I've received a number of PM's asking about the E3 visa requirements so I would like clarify that;
1. No uni degree is required when applying for the E3 visa as a pilot.
2. You don't need to have 12 years of industry experience to be granted the E3 visa as a pilot.
I know of at least 6 people who didn't have the above and were still issued with the E3 visa.
The US consulate didn't even ask to see my degree when I applied for the visa, nor did he ask how many years experience I had in the industry.
3. You don't need a FAA license before going to the USA as the training that is provided by your airline for the type rating covers the requirements for the issue of an FAA ATP after successfully completing the checkride. All you need to do before hand is get your CASA license verified by the FAA. The FAA will then issue you with a confirmation letter and a deadline by which you need to complete your type rating checkride which doubles as your ATP checkride.
It really is a quick and simple process.
I have just been through this whole process and have been issued with my temporary FAA ATP certificate whilst I wait for the plastic card version to arrive in the mail.