From USCIS: Starting Feb. 24, 2021, petitioners filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, requesting a change or extension of status to E-3 classification will have the option to request premium processing service for their petition. The E-3 classification applies only to nationals of Australia who are coming to the United States solely to perform services in a specialty occupation.
Australian nationals living outside of the US may apply for an E-3 nonimmigrant visa through the US State Department. Australian nationals already living in the US, may file with USCIS.
E-3 eligibility requires that applicants:
- Are a national of Australia;
- Have a legitimate offer of employment in the United States;
- Possess the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials; and
- Will fill a position that qualifies as a specialty occupation.
The USCIS premium processing service allows petitioners to pay an additional filing fee to expedite the adjudication of certain forms, generally within 15 days.