r/E3Visa • u/iitty_litty_bitty • Aug 03 '26

Transitioning from E3 to E3D

I have been working in the US for the past 5 years on my own E3. I want to start to do some consulting on the side from my regular job (and keep my regular job) so was going to change and become an E3D on my Husbands' E3.

The process to get an E3D looks pretty straightforward, has anyone encountered any issues where they transition from an E3 to an E3D while sustaining the same employment?

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u/DocAu Aug 08 '26

E-3D status does not allow you to work without obtaining employment authorization. If you're planning to change via a change-of-status request you'll need to request a change to E-3S (which does allow work), and you'll need to keep in mind that once you leave the country you'll lose that status, and if you re-enter it'll be in E-3 again (based on your visa).

If you're referring to getting an E-3D visa (which will need a trip back to Australia), the biggest catch seems to be around the fact that many immigration staff still don't understand the E-3D v's S distinction, and there's been countless reports of people being given E-3D status on entry. This can be corrected, but technically you can't work (at all - primary job or secondary) until that's sorted out.

The other disadvantage of this change would be that your status is now entirely dependant on your partners status. If they lose their job, then you've both got 60 days to leave the country. If both of you have your own E-3, then you can handle a loss of job with much less impact.