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Bill

HR 5534

To add the Republic of Korea to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program.

119th Congress Introduced by Tom Suozzi and 1 co-sponsor

HR 5534: Adding South Korea to the E-3 Visa Program OverviewBill Number: HR 5534 Title: To add the Republic of Korea to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program. Status: Introduced in H

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 5534

HR 5534: Adding South Korea to the E-3 Visa Program

Overview

Bill Number: HR 5534
Title: To add the Republic of Korea to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program.
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced: September 19, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of HR 5534 is to expand the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program to include citizens of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The E-3 visa allows qualified professionals from certain countries to work in the United States. Currently, only citizens of Australia are eligible for the E-3 visa. This bill seeks to extend this opportunity to South Korean nationals as well, in recognition of the strong economic and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and South Korea.

Key Provisions

  • Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to add the Republic of Korea to the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for the E-3 nonimmigrant visa.
  • Maintains the existing requirements and limitations of the E-3 visa program, including:
    • Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the field of employment
    • Visas are valid for 2 years and can be renewed indefinitely
    • There is an annual cap of 10,500 E-3 visas
  • Allows spouses and children of E-3 visa holders to also enter the U.S. under derivative E-3 status.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • South Korean nationals seeking professional employment opportunities in the U.S. would gain access to the E-3 visa program, providing an additional legal immigration pathway.
  • U.S. employers would have a larger pool of qualified candidates from South Korea to recruit and hire for specialty occupations.
  • The change could strengthen economic and cultural ties between the U.S. and South Korea by facilitating the flow of skilled workers and professionals.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HR 5534 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 19, 2025. It has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. If passed by the House and Senate, and signed into law by the President, the changes to the E-3 visa program would take effect on the date specified in the final legislation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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