Thousands of Australians living in the US could soon face major hurdles renewing their visas after the Trump administration quietly introduced new rules over the weekend.
The directive, issued by the US States Department, says visa applicants must prove residency in the country they apply from — a change that means Australians may now need to fly home every two years instead of renewing at closer consulates in places like London.
The shift has already created problems. Some Australians who have flown to the UK to renew their visas have been refused, despite this process having worked in the past.
Josh Pugh, who runs an online community for Australians in America, America, told the ABC, “We’ve heard directly from about a dozen people… told that their visa had been refused because of this new directive.”
Immigration lawyer Jonathan Grode told the ABC there’s widespread uncertainty, noting even some US consulates “are seeking additional guidance” on how the directive should be applied.
“Right now, we are in full-on — I hate to use the word, but — panic mode for a lot of individuals,” he said.
The E‑3 visa program was created in 2005 as part of the US‑Australia Free Trade Agreement and has long been considered one of the easier pathways for Australians to work in America.
Holders must have a university degree and a job offer in a related field, but the visa can be renewed an unlimited number of times every two years. Spouses and dependants are also covered, with partners granted work rights.
This latest directive complicates a process that had become routine for thousands of Australians building careers and lives in the US. Immigration advisers and support groups are warning that the costs of international travel and the limited appointment slots at Australian consulates may leave many in limbo.
The change also comes amid a wider push by the Trump administration to tighten visa conditions across different categories. Late last month, the government proposed new rules for students and journalists that would shorten stays to 240 days, far less than the multi‑year visas that are often granted now.
The president has vowed to crackdown on US migration policies since taking office again, including a ban on asylum and steps to restrict citizenship for children born in America.
Critics argue the combined measures could have far‑reaching consequences. Press freedom groups, including Reporters Without Borders USA, have warned that the proposed media visa limits risk creating “a system with high potential for abuse”.
Others are concerned about how it will effect the US economy. “We’ve got to turn the page,” Jeff Wasden, president of State Business Executives, told the BBC.
“It’s time to focus on the workforce and how we fix some of these programmes and problems.”
For Australians on the E‑3, the concern is clear: expensive flights home, long waits for interviews, and uncertainty about whether they can re‑enter the country where they live and work.
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