Recent visa changes raise concerns for Australians living and working in foreign countries
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Many Australians living and working overseas could soon face unexpected challenges.
Recent changes have been introduced that might complicate things for those on certain visas, leaving expats wondering what comes next.
The new rules have sparked concern among families trying to plan their future abroad.
Over the weekend, the US State Department quietly issued a new directive that’s already causing headaches for Australians living and working in the States.
The rule, which took effect immediately, means that Australians on working visas—including the popular, Australia-specific E-3 visa—may now have to return all the way to Australia every two years just to renew their visa.
Previously, many Aussies would simply pop over to a nearby country—like the UK, Canada, or even sunny Barbados—to renew their visas.
It was a quick trip, a bit of paperwork, and then back to the US to continue their lives.
But now, the State Department is warning that visa holders must be able to 'demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying.'
In other words, if you’re not living in London, you can’t renew your visa there.
The result? Some Australians who had already booked appointments in other countries have found themselves turned away at the consulate door, their applications denied on the spot.
For many, this means being stuck overseas, unable to return to the US until they can secure a new appointment—potentially months away—in Australia.
The news has sent shockwaves through the Australian expat community in the US.
Emergency sessions with immigration lawyers are being held, and online forums are buzzing with confusion and concern.
'Right now, we are in full-on—well, panic mode for a lot of individuals,' said American immigration lawyer Jonathan Grode.
'People are being caught out mid-process, and suddenly they’re without status or a valid visa to re-enter the States.'
Take Lauren Eather, for example—a New York-based advertising executive who’s been living in the US on an E-3 visa for nearly a decade.
She’d planned to renew her visa in London, as she’d done before, but now she’s stuck in Europe, unsure if she’ll be allowed back into the US at all.
'I presume we’ll find a way through it, but if this appointment can’t work, I’ll have to go back to Australia and figure out when I can get an appointment there,' she said.
'Who knows when that will be, because I think everyone will be swarming to get those appointment spots.'
The E-3 visa is a unique arrangement between Australia and the US, created as part of the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement in 2005.
It’s only available to Australian citizens who have a university degree and a job offer in the US.
The visa is valid for two years at a time, but can be renewed indefinitely. It also covers spouses (who can work in the US) and children under 21.
There are thousands of Australians in the US on E-3 visas, and for many, the renewal process has always been relatively straightforward—until now.
Amy Meyer, who runs a recruitment firm specialising in E-3 visas, said more than 700 people signed up for an emergency online session with an immigration lawyer in less than 24 hours.
'There’s a lot of stress and concern from the community because what has historically been so easy, so straightforward, so simple is now very up in the air,' she said.
To make matters worse, even US consulate staff seem unsure about how to interpret the new rules.
In one case, a visa applicant was denied in London, and when lawyers contacted the consulate for clarification, staff admitted they were still seeking guidance from higher up.
'This is very much the way the Trump administration has operated, especially during Trump 2.0,' said Mr Grode.
'They make a proclamation and sort of allow for the situation to play itself out before they provide further guidance.'
The ABC has reached out to the State Department and the White House for more information, but so far, there’s been no official clarification.
It’s not just E-3 visa holders who are feeling the pinch. The US government is also considering changes to other visa categories, including those for students and media workers.
Proposed rules could shorten the maximum duration of these visas to just 240 days and make extensions much harder to obtain.
Press freedom groups are especially worried, warning that the changes could have 'catastrophic consequences' for journalists and media outlets.
'It sets up a system with high potential for abuse, as the Trump administration systematically punishes journalists and news outlets that criticise its policies,' said Clayton Weimers, executive director of Reporters Without Borders USA.
If you or someone you know is living in the US on an E-3 or other working visa, it’s crucial to stay informed and seek professional advice.
Have you had a visa appointment cancelled or denied? How do you feel about the new rules, and what advice would you give to others in the same situation? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and questions in the comments below.
Read more: Controversial artist loses Australia visa over offensive release: 'We have enough problems in this country already'
Recent changes have been introduced that might complicate things for those on certain visas, leaving expats wondering what comes next.
The new rules have sparked concern among families trying to plan their future abroad.
Over the weekend, the US State Department quietly issued a new directive that’s already causing headaches for Australians living and working in the States.
The rule, which took effect immediately, means that Australians on working visas—including the popular, Australia-specific E-3 visa—may now have to return all the way to Australia every two years just to renew their visa.
Previously, many Aussies would simply pop over to a nearby country—like the UK, Canada, or even sunny Barbados—to renew their visas.
Thousands of Australians on US working visas are now required to return home every two years. Credit: mrdoormits / iStock
It was a quick trip, a bit of paperwork, and then back to the US to continue their lives.
But now, the State Department is warning that visa holders must be able to 'demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying.'
In other words, if you’re not living in London, you can’t renew your visa there.
The result? Some Australians who had already booked appointments in other countries have found themselves turned away at the consulate door, their applications denied on the spot.
For many, this means being stuck overseas, unable to return to the US until they can secure a new appointment—potentially months away—in Australia.
The news has sent shockwaves through the Australian expat community in the US.
Emergency sessions with immigration lawyers are being held, and online forums are buzzing with confusion and concern.
'Right now, we are in full-on—well, panic mode for a lot of individuals,' said American immigration lawyer Jonathan Grode.
'People are being caught out mid-process, and suddenly they’re without status or a valid visa to re-enter the States.'
She’d planned to renew her visa in London, as she’d done before, but now she’s stuck in Europe, unsure if she’ll be allowed back into the US at all.
'I presume we’ll find a way through it, but if this appointment can’t work, I’ll have to go back to Australia and figure out when I can get an appointment there,' she said.
'Who knows when that will be, because I think everyone will be swarming to get those appointment spots.'
The E-3 visa is a unique arrangement between Australia and the US, created as part of the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement in 2005.
It’s only available to Australian citizens who have a university degree and a job offer in the US.
There are thousands of Australians in the US on E-3 visas, and for many, the renewal process has always been relatively straightforward—until now.
Amy Meyer, who runs a recruitment firm specialising in E-3 visas, said more than 700 people signed up for an emergency online session with an immigration lawyer in less than 24 hours.
'There’s a lot of stress and concern from the community because what has historically been so easy, so straightforward, so simple is now very up in the air,' she said.
To make matters worse, even US consulate staff seem unsure about how to interpret the new rules.
In one case, a visa applicant was denied in London, and when lawyers contacted the consulate for clarification, staff admitted they were still seeking guidance from higher up.
'They make a proclamation and sort of allow for the situation to play itself out before they provide further guidance.'
The ABC has reached out to the State Department and the White House for more information, but so far, there’s been no official clarification.
It’s not just E-3 visa holders who are feeling the pinch. The US government is also considering changes to other visa categories, including those for students and media workers.
Proposed rules could shorten the maximum duration of these visas to just 240 days and make extensions much harder to obtain.
Press freedom groups are especially worried, warning that the changes could have 'catastrophic consequences' for journalists and media outlets.
If you or someone you know is living in the US on an E-3 or other working visa, it’s crucial to stay informed and seek professional advice.
Read more: Controversial artist loses Australia visa over offensive release: 'We have enough problems in this country already'
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