Connecting Australians Living in New York & The United States
Below are excerpts from our conversation with Nathan.
In addition to Banking and Credit Card services, under this new program our 
members can finance up to 75% for a primary home, up to 70% on a second home, condo, co-op, one family etc. or finance up to 60% on an investment property – without a Social Security Number or two years of US tax returns to qualify!
This may come as good news to many Australians who have been on the fence about selling their Australian homes and purchasing US properties prior to the proposed changes to Australian Capital Gains Tax for non-residents effective June 30, 2019.
New and existing members anywhere in the US can qualify for credit and Home Loans under this HSBC program. To read more, or have a HSBC credit specialist reach out, details are on our website.
For a number of years we have been publishing data on Australian 
visas from the Department of Homeland Security. The information is released at different times of the year, and some remarkable data has recently come to light. Read More:
For those members who transfer money internationally, you may not be aware of our preferred rate 
negotiated with OFX (OzForex). Under this referred rate, which is better than the best rate offered by TransferWise, members can transfer 36 major currencies internationally, and there is also an App.
Whether you transfer $500 or $50,000, you always get the Preferred Rate.
Many members around the US who have had to begin repaying their student loans can now access this rate to transfer payments to Australia. There is no fee to sign up, and you can immediately compare your existing FOREX service with our preferred rate to see how much you can save. Click here to learn more and sign up is free.
ANZAC Day is just around the corner and for those who wish to attend the Dawn Service hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Consulate-Generals, you can find the information here.
The Australian Community will also be hosting an informal gathering at 
Beckett’s in the Historic Stone Street District from 6:30PM on ANZAC Day. Bringing together Australians in the “Bonds of Mateship” is core to our organization, and a great way to celebrate the ANZAC spirit in the US.
There will be a cash bar, food will be available to order and there is no cover.
Please reach out if our organization can assist you with any of your social, professional and charitable goals here in the US.
Digging into the data we have found a report with the latest data (February 2019) showing the number and types of E-3 visas broken down by US Consulates from around the World. Continue reading “Where in the World are Australians (re)Applying for an E-3 Visa?”
Given the past growth in the number of Australians in New York and other large cities, a persistent question is how many Aussies are living in the US, and how many are just visiting?
The latest data from the DHS indicates that for the first time in a decade, the number of Australians on non-immigrant visas dropped by more than 3.5%, driven by a significant drop in the number of E-3 visa approvals in 2018. We also saw a drop of 16.5% in Australians entering the U.S. on a B-1,2 visa.
Continue reading “How Many Australians are Living and Working in the US? V 4.5”
Below are excerpts from our conversation with Kathleen.
After our recent article on the challenges Australian Job Seekers would have faced if H.R. 7164 passed the Senate, a decision has been made to broaden our existing Community Job Fair 2.0 to include all Australian job seekers who are physically on the ground in New York City.
The goal of Community Job Fair 2.5 is to increase the number of Australians who successfully apply for E-3 visas, starting with New York. By extending components of our Community Job Fair to all Australian job seekers in NYC, we can raise the number of Australians who successfully find work, and thereby reduce the number of E-3 visas that go unused.
Continue reading “Community Job Fair v2.5: Now Accepting Applicants!”
The latest published CDC data shows that 8,882 new Melanoma cases were reported in NYC and Long Island, of whom, 1,015 died. In 2019 The Australian Community is working to encourage New Yorkers to get screened for Skin Cancer.
#KoalaGiving is The Australian Community’s charitable initiative where Australians have the opportunity to give back to the broader New York community. Since its inception, it has help raise thousands of dollars for other charities including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Bowery Mission and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
For the past four years #KoalaGiving has raised money for MSKCC through Cycle for Survival. C4S has also served as a platform for The Australian Community to raise awareness of skin cancer. However, as C4S now focusses on funding rare cancers, and skin cancer is not a rare cancer, in 2019 we are raising money to directly fund our own #SlipSlopSlap campaign.
May is Skin Cancer Prevention Month and major Hospitals and clinics including MSKCC, Cornell, Columbia and Presbyterian Hospitals are providing free skin cancer screenings to the public. The more people who know of these free screenings, and the need to get screened, the more lives that potentially can be saved.
Continue reading “#KoalaGiving: Spreading the #SlipSlopSlap Message”
Considering this is the time of year when New Yorkers are preparing to head north on 87 to visit a tree farm or embark on a ski trip, we spoke with Anthea and Mark who opened Village Coffee and Goods in Kingston, NY.
Continue reading “Aussie Cafés in NY – and where to find them: Village Coffee and Goods”
Members of The Australian Community transfer millions of dollars every year for business and personal needs. Based on this volume, a preferred rate on International wire transfers has been negotiated with OFX.
Foreign Exchange (FOREX) is confusing. There is the Interbank or Market Rate and then there is the rate that your FOREX service offers you when you exchange money.
The less money you receive, the more the Banks and FOREX services are charging you in fees.
There is a lot of noise about which company has the best rate so we decided to compare The Australian Community's preferred rate on AUD to USD and USD to AUD through OFX, with TransferWise, a company that many of our members currently use - and claim has the best rate.
For more than a year, we have been comparing the final amounts that each service was offering when transferring AUD to USD and USD to AUD.
The most recent comparisons from August 12, 2019 are in the tables below.
USD to AUD OFX TransferWise Difference
$10,000 $14,739.00 $14,708.67 $30.33
$1,000 $1,474.20 $1,470.08 $4.12
$500 $737.00 $734.25 $2.75
| AUD to USD | OFX | TransferWise | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $6,726.00 | $6,722.63 | $3.37 |
| $1,000 | $672.60 | $671.12 | $1.48 |
| $500 | $336.30 | $334.92 | $1.38 |
The numbers tell us that if you use TransferWise, you are paying more in fees than if you use our Member Preferred Rate through OFX, especially when transferring USD to AUD!
Click here to register and access The Australian Community's Preferred Rate with OFX. Your registration will automatically associate with the Preferred Rate.
"It makes absolute sense to combine the purchasing power of our members to negotiate a preferred rate on foreign exchange" said James Boland, President and Founder of The Australian Community, "If there is a better rate on International wire transfers, we have not seen it!"
Under this arrangement, members of The Australian Community are not limited just to AUD and USD transfers. Most popular currencies are covered which greatly assists Australian businesses who transfer money around the globe.
In a podcast interview, Mr. David Nicholls, Global Alliance Manager for USForex, now OFX, stated "The cost savings are significant", "Some banks take up to 8% of the total amount you are transferring, hidden in the rate itself".
Mr. Nicholls further explained the benefits to members who sign up for the service which include 24 hour access to dealers, and a downloadable App that enables members to transfer money to pay bills in other countries.
"Our membership continues to grow, fueled by benefits such as our FOREX rate" said Mr. Boland, "If you are not using our rate to transfer money around the globe, chances are you are paying too much in commissions."
At this point there are those reading this chapter who will be arguing “How will the Police know?” or “I can still rent a car with my Aussie license so why bother?” Continue reading “Moving to the US for Aussies: Chapter 16”
During the 80s, the Ellas’ mesmerizing combination of skill and ability was arguably the most exciting thing to ever come to club, state and international rugby. Mark, Gary and Glen had honed their years of backyard footy in the inner suburbs of Sydney into a magical formula that saw them all represent Australia at both schoolboy and senior Wallaby level. Continue reading “Purchase Tickets for the University of Queensland Rugby Benefit Dinner featuring Mark, Gary and Glen Ella”
On September 15, 2018 we again commemorated these fallen Australians with a flag raising ceremony at Bowling Green in NYC.
Continue reading “Commemoration for the Ten Australians of 9/11”
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) registered public charity whose mission is to connect Australians through social, professional and charitable initiatives. Since its inception in 2011, we have assisted tens of thousands of Australians overcome the challenges of living in New York and other states across America. Continue reading “10 Reasons to Connect with our Yammer Private Enterprise Social Network”
We sat down with Jen over an Americano in the Flatiron District and asked her to share her story. Continue reading “Australians in Startups: Jen Ryan”
Our Yammer Private Enterprise Social Network was created to give our membership access to ethical, professional advice, content and connections. It has become an important resource for overcoming many of the challenges facing Australian expats living and working in the US. Continue reading “Moving to the US for Aussies: Chapter 15”
New York, NY— The Australian Community announces the appointment of two new members of its Board of Directors, along with a Board Advisory Committee.
Joining the Board of Directors are Emilie Treuillard and Glen McDermott. They join Sarah Henderson, Ava Newman and James Boland.
“Sixty percent of our 3,600 members living in New York are Australian Women and more than thirty percent of all our members work in Media and Communications” says James Boland, President and Founder. “Our new Board not only reflects the gender and industry demographics of our membership, but Emilie and Glen bring new skill sets in Fundraising and Branding that will accelerate the growth of our organization.”
Also announced is The Australian Community Board Advisory Committee. “In our search for new Directors, so many talented and motivated members came forward” said Board member, Ava Newman. “To give these members a voice in our Community, we have now implemented an Advisory Committee inside our Yammer private network. Going forward, new Directors will be selected from this Committee, giving all members a pathway to a seat on our Board.”
About The Australian Community
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity and its Mission is to connect Australian living in the United States through social. professional and charitable initiatives. All contributions are fully tax deductible under Section 170 of the IRS Code. The Australian Community is also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code.
Before we drill down on this article, the topics covered clearly do not cover every scenario when it comes to starting a family in the US. There are a plethora of needs and wants when it comes to having a child. This article covers some of the basics, and is intended to frame some of the challenges you will face, as well as the conversations you need to discuss with your spouse and close family. Continue reading “Moving to the US for Aussies: Chapter 14”
The Australian Dodgeroos will be competing in the Men’s, Mixed and Women’s Divisions. The Men’s and Mixed Dodgeroos teams will be competing for the top spot. Games start at 10:30 AM.
Continue reading “Cheer for Australia in the Dodgeball World Cup in NYC!”
In Chapter 3, we speak of the Expat Continuum. This is a similar model to one used by corporations to measure their Capability Maturity.
The Expat Continuum has five stages:
A question was recently asked in a Facebook group that highlights the difference between an expat operating at Level 2 (Reactive) and another expat operating at Level 3 (Planned). Continue reading “Moving to the US for Aussies: Chapter 13”
We are expanding our Board of Directors to three women and two men to not only accurately reflect the demographics of our organization, but each Director will be an advocate for the five industries that represent 85% of our members to ensure our programs are not skewed to one profession.
Below are the Top Five reasons for joining our Board of Directors. Continue reading “The Top Five Reasons to Join our Board of Directors!”
However, one of the main challenges facing these Australian expats every year is how to open a Bank account, let alone access U.S. credit without a U.S. Credit Score.
Solution: Members of The Australian Community can access HSBC's expat banking solutions for opening bank accounts, credit cards and event expat home loans!
Some credit card companies will issue Australians with a U.S. credit card, to assist them build a credit score. However, credit cards are only half of the banking equation: You also need a U.S. bank account for money transfers and day to day banking needs.
The Australian Community recognized this challenge and in 2012 introduced a program where Australians arriving in the U.S. can open bank accounts and obtain a U.S. credit card through HSBC's Premier and Advance expat platforms, even if they were not existing customers and without a Social Security Number.
For members in Australia who are on the way, they can open a local account with HSBC and then receive a U.S. credit card to use, and build a credit history, before they arrive in the United States.
This is a unique program to access a U.S. credit card and start building a U.S. credit score.
Under this program our members can also access US Home Loans even if they do not have the 2 year work or credit history or a Social Security Number!.
For those members who have not yet left Australia, you can obtain a US credit card before you arrive in the US and thereby build a US credit score through your daily purchases in Australia!
These programs are being managed by our HSBC Relationship Managers in New York. You can use the form below to have a Senior Relationship Manager or Mortgage Consultant contact you with all of the details.
Assisting our members overcome the challenges of living in the US is core our Mission. Providing a way for our members to not only access credit in the US, but to build a US credit score whilst still in Australia makes perfect sense, and is an added value to joining our organization.
Building a credit score while still in Oz is a convenient credit offering from HSBC. Also if you are looking to purchase a property in the U.S. and you do not have a credit history, HSBC is geared to help expats get a mortgage.
At the end of the day it is personal choice and which bank offers you the best service, interest rate etc. is best decided by doing your own due diligence.
If you are transferring money between Australia and the U.S. (or any of more than 30 countries), check out the preferred rate that The Australian Community has negotiated with OFX (formerly OzForex). Click here to see how much money you could be saving over your existing Bank or online FOREX service.
Please complete the form below to be contacted by a HSBC representative to discuss your credit needs.
The saying “She’ll be right Mate” may be endearing in Australia, but here in the US, ignorance is not an excuse.
The Challenge for creative Australians living in New York is to create a body of work – using any medium – that encompasses three elements: Australia, Community and New York. Continue reading “Announcing the 2018 Creative Challenge Art Competition”
Illustrator and New Yorker a Nathan Pyle has released a book NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette that could be very helpful to Aussies arriving in New York. Below are just a few of the animated gifs contained in the e-book and available on Amazon and iTunes.
Definitely worth the investment!
Continue reading “New York in the Rear View Mirror: An Australian’s Perspective. (Part 3)”
Continue reading “New York in the Rear View Mirror: An Australian’s Perspective. (Part 1)”
We spoke with Peter Godhard, the Founder of Merriweather Coffee + Kitchen – an Aussie café located at 428 Hudson Street in New York City. Continue reading “Aussie Cafés in NYC – and where to find them: Merriweather Coffee + Kitchen”
If you go into the game without understanding the rules or having a game plan, you will quickly start to accumulate some very unnecessary scar tissue.
Members of the Australian Community have access to resources inside our Private Social Network to assist in the job hunt. They include our Employment and Mentoring Groups where they can make professional connections, access job resources and learn from the experience of other Australians.
Firstly, Americans have a very different Language of Friendship which can be puzzling to an Australian. For example when two American women first meet they may positively remark on the other’s clothing, shoes or a pocket book (hand bag) to start a conversation.
“I have that exact same Birkin. Did you buy that here or Hermès in Paris?”
This does not necessarily reflect materialism, rather Americans will lead with visual cues in an attempt to create an instant connection with the other person on a socioeconomic level.
Australians on the other hand will look for common personal interests to connect. This requires conversation, and some Americans are not so comfortable in sharing personal information with a stranger. Continue reading “Moving to the US for Aussies: Chapter 6”
Whether you are accessing Health Insurance through your employer, or through your State’s Health Care Exchange (Obamacare), understanding which plan is right for your needs is dependent on your understanding a very different Health Care system.
To enlighten the reader, and demystify some of the nomenclature, the following are important terms and concepts that will make navigating the US healthcare system less complicated. Continue reading “Moving to the US for Aussies: Chapter 5”
Every year since becoming a US Public Charity, The Australian Community has participated in Cycle for Survival – a National fundraiser hosted by Equinox to raise money for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to fight rare cancers.
The Australian Community 2018 Cycle for Survival Team: Rebecca Donev, Vanessa Mickan, Marika Aubrey and Robert Schlederer. 
We spoke with Ana Ivkosic, the Founder of Wattle Café – an Aussie café located on Third Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets in New York City. Continue reading “Aussie Cafés in NYC – and where to find them: Wattle Café”
We spoke with Mitch Kidd, one half of WellBuilt Co – an Australian Construction and Development company making waves in New York and the Tri State Area.
Continue reading “Aussie Businesses in NYC – and where to find them: Wellbuilt”
It was also great to see fellow Blindspot actor Luke Mitchell and his wife Rebecca Breeds stop by with Sully. World renowned Australian Classical Guitarist Rupert Boyd added a special touch to the evening with a live performance.
The guest list read like a who’s who of Australian performing artists!
Continue reading “Wrap up of #OzDayNYC 2018 – aka “The Joeys””
Let’s first address the Elephant in the room
For those who move to the US with the support of their employer, the machinations of relocating to a new city is for the most part transparent. They arrive to a job, an apartment, and their greatest challenge may be finding their new favorite restaurant.
However, the plight of the Aussie who lands in NYC looking for work, is a very different story. They must start from nothing and rely on savings to sustain them throughout their job search. Their hope is that they will be gainfully employed in their sunny new apartment in six to eight weeks because they read on social media that US employers are lining up to hire Aussies.
For most, the harsh reality is that finding work takes between three to six months, and their savings run out well before a second interview. This is the inconvenient truth for many Australians. Continue reading “Moving to the US for Aussies: Chapter 4”
We spoke with Jo Black, the Founder of Boundless Plains– a new Aussie café located on Rector Street in the Financial District of New York City. Continue reading “Aussie Cafés in NYC – and where to find them: Boundless Plains Espresso”
We spoke with Melinda Robertson and Sarah Blank to learn more about their business Scanlan Theodore located at 117 Prince Street in SoHo. Continue reading “Aussie Businesses in NYC – and where to find them: Scanlan Theodore”
We spoke with Amanda Collins to learn more about her business Save Your Sole located at 1 Little West 12th St in NYC. Continue reading “Aussie Businesses in NYC – and where to find them: Save Your Sole”
We spoke with Aaron Cook, the Founder of Three Seat Espresso & Barber – a Barber Shop AND Café – located on Avenue A in New York City.
Continue reading “Aussie Cafés in NYC – and where to find them: Three Seat Espresso & Barber”
We spoke with Wade Helliwell, the 6’11’ Australian professional Basketball player at his studio Sweat Yoga in New York City. Continue reading “Aussie Businesses in NYC – and where to find them: Sweat Yoga”
We want our readers to learn more about their Aussie owners, and what is unique about their businesses. We spoke with Adam Sobol who with his partner Sergio D’Auria opened Southern Cross Coffee located at 300 E 5th Street between 2nd and 1st Avenues.
Continue reading “Aussie Cafés in NYC – and where to find them: Southern Cross Coffee”
We want our readers to learn more about their Aussie owners, and what is unique about their businesses. We spoke with Alastair McFarland who has recently opened Hutch and Waldo located at 347 E 81st @ 2nd Avenue.
Continue reading “Aussie Cafés in NYC – and where to find them: Hutch & Waldo.”
We want our readers to learn more about their Aussie owners, and what is unique about their businesses. For our first location we sat down with Lee and Sid Chitnis, the owners and operators of Saltwater located at 345 E 12th Street between 2nd and 1st Avenues.
Continue reading “Aussie Cafés in NYC – and where to find them: Saltwater”
Many of these Aussies did not have a solid plan in place before arriving in the US.
In our book Moving to the US for Aussies, we discuss a check list of basic needs before moving to the US. By definition these are only the minimum requirements, and only the first step in what can be a lengthy and for some, a painful process.
In many of these cases, it is either a sense of isolation from family and friends, or failing to be adequately prepared for a very different New York from what they expected.
This book assumes that you are not moving to the US just to survive: You are here to be successful, to compete against the world’s best in your field.
New York is a process and having the basics in place is only the first step. Typically, Australians take around eighteen months to feel relatively comfortable that they have all of their bases covered; but what if there was a way to do it in less than 90 days? Continue reading “Moving to the US for Aussies: Chapter 3”