How to Answer the “Do You Need Visa Sponsorship” Question And Keep The Interview Moving Forward

How to Answer the “Do You Need Visa Sponsorship” Question And Keep The Interview Moving Forward

If you’re applying for jobs in America, you probably know how hard it is to even get an interview, let alone land the job.

You’re qualified. You’re motivated.

And yet…

\You click apply. Submit your resume. Repeat.

And hear nothing.

Or you get one of these:

  • “We’re moving forward with other candidates.”

  • “Sorry, we don’t offer sponsorship.”

  • Total silence.

It’s frustrating.

And if you’re thinking “Am I doing something wrong?” — you’re not alone.

The reality is most US companies don’t know about the E-3 visa.

They assume “visa sponsorship” means expensive, complex, and time-consuming like the H-1B. That’s why so many Aussies get rejected before the interview stage.

When you do land an interview and the topic of sponsorship comes up, what you say next really matters.

The dreaded question comes up, often early in the interview…

“Do you need visa sponsorship?”

It seems straightforward. But the way you answer it can completely change what happens next.

Most Australians either:

  • Say “Yes, I need sponsorship” — and the conversation ends there

  • Or they say “No” even when they do — which can backfire later

There’s a better way to handle it, one that keeps the conversation going.

Try this instead:

Respond with “How do you typically work with candidates who need a visa?”

This one question can make a big difference.

Here’s why:

  • It opens up and invites a two-way conversation

  • It allows them to share any concerns about visa sponsorship

  • It gives you space to explain the E-3 visa after they share THEIR perspective.

Now when you answer the question in this way, there might be a pause. But let it sit. Even if uncomfortable for a few moments.

The interviewer might say:

  • “It’s not something we typically do.”

  • “The visa takes too long.”

  • “It’s too costly for us right now.”

And from there, you can ask (in a calm, friendly tone):

“Not something you typically do?”

You’re not being pushy — you’re just inviting more of the story. To better understand their point of view. This will help you to figure out what to say next.

If you know they’ve sponsored Australians before, you can mention it. Or you can explain how the E-3 works. Now you’re having a real conversation.

Put yourself in the interviewers shoes for a moment.

Most US hiring teams don’t know what the E-3 visa is.

They assume “visa sponsorship” = complex, expensive, or risky. But the E-3 is:

  • Only for Australians

  • Fast and inexpensive

  • Valid for 2 years, renewable

  • And lets spouses work, too

They just haven’t been told that yet. That’s where you come in.

You don’t need to give them a visa lecture, just meet them where they are, and share what’s relevant to them.

Here’s what Aussies in our network have said about using this “conversational approach”.

“I took your advice and asked, ‘How do you typically work with candidates who need a visa?’ It worked like a charm — really opened up the conversation.”

“The interviewer said she didn’t know much, but that the company had visa lawyers — and I was able to slip in info about the E-3.”

“The whole thing just felt more positive. My stress about needing a visa turned into confidence.”

This isn’t about dodging the question. It’s about not shutting the door too early.

Your goal is to keep the conversation going, understand their perspective and help to overcome the visa objections. Far too often employers will be thinking about the H-1B visa which is costly, expensive and difficult to obtain, totally unlike the H-1B visa.

But what if you’re not even getting interviews?

Fair enough.

For almost EVERY Australian wanting to work in America, the “visa” question becomes a problem before the interview.

You click “Yes, I need sponsorship” on the application and that’s it. You’re filtered out before anyone even reads your resume.

That’s where things feel impossible.

But there’s a way to turn it around and we’ve seen it work again and again.

Inside Supercharge Your Search, we show you exactly how to land a job in the US as an Australian needing an E-3 visa. You’ll find out how to:

  • Avoid getting stuck in the online application black hole

  • Get referrals, even if you’re starting from scratch

It’s the method I wish I had when I started.

And it’s already helped tons of Aussies land interviews and offers in the US.

👉 Check out Supercharge Your Search

You’ve got this!

– Amy