This week US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) expanded the fifteen-day premium processing service to E-3 petitioners. Effective February 24, 2021, petitioners filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, who are 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 visa category is reserved for Australian nationals seeking to work in the US in a professional job.

An Australian national who is outside the US may apply for an E-3 nonimmigrant visa directly at a US Embassy/Consulate abroad, or if already in the US, by filing Form I-129 with USCIS. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, those who are already in the US will very likely choose to file in the US, and the ability to file via premium processing will likely be welcomed as it can significantly speed up adjudication.