Australians immigrate to the US for various reasons, whether it be for job opportunities, studies, relocation, or to be with family and romantic partners. Massachusetts, especially the Boston area, provides the perfect balance of career development opportunities and leisure opportunities. The culture, history, and networks available create a sense of community for those who immigrate. For those looking to move to the US for educational purposes, Boston, and Massachusetts as a whole, has dozens of colleges, and is home to world-renowned universities. Whether you are coming to the US for the first time, applying for new immigration benefits from within the US, or just looking to explore, Massachusetts has something to offer.
If you need help immigrating to MA from Australia, contact Boston immigration attorney Giselle M. Rodriguez. Giselle helps clients with the full range of immigration challenges, from visas to citizenship. She is bilingual (English & Spanish), and works with clients throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Contact Giselle today to discuss your case or read on to find out more about protecting your immigration status in the United States.
Common Immigration Pathways for Australians
There are several work-visa options available for people with in-demand skills. We can meet to discuss the most beneficial plan for you. The E-3 Australian Professional Specialty Visa is for Australians with a university degree who have a job offer in a specialty occupation, with a minimum two-year duration and unlimited extensions. The E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor visas are for Australians engaged in international trade or who have substantial investments in the U.S., with the E-2 also covering executives and skilled employees of eligible enterprises. Australians can also apply for Student Visas (F or M) to pursue higher education in the US. Other immigration pathways include a marriage-based adjustment status, for spouses of US citizens, as well as family-based pathways, US citizens who have immediate family in Australia.
Community Resources for Australian Immigrants in Massachusetts
The American Australian Association in New England is one resource that offers different events and seminars. Programs for business institutions, graduate education, art, and more are offered.
These can include grants and scholarships that can support Australian immigrants. This non-profit seeks to connect American culture and Australian culture to celebrate diversity.
Processing Times in Boston
Depending on the type of immigration benefit you are seeking, processing times may vary. For visas, the processing time typically falls between 7 months and two years. For other types of applications, such as those for naturalization or a green card, processing times are generally between eight months and a year and a half. While processing times are out of our control, we can assist every step of the way, from interview prep to responding to USCIS on your behalf.
Past and Current Clients from Australia I have been lucky enough to work with several Australian clients in the past. For one client, I assisted with a marriage-based adjustment of status whose green card was successfully approved. Currently, I am assisting another couple in which the applicant is Australian, and the U.S. citizen petitioner is in the military. Their I-130 petition was recently approved, and while they initially planned for consular processing, the applicant’s visit to the U.S. led them to pursue an adjustment of status instead. More recently I have worked with another Australian applicant who is transitioning from an E-3 visa to a marriage-based adjustment of status with a U.S. citizen spouse.