[klipt]

Technically E3 has a cap, but since only Australians can apply for it (as opposed to the whole world applying for H1-Bs) the cap has never been reached.

[falsedan]

Yeah, the quota is 10k of which about 3-4k a year is used. Extensions don't count against the quota and are renewable indefinitely.

Drawback is: non-permanent visa (so banks won't lend to you) & you can't have intent to stay (can't apply for greencard).

[klipt]

I got a mortgage on H1-B so I don't think non-permanency is necessarily a problem. I also know several people who have gone from E3 to green card: http://www.limaechoecho.com/2012/11/e-3-visa-to-green-card.h...

[falsedan]

E-3 to green card is OK if you put in your application from outside the US.

H-1B is dual-intent (i.e. not non-permanent) & better known to banks (3k vs. 120k granted per year).

[axk]

Not true. I got a GC while being on an E-3 in the US.

[falsedan]

Better hope DHS doesn't find out

[klipt]

I really doubt it matters. F1 student visa isn't dual intent either, but a lot of foreign students end up marrying US citizens and adjusting to green cards in the US.