 verification
• Your I-94 should show the E-3S admission code (introduced January 30, 2022 per USCIS web alert)

If your I-94 shows E-3D instead of E-3S, this was the old code for dependents. You can email the CBP office at your port of entry to request correction, or use USCIS's web alert documentation explaining the code change when presenting to employers. E-3D remains the active code for dependent children under 21 (not just spouses).

E-3S visa holders should also apply for their own SSN, even if not working immediately. Having an SSN simplifies banking, credit building, and joint tax filing.

Opening a U.S. bank account on an E-3 visa

You need a U.S. bank account to receive your paycheck and begin building financial history.

Documents to bring:

• Passport with E-3 visa stamp
• Printed I-94
• Proof of U.S. address (apartment lease, employer letter, even a hotel confirmation works at some banks)
• SSN if you have it (many banks open accounts without one)

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have established processes for work visa holders. Credit unions vary. Online-only banks like SoFi typically require an SSN.

Despite their fees, the large national banks have the most experience with visa holders and are the least likely to freeze your account due to unfamiliar documentation. You can always open accounts at online banks with better rates later.

Building U.S. credit history as an E-3 visa holder

U.S. credit history doesn't transfer from any country. Your Australian credit score, no matter how excellent, means nothing here. You start at zero.

The lack of U.S. credit history affects apartment applications, car loans, credit card applications, phone contracts (carriers check credit for postpaid plans), and some employer background checks.

Amex Global Transfer: If you have an Australian Amex card, contact them about their Global Transfer program. They can issue a U.S. Amex card based on your Australian relationship, jumpstarting your U.S. credit history.

Money transfer tip: For large transfers from Australia (rent deposit, car, furniture), use Wise or OFX rather than bank wires. Banks charge $25-45 per transfer plus poor exchange rates. Wise charges about 0.5-1% with mid-market rates, saving you hundreds on a $10,000+ transfer.

Secured credit cards: These require a cash deposit (typically $200-500) that becomes your credit limit. The bank holds your deposit as collateral, so approval is nearly guaranteed. Recommended options: Discover it Secured (no annual fee, graduates to unsecured) and the Capital One Secured Mastercard.

Credit builder loans: Some credit unions offer small loans specifically designed to build credit history.

Using credit wisely:

• Use your secured card for small regular purchases (coffee, groceries)
• Pay the full balance every month
• Never exceed 30% of your credit limit (lower is better)
• After 6-12 months of on-time payments, you'll have enough history to qualify for regular credit cards

Weeks 2-4: Getting established

Once your SSN is submitted and bank account is open, focus on health insurance, transportation, and housing.

E3 visa health insurance: understanding U.S. employer coverage

The United States has no universal healthcare. While Australia's Medicare covers all citizens, U.S. medicare only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 65 or older (or those with certain disabilities). As an E-3 visa holder, you won't qualify for U.S. Medicare. Employer-sponsored health insurance isn't a perk - it's essential.

Understanding the costs

According to the KFF 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, the actual costs are:

Your premium (your share) is deducted from each paycheck before taxes.

But premiums are just the beginning. Even with insurance, you pay a deductible. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering costs. Average is $1,787 for single coverage. 34% of workers have deductibles of $2,000 or more.

Real cost examples (with typical employer insurance):

Costs vary significantly by plan, network, and region. Ranges based on typical employer-sponsored PPO plans.

• Copays: Fixed amounts per visit (e.g., $25 for primary care, $50 for specialists)
• Coinsurance: A percentage of costs after meeting your deductible (e.g., you pay 20%, insurance pays 80%)
• Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you'll pay in a year. After this, insurance covers 100%. 72% of workers face maximums above $3,000. For 21%, that number exceeds $6,000.

Real cost examples (with insurance)

These are typical ranges based on employer-sponsored PPO plans:

Note: Costs vary significantly by plan, network, and region. These ranges are indicative only.

Choosing a plan

Unlike in Australia, dental and vision coverage are typically separate plans with their own premiums, deductibles, and networks. Your employer may offer these as add-ons during enrollment.

If your employer offers multiple plans, common types include:

For most healthy young professionals, an HDHP paired with an HSA is often the smartest play. You'll pay less in premiums, and HSA contributions are triple tax-advantaged (pre-tax in, grow tax-free, tax-free out for medical expenses). If you don't use the money, it rolls over forever.

Most employers offer coverage starting on your first day, though some have a waiting period of 30, 60, or 90 days. Ask HR specifically when coverage begins, whether there's a waiting period, when the enrollment deadline is, and whether you can add your spouse or dependents.

If there's a waiting period before your coverage kicks in, short-term health insurance plans ($100-300/month) can bridge the gap. You may also be able to extend your travel insurance. Going uninsured is risky, since a single ER visit can cost $5,000+ without coverage.

Your E-3S spouse can typically be added to your employer plan as a dependent. This is often more cost-effective than obtaining separate coverage, particularly if they're not working immediately.

How to get a U.S. driver's license on an E-3 visa

Before leaving Australia, consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your state auto club (NRMA, RACV, etc.). While not required, some states and car rental companies prefer to see one alongside your Australian license during your initial period.

Outside major cities with robust public transit (New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston), most of the United States requires a car for daily life.

Most states allow you to drive on your Australian license for 30-90 days after establishing residency. After that, you need a local license. Check your specific state's requirements immediately upon arrival, since the rules vary significantly.

The DMV experience

The Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent - called DPS in Texas, RMV in Massachusetts, etc.) is notorious for long waits and confusing processes.

Here's how to navigate it:

• Make an appointment online if available (highly recommended)
• Arrive early if walk-ins are accepted
• Bring more documents than you think you need
• Budget an entire morning or afternoon

Documents typically required:

• Passport with E-3 visa stamp
• Printed I-94
• Social Security number (some states accept application receipt)
• Two proofs of residency (lease, utility bill, bank statement)
• Your Australian license (some states waive the driving test for Australian license holders)

The I-94 expiry issue

Many DMV clerks are unfamiliar with E-3 visas.

Common problems:

• They may issue a license that expires on your I-94 "Admit Until" date instead of the standard 4-8 year term
• They may not understand that E-3 status can be extended indefinitely
• They may confuse E-3 with tourist visas

Bring a printout of the USCIS E-3 page explaining the visa category. If they insist on the I-94 date, accept it and renew when you extend your status. Some states (California, for example) have updated their systems to issue standard-length licenses for E-3 holders. If seriously stuck, ask to speak with a supervisor or try a different DMV location.

Expect 1-3 DMV visits depending on your state and document situation. The written test covers state-specific traffic laws. The driving test (if required) covers basic maneuvers and road rules.

Finding apartments in the U.S.

The housing search process differs significantly from Australia.

Here's where to look:

• Zillow and Apartments.com: The two largest rental listing sites. Filter by price, bedrooms, and amenities. Most listings include virtual tours.
• StreetEasy: Essential for New York City.
• Craigslist: Still used, especially for private landlords and sublets. Exercise normal caution - scams exist.
• Facebook groups: Search for "Australians in [city]" or "Aussie expats [city]." Members often post about available apartments and can recommend buildings.
• PadMapper, Trulia, HotPads: Additional aggregators worth checking.

For your first 30 days, consider temporary housing while you search:

• Corporate housing: Furnished apartments rented monthly. Companies like Blueground, Landing, and Zeus Living specialize in this. Expect $3,000-6,000/month depending on city.
• Furnished Finder: Originally for travel nurses, now popular for anyone needing furnished medium-term rentals.
• Airbnb monthly stays: Discounted rates for 28+ night stays. Often cheaper than corporate housing.
• Extended stay hotels: Budget option, but small and hotel-like. Brands include Extended Stay America and Residence Inn.

Understanding U.S. lease terms

U.S. rental practices differ from Australia in several important ways:

Lease-breaking penalties vary significantly by state. Some states require landlords to make reasonable efforts to re-rent (called "mitigation"), limiting your liability. Others hold you responsible for the full remaining rent. Research your specific state before signing.

Broker fees: NYC and Boston warning

In most U.S. cities, landlords pay any broker fees. Boston remains an exception where tenants may still owe the broker one month's rent. New York City banned tenant-paid broker fees in June 2025 under the FARE Act - if a broker represents the landlord, the landlord pays. However, if you hire your own broker to help with your search, you're still responsible for their fee.

Renters insurance

Most U.S. landlords require renters insurance (called "contents insurance" in Australia). It's cheap - typically $15-30/month - and covers your belongings against theft, fire, and some water damage. It also includes liability coverage if someone is injured in your apartment.

Standard renters insurance does NOT cover flood or earthquake damage. If you are moving to California (earthquake risk) or hurricane-prone areas like Florida or the Gulf Coast (flood risk), ask about separate riders for these perils.

Providers include Lemonade (app-based, popular with newcomers), State Farm, Allstate, and USAA (if you have military connection). You can often get a quote and policy within 15 minutes online. Your landlord will ask for proof of insurance before move-in.

What "unfurnished" actually means

What's typically included in a U.S. rental:

• Stove/oven: Almost always included
• Refrigerator: Usually included in newer buildings and the West Coast. Often NOT included in older East Coast buildings.
• Dishwasher: Common in newer buildings, rare in older ones
• Washer/dryer: Rarely included in apartments. May have a shared laundry room. Sometimes in-unit in newer luxury buildings.
• Air conditioning: Central AC in newer buildings. Window units (you buy) in older buildings in many cities.
• Heating: Almost always included (often radiators in older buildings, central heat in newer)

Budget $500-2,000 for appliances if needed, or rent them monthly from companies like Rent-A-Center (though buying is usually cheaper long-term).

Utilities: what's included and what's not

Unlike Australia where utilities are almost never included in rent, U.S. rental listings vary widely:

Always confirm which utilities are included before signing. "Heat and hot water included" is common in older buildings. Budget $100-250/month for utilities (electricity, internet, gas if not included), varying significantly by climate and usage.

Geographic reality check for Australians

The U.S. "suburb" concept differs from Australia. In Australia, suburbs are often part of contiguous urban areas with train access. In much of the U.S., suburbs are car-dependent areas outside the city core, often with no public transit.

Key differences:

• Walkability varies drastically. Downtown San Francisco is highly walkable. Most of Houston requires a car. Check Walk Score for any address you're considering.
• Commute times are real: A "15 minute drive" can mean 45-60 minutes in traffic. Research actual commute times on Google Maps at rush hour before committing to a location.
• Public transit quality varies. New York, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, and Washington DC have usable systems. Most other cities require a car.
• Distance from work matters. The U.S. is spread out. Living 10 miles from work might seem close, but could mean a brutal commute depending on traffic patterns.

If you're moving without a car, prioritize neighborhoods with high Walk Scores (70+) and good transit access. Your quality of life will depend on it.

Finding housing without U.S. credit history

If your employer didn't arrange temporary housing, finding an apartment is one of your first challenges - and one where lack of credit history hurts.

What landlords typically require:

• Proof of income (offer letter, pay stubs once you have them)
• Bank statements showing liquid savings
• Credit check (here's where it gets difficult)
• References (employer, previous landlord)
• First month's rent plus security deposit (equivalent to one month's rent)

Why your Australian credit score doesn't transfer

With no U.S. credit history, you appear risky to landlords. Expect to provide larger security deposits (2-3 months rent instead of 1), proof of higher income or savings, an employer reference letter confirming your position and salary, and possibly a co-signer or guarantor.

Options if credit is blocking you:

• Corporate housing: Furnished apartments that cater to relocating employees. Higher monthly cost but minimal credit requirements.
• Sublets: Renting a room or taking over someone's lease. Less formal process.
• Landlords who verify income over credit: Smaller landlords and private rentals sometimes accept strong income verification instead of credit checks.
• Guarantor services: Companies like Insurent, Rhino, or The Guarantors will act as your guarantor for a fee (typically one month's rent).
• Offer more upfront: Some landlords accept 6 months rent paid in advance to offset credit concerns.

If you're still deciding where to base yourself, your employer's location matters. Migrate Mate lets you filter E-3 sponsorship opportunities by city, which can help you research housing markets before committing to a location.

Housing costs by city

Housing costs vary dramatically by city. According to Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) data from January 2025:

These figures change monthly. Research your specific market on Zillow, Apartments.com, or local rental sites for current pricing.

Practical differences between Australia and the U.S.

Tipping

Tips add 15-20% to your cost of living for services. Budget accordingly. Quick reference:

• Restaurants: 18-20% of pre-tax bill
• Bars: $1-2 per drink
• Rideshare/delivery: 15-20%
• Hair salon: 20%
• Hotel housekeeping: $2-5/night
• Movers: $20-50 per person

Paid leave

The U.S. has no federal requirement for paid leave. Expect 10-15 days PTO combining vacation and sick leave for new employees. Leave is often more negotiable than salary. If work-life balance matters to you, ask for extra days during offer negotiations. Some states (California, New York, New Jersey, Washington) have paid family leave programs, but coverage and duration vary significantly.

Shipping vs. buying new

Most Australians sell everything because shipping costs ($3,000-15,000+ for a container) exceed replacement costs ($1,000-3,000 to furnish from IKEA and Facebook Marketplace). Bring clothes, documents, sentimental items, and dual-voltage electronics (laptops, phone chargers). Sell furniture, appliances, and anything with a motor. Australian appliances run on 240V. U.S. outlets are 120V. Voltage converters exist but are impractical for everyday items.

U.S. tax obligations for E3 visa holders

U.S. taxation is significantly more complex than Australia, especially for people with ties to both countries.

Key differences from Australia

• The U.S. taxes based on citizenship and residency, not just residency
• You'll file both federal and state taxes (if your state has income tax)

Your U.S. employer will likely offer a 401(k) retirement plan, often with an employer match (e.g., they contribute 50% of your contributions up to 6% of salary). This is free money. Contribute at least enough to get the full match from day one.

• Self-employment taxes are higher than expected (15.3% on top of income tax)
• Filing deadline is April 15 (or October 15 with extension)

Australia-U.S. tax treaty and superannuation

Several Australia-specific tax issues require careful planning:

The Totalization Agreement: The U.S.-Australia Social Security Agreement means you won't need to pay into both Social Security and Australian superannuation simultaneously during your first five years. Generally, you'll pay into the U.S. system while working in the U.S.

The IRS generally treats Australian superannuation as a foreign trust, which has specific reporting requirements.

• FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if your super balance exceeds $10,000 at any point
• Potentially Form 3520/3520-A depending on your super fund type
• Voluntary super contributions while in the U.S. need careful tax planning - contributing may trigger immediate U.S. tax liability

PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Company) trap: Australian ETFs and managed funds are typically classified as PFICs by the IRS. This subjects them to punitive tax treatment - you could owe tax on unrealized gains plus interest. This is a genuine problem that costs people thousands. Options include:

• Selling Australian managed funds before becoming a U.S. tax resident
• Holding only individual stocks (not funds) in Australian accounts
• Keeping investments in U.S.-domiciled funds after arrival

What this means for you:

• You need a cross-border tax specialist (not just a U.S. tax professional, not just an Australian accountant - someone who understands both systems)
• Don't assume your Australian tax advisor understands U.S. implications
• Get advice before making financial decisions (selling property, liquidating investments, contributing to super)

What happens if you lose your E3 visa job

If you lose your job while on an E-3 visa, you're not immediately out of status.

A January 2017 DHS final rule established a grace period for workers in certain visa categories, including E-3. Per USCIS policy: "USCIS may consider you to be maintaining E-3 status, following cessation of employment, for up to 60 days during the period of petition validity."

What this means:

• You have up to 60 days to find a new E-3 employer, change to a different visa status, or depart the U.S.
• The clock starts when your employment ends
• You can't work during this period (you maintain status but not work authorization)
• If a new employer files an I-129 petition within the 60 days, you're covered while it's pending, but you can't start working until approved

Practical steps:

• Start job searching immediately if you suspect layoffs
• Network before you need to - building relationships takes time
• Consider whether a return to Australia makes sense
• Consult an immigration attorney if your situation is complex

If you're still in the job search phase, or if you lose your position and need to find a new E-3 sponsor quickly, Migrate Mate helps Australian professionals find U.S. employers actively sponsoring E-3 visas. Filter by location, industry, and company to find opportunities matching your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions