In the video below, Ashley Murphy, GFP (USA/AUS) CFP® AIF®, discusses the Top 5 Financial Issues that Australian Ex-Pats living in America often do not understand, and can be financially devastating if given the wrong advice.
Top 5 Financial Issues
0:00 Introduction
0:58 Global Tax Compliance
1:46 Understanding Australian Capital Gains
3:09 The intersection of Immigration and Financial Planning
Arete Wealth Advisors is a Corporate Member of The Australian Community.,
To access The Australian Community’s Preferred Foreign Exchange Rate through OFX, you can register using this link.
About The Australian Community
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. Its mission is to connect Australians living in the United States through professional, social, and charitable initiatives.
If you are an Australian legally seeking full-time employment in America, we understand the challenges you are currently facing.
The Australian Community has been finding jobs in America for Australians on the E3 visa for more than a decade. Our Community Job Fair v3.5 now offered the most comprehensive set of tools to understand how to get a job in America.
Therefore, this post is for informational purposes for those looking to understand how to get a job in America.
The first roadblock to finding work in America is attempting to do it from Australia. Albeit we live in a changing work environment where remote workers are common, most American companies will not interview applicants outside of the United States. For those reading this in the U.S., you have already made it through the first challenge.
The first question asked by any Australian with their signature barely dry on their job offer is “Which U.S. consulate is best to get an E3 visa appointment?”
Since COVID shut down U.S. consulates in early 2020, it has been a struggle for Australians to get an E3 visa appointment. Often, when one U.S. consulate opens up appointments, a flood of applications flow in, and suddenly the wait is three to six months.
It’s a bit like your GPS telling you how to avoid an accident up ahead on the highway by taking a service road. Unfortunately, everyone with a GPS gets the same message and the service road is suddenly congested!
Fortunately, The Australian Community has access to the latest consular data that shows where in the world E3 visas are being processed and gives you an understanding of which U.S. consulate to book your next E3 visa appointment.
Knowing where E3 visas are being processed is at least an indication of where your best chances are of securing an appointment.
April’s E3 Visa consular approvals.
April 2022
E-3
E-3D
E-3R
Abu Dhabi
2
AIT Taipei
1
1
Auckland
5
6
1
Bangkok
4
2
Belfast
4
3
1
Bogota
1
Brussels
1
Buenos Aires
2
1
Calgary
3
7
3
Chennai (Madras)
1
2
2
Colombo
1
Copenhagen
1
3
Copenhagen
1
3
Dubai
2
Dublin
1
3
Frankfurt
19
16
2
Guangzhou
1
Hanoi
2
Hong Kong
5
1
Hyderabad
3
5
Jerusalem
1
Johannesburg
1
1
Kolkata
3
3
Kuala Lumpur
1
5
Lisbon
1
London
61
52
42
Madrid
4
6
9
Melbourne
97
80
127
Mexico City
1
1
Monterrey
3
Mumbai
2
Munich
4
5
1
Nassau
2
3
2
New Delhi
6
9
2
Paris
18
16
12
Perth
42
31
14
Port Moresby
1
Rio De Janero
2
San Jose
1
1
Sao Paulo
3
1
Seoul
2
2
Shanghai
2
2
Singapore
80
45
1
Tokyo
2
Toronto
2
Vancouver
3
1
1
Vienna
1
1
1
Zagreb
1
As you scroll through the data, there are some standouts:
Sydney which has consistently been the leading consulate for processing E3s remains closed.
Perth continues to process new visas with 42 E3, 31 E3D, and 14 E3R visas.
Singapore was outstanding with 80 E3, 45 E3D, and 1 E3R visas.
London processed 61 E3, 52 E3D, and 43 E3R visas.
Paris and Frankfurt received a special mention given the availability of appointments.
Port Moresby processed one E3 which we are now monitoring closely given its proximity to Australia.
Melbourne was again #1 with 97 E3, 80 E3D, and 127 E3 Renewal visas.
Note that in March, Melbourne processed 168 E3, 88 E3D, and 202 E3R visas.
In all, 401 new E3 visas were approved in April. This is down from 471 in March, the highest peak since December 2019. Hopefully, we will see another bump when Sydney re-opens.
We saw a slight drop in E3 Visa Approvals in January.
This is good news for our Save the E3 Visa initiative where we are helping Australians find work on the E3 visa. The goal is to fill the 10,500 visa quota before the E3 Legislation changes.
As they say in Financial Service, “past performance is not indicative of future returns”. You might want to check E3 visa appointment times online at Visa Appointment Wait Times (US Dept of State).
Further, you may want to consider working with an Immigration attorney who specializes in the E3 Visa. They have the most up-to-date data on visa approvals and may be able to secure an Emergency Appointment sooner rather than later.
About The Australian Community
Founded in 2011, we connect more Australians in America.
If you are a professional Australian taking your career to the next level, or the U.S. is the next step in your company’s global expansion, we can connect you to all of the resources you need for success in America.
Moving to America from Australia is a huge decision for Aussies. Rather than relying on the individual experience of self-proclaimed experts, our book Moving to the US for Aussies is the culmination of years of knowledge captured from the collective experiences of thousands of Australian members of our non-profit organization.
Moving to the US for Aussies is designed to assist Aussies moving to America from Australia gain an insight into ex-pat life in the USA.
Moving to America from Australia is a huge decision for Aussies. Rather than relying on the individual experience of self-proclaimed experts, our book Moving to the US for Aussies is the culmination of years of knowledge captured from the collective experiences of thousands of Australian members of our non-profit organization.
Moving to the US for Aussies is designed to assist Aussies moving to America from Australia gain an insight into ex-pat life in the USA.
Saturday, September 11, 2021, marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The Australian Community will commemorate this occasion with a special flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green in NYC.
The September 11 2021 Australian flag-raising ceremony at Bowling green commemorates the Ten Australians who perished at Ground Zero, twenty years ago.
With the cooperation of Government, Military, and Civilian organizations, the 20th Anniversary Flag Raising ceremony at Bowling Green will feature special performances by leading Australian artists.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendees will be limited to comply with NYC Parks and New York State Regulations. Social distancing and hygiene protocols will be in effect.
The September 11 2021 Australian flag-raising ceremony at Bowling green commemorates the Ten Australians who perished at Ground Zero, twenty years ago.
With the cooperation of Government, Military, and Civilian organizations, the 20th Anniversary Flag Raising ceremony at Bowling Green will feature special performances by leading Australian artists.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendees will be limited to comply with NYC Parks and New York State Regulations. Social distancing and hygiene protocols will be in effect.
Our Mission is to Connect Professional Australians in the USA
The Australian Community is the non-profit organization Australians in the USA need to join!
Based in New York City and now in our 10th year, The Australian Community has assisted more than 100,000 Australians across America.
6500+
Professional Connections
$500,000+
Grants Made in 2020
100,000
Connected Australians since 2011
50+
Industry Verticals
30+
Australian Universities
$45
Individual Membership
News and Knowledge
Read the success stories of other professional Australians in the USA. Access the latest information and articles concerning Australian Ex-Pats – from Accounting to Visas.
Moving to America from Australia is a huge decision for Aussies.
Rather than relying on the individual experience of self-proclaimed experts, our book Moving to the US for Aussies is the culmination of years of knowledge captured from the collective experiences of thousands of Australians in the USA.
Our Yammer Network hosts the largest private Australian knowledge base in North America. It also directly connects you to more than 1,000 other professional Australians in the USA.
From Immigration to Tax, New York to the Pacific Northeast, Accounting to Venture Capital, our private network hosts more than thirty private groups based on Interest, Location, and Industry.
Are you an Employer seeking highly educated and skilled executives? Connect with our Executive Search to find Australians eligible to start work in the U.S. on the E3 visa!.
The challenge for an Australian lawyer who recently passed the NY Bar exam is finding a public charity with the legal resources to provide a supervising attorney.
Our Pro Bono program for Australian Lawyers is designed to Virtually meet the New York State Court of Appeals 22 NYCRR§ 520.16 – The 50 hour Pro Bono Requirement for admission to the New York State Bar.
Based in New York City and now in our tenth year, our 501(c)(3) organization was formed specifically to connect professional Australians in America. Over the past decade, The Australian Community has assisted more than 100,000 Australians across America.
In addition to our public social media, our members connect through a private Enterprise Social Network. Our private network facilitates 1:1 connections. Most importantly, it contains the largest private Australian Ex-Pat knowledge base in North America.
Therefore, whether you are an Australian in New York or another U.S. city, our non-profit services can connect you with other professional Australians to help you achieve your business goals.
If you are an Australian living in or moving to America, you can join The Australian Community.
Our organization relies on the generosity of its members and supporters to continue our good work, assisting Australians living in the United States.
Please considermaking a tax-deductible donation to our 501(c)(3) public charity.
All contributions are fully tax-deductible under Section 170 of the IRS Code. In addition, the Australian Community is qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts under sections 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Code.
The Australian Community Yammer private enterprise social network is the perfect platform to connect and share knowledge with other Australians. No matter where they are in America!
Why connect with our private network?
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) registered public charity. Our mission is to connect Australians through professional, social, and charitable initiatives. Over the past decade, we have assisted tens of thousands of Australians overcome the challenges of living in New York and other states across America.
The Australian Community Yammer private enterprise social network is the perfect platform to connect and share knowledge with other Australians. No matter where they are in America!
Why connect with our private network?
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) registered public charity. Our mission is to connect Australians through professional, social, and charitable initiatives. Over the past decade, we have assisted tens of thousands of Australians overcome the challenges of living in New York and other states across America.
The Australian Community Yammer private enterprise social network is the perfect platform to connect and share knowledge with other Australians. No matter where they are in America!
Why connect with our private network?
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) registered public charity. Our mission is to connect Australians through professional, social, and charitable initiatives. Over the past decade, we have assisted tens of thousands of Australians overcome the challenges of living in New York and other states across America.
The Australian Community Yammer private enterprise social network is the perfect platform to connect and share knowledge with other Australians. No matter where they are in America!
Why connect with our private network?
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) registered public charity. Our mission is to connect Australians through professional, social, and charitable initiatives. Over the past decade, we have assisted tens of thousands of Australians overcome the challenges of living in New York and other states across America.
Assisting Australian Lawyers to meet the 50-Hour Requirement
Our Pro Bono program for Australian Lawyers is designed to Virtually meet the New York State Court of Appeals 22 NYCRR§ 520.16 – The 50-hour Pro Bono Requirement for admission to the New York State Bar.
The challenge for an Australian lawyer who recently passed the NY Bar exam is finding a public charity with the legal resources to provide a supervising attorney.
Further, charities often only have a few qualifying pro bono hours available. Therefore acquiring the 50 hours becomes a challenge in itself.
More than 200 attorneys connected to The Australian Community are licensed to practice law in New York State. Many are keen to assist other Australian attorneys with this pro bono requirement but are concerned that they may not have the time to provide supervision during work hours.
Feedback from Supervising attorneys is that they spend between five (5) and eight (8) hours of total time reviewing the work product and communicating with the Pro-Bono attorney, during the 50 hours.
The Australian Community has developed a successful Pro Bono Program for Australian Lawyers to connect Supervising and Pro Bono attorneys. By leveraging our internal SharePoint portal, attorneys can remotely communicate and collaborate throughout the 50 hours, satisfying all requirements of 22 NYCRR§ 520.16.
I recently had the opportunity to supervise a pro-bono assignment for The Australian Community and it was a very rewarding experience. It is always nice to give back and in particular, to give back to my own community. Moreover, it was a seamless and efficient process with a minimal amount of hours expended, which can also be performed outside of business hours and without impacting billable hour requirements. I would welcome the opportunity to work with The Australian Community again and encourage others to do so as well.
The Supervising Attorney and Pro Bono Attorney are connected.
They are given SharePoint credentials on our network. A site is created where all documents and communications are stored.
Collaboration
The Supervising Attorney gives instructions to the Pro Bono Attorney.
The Pro Bono Attorney subsequently submits the work product back to SharePoint for revision/approval.
Completion
The fifty Pro Bono hours are tracked through timesheets, and once completed, The Australian Community and the Supervising attorney provide a Form Affidavit, meeting all requirements.
Convenience
All communications, notes, and document revisions are managed through SharePoint. Moreover, the Supervising Attorney can conveniently review the work product of the Pro Bono Attorney outside of normal work hours.
Control
Supervising and Pro Bono Attorneys who go through our program are given instructions not to communicate outside of SharePoint. This demonstrates that attorneys do not even need to be located in the same time zone to participate in our Pro Bono program.
Next Steps
If you would like to speak with someone to discuss participating in our Pro Bono Program, please email admin@aucommunity.org or call the office on 646 249 1741.
As we use a virtual model, the Supervising attorney does not need to be physically present in New York.
About The Australian Community
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. Its mission is to connect Australians living in the United States through professional, social, and charitable initiatives.
Founded in 2011, we connect more Australians in America.
If you are a professional Australian taking your career to the next level, or the U.S. is the next step in your company’s global expansion, we can connect you to all of the resources you need for success in America.
We would like to welcome EFPR Group as a Silver Sponsor of The Australian Community.
Whether you are the CEO of an Australian corporation opening operations in the United States or working in America on a non-immigrant visa, choosing an accounting firm for IRS filings or another ex-pat tax service is one of your most important decisions.
In addition to the IRS requiring a USA tax return, the IRS requires certain US information filings such as FBAR, which may include Superannuation and other financial accounts held in Australia. Having an Accountant who understands these and broader tax issues such as double taxation and dual citizenship, is essential for Australian ex-pats living in the USA to correctly complete their annual IRS tax return.
You could also be searching for an accounting firm offering business consulting, tax consulting, consulting services, business advisory, or business consulting services.
We took the time to record a series of interviews with members of EFPR’s International Tax Group to speak about some of the ex-pat tax services they provide. If you are looking for a new firm to handle your US tax filing and reporting requirements for the IRS, this video may assist with your due diligence process.
Having access to professional advice is essential to understanding the many pitfalls in applying for an E-3 visa and International travel during COVID-19.
Applying for an E3 visa is not the same as it was in 2019. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our lives. Importantly for anyone looking to renew an E-3 visa, it has disrupted US Consulate appointments. Further, past information on which USA Embassy is “best” for visa approvals can no longer be relied upon.
New and proposed USCIS changes to the E3 visa seem to be happening weekly. Therefore, you must understand how these changes effect applying for an E3 visa or other US visas for Australians at US Consulates.
The Australian Community has been working with experts. Our goal is to keep our members up to date on where new E3 visa appointments are available at which USA Embassy. Further, we highlight travel strategies for those applying for an E3 visa and renewing existing US visas for Australians.
If ever there is a time to rely upon experts, now is the time. As the below videos will explain, what may have been a simple process pre COVID-19, is now complex, and a wrong move could have irreparable consequences.
Having access to professional advice is essential to understanding the many pitfalls in applying for an E-3 visa and International travel during COVID-19.
Applying for an E3 visa is not the same as it was in 2019. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our lives. Importantly for anyone looking to renew an E-3 visa, it has disrupted US Consulate appointments. Further, past information on which USA Embassy is “best” for visa approvals can no longer be relied upon.
New and proposed USCIS changes to the E3 visa seem to be happening weekly. Therefore, you must understand how these changes effect applying for an E3 visa or other US visas for Australians at US Consulates.
The Australian Community has been working with experts. Our goal is to keep our members up to date on where new E3 visa appointments are available at which USA Embassy. Further, we highlight travel strategies for those applying for an E3 visa and renewing existing US visas for Australians.
If ever there is a time to rely upon experts, now is the time. As the below videos will explain, what may have been a simple process pre COVID-19, is now complex, and a wrong move could have irreparable consequences.
Having access to professional advice is essential to understanding the many pitfalls in applying for an E-3 visa and International travel during COVID-19.
Applying for an E3 visa is not the same as it was in 2019. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our lives. Importantly for anyone looking to renew an E-3 visa, it has disrupted US Consulate appointments. Further, past information on which USA Embassy is “best” for visa approvals can no longer be relied upon.
New and proposed USCIS changes to the E3 visa seem to be happening weekly. Therefore, you must understand how these changes effect applying for an E3 visa or other US visas for Australians at US Consulates.
The Australian Community has been working with experts. Our goal is to keep our members up to date on where new E3 visa appointments are available at which USA Embassy. Further, we highlight travel strategies for those applying for an E3 visa and renewing existing US visas for Australians.
If ever there is a time to rely upon experts, now is the time. As the below videos will explain, what may have been a simple process pre COVID-19, is now complex, and a wrong move could have irreparable consequences.
Having access to professional advice is essential to understanding the many pitfalls in applying for an E-3 visa and International travel during COVID-19.
Applying for an E3 visa is not the same as it was in 2019. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our lives. Importantly for anyone looking to renew an E-3 visa, it has disrupted US Consulate appointments. Further, past information on which USA Embassy is “best” for visa approvals can no longer be relied upon.
New and proposed USCIS changes to the E3 visa seem to be happening weekly. Therefore, you must understand how these changes effect applying for an E3 visa or other US visas for Australians at US Consulates.
The Australian Community has been working with experts. Our goal is to keep our members up to date on where new E3 visa appointments are available at which USA Embassy. Further, we highlight travel strategies for those applying for an E3 visa and renewing existing US visas for Australians.
If ever there is a time to rely upon experts, now is the time. As the below videos will explain, what may have been a simple process pre COVID-19, is now complex, and a wrong move could have irreparable consequences.
Thousands of Australians on Green Cards and US work visas face the challenge of opening a US Bank account and accessing US credit.
The main challenge facing these Australian ex-pats is how to open a US Bank account, let alone access US credit without a US Credit Score.
Solution: Members of The Australian Community can access HSBC’s ex-pat banking solutions to open a US Bank account, get a credit card, and even access ex-pat home loans!
Thousands of Australians on Green Cards and US work visas face the challenge of opening a US Bank account and accessing US credit.
The main challenge facing these Australian ex-pats is how to open a US Bank account, let alone access US credit without a US Credit Score.
Solution: Members of The Australian Community can access HSBC’s ex-pat banking solutions to open a US Bank account, get a credit card, and even access ex-pat home loans!
Thousands of Australians on Green Cards and US work visas face the challenge of opening a US Bank account and accessing US credit.
The main challenge facing these Australian ex-pats is how to open a US Bank account, let alone access US credit without a US Credit Score.
Solution: Members of The Australian Community can access HSBC’s ex-pat banking solutions to open a US Bank account, get a credit card, and even access ex-pat home loans!
Thousands of Australians on Green Cards and US work visas face the challenge of opening a US Bank account and accessing US credit.
The main challenge facing these Australian ex-pats is how to open a US Bank account, let alone access US credit without a US Credit Score.
Solution: Members of The Australian Community can access HSBC’s ex-pat banking solutions to open a US Bank account, get a credit card, and even access ex-pat home loans!
For a number of years, we have been publishing data on Australians living in America. This report highlights data directly obtained from the United States Government.
If you wonder how many Australians live in America and how many are just visiting, this article will attempt to answer some of your questions. So naturally, COVID-19 has severely impacted the number of Australians not only entering the U.S. but the number who have repatriated.
Australian Citizens Entering the United States on an I-94
If you wonder how many Australians live in America and how many are just visiting, this article will attempt to answer some of your questions. So naturally, COVID-19 has severely impacted the number of Australians not only entering the U.S. but the number who have repatriated.
Australian Citizens Entering the United States on an I-94
Visitors to this site will know that since 2017 we have featured a number of Australian cafés in our posts. Most are located in the City, but one Aussie Café is located in Upstate New York.
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.
Anthea White and Mark Palmer are accomplished musicians from Sydney, Australia, who have moved to Kingston by way of Brooklyn.
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.
Anthea White and Mark Palmer are accomplished musicians from Sydney, Australia, who have moved to Kingston by way of Brooklyn.
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.
Anthea White and Mark Palmer are accomplished musicians from Sydney, Australia, who have moved to Kingston by way of Brooklyn.
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.
Anthea White and Mark Palmer are accomplished musicians from Sydney, Australia, who have moved to Kingston by way of Brooklyn.
To assist Australians navigate the impact of COVID-19 on the E-3 visa, The Australian Community has recorded a series of interviews with experts. The interviews answer many common questions and address the concerns of Australians during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.
Disclaimer
These videos are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or financial advice. Every individual’s situation is different. If you have a question on E-3 visas and the impact of COVID-19, you can contact the respective professional.
These videos are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or financial advice. Every individual’s situation is different. If you have a question on E-3 visas and the impact of COVID-19, you can contact the respective professional.
Jen Ryan’s move to Mastercard NYC in 2012 elevated her career in corporate Human Resources. The value in starting her own business Life First Coaching: Priceless!
We sat down with Jen over an Americano in the Flatiron District and asked her to share her story.
Jen, where were you born and educated in Australia?
I’m originally from Sydney, having grown up in the Hills district. Later I lived in Newtown, then Manly, which became home and is still my favorite place in the world. I trained as a nurse before moving into a career in corporate HR.
What did you do in Australia before arriving in the US?
I’ve spent more than twenty years in various corporate HR roles, including State Street for seven years, then Mastercard for ten years. I was originally with Mastercard in Sydney for four years before transferring to New York in 2012.
What brought you to the US?
I was very fortunate to be offered a role in Mastercard’s headquarters here in New York. I was originally thinking about a move to Singapore, but that didn’t seem challenging enough. So I reasoned that if I’m going to make a global move, why don’t I make it a big one. Go bold!
What inspired you to start Life First Coaching?
I decided to transition out of corporate work at the end of 2017 and was fortunate to afford to take a risk with this next chapter of my work life. I’ve always enjoyed the coaching aspect of HR and decided to build on that passion. It gave me the energy and drive to focus on building the business. My vision is to help others be the best they can be.
I really believe that we all have the creativity and resourcefulness to solve our challenges and often need help to see that clearly or be challenged to push harder for what we need in our work and personal lives. I enjoy seeing the powerful results that coaching can deliver for clients.
I believe bringing that Australian spirit of being authentic and “getting on with it”, really resonates with clients who are stuck trying to deal with long-standing career or personal challenges.
We sat down with Jen over an Americano in the Flatiron District and asked her to share her story.
Jen, where were you born and educated in Australia?
I’m originally from Sydney, having grown up in the Hills district. Later I lived in Newtown, then Manly, which became home and is still my favorite place in the world. I trained as a nurse before moving into a career in corporate HR.
What did you do in Australia before arriving in the US?
I’ve spent more than twenty years in various corporate HR roles, including State Street for seven years, then Mastercard for ten years. I was originally with Mastercard in Sydney for four years before transferring to New York in 2012.
What brought you to the US?
I was very fortunate to be offered a role in Mastercard’s headquarters here in New York. I was originally thinking about a move to Singapore, but that didn’t seem challenging enough. So I reasoned that if I’m going to make a global move, why don’t I make it a big one. Go bold!
What inspired you to start Life First Coaching?
I decided to transition out of corporate work at the end of 2017 and was fortunate to afford to take a risk with this next chapter of my work life. I’ve always enjoyed the coaching aspect of HR and decided to build on that passion. It gave me the energy and drive to focus on building the business. My vision is to help others be the best they can be.
I really believe that we all have the creativity and resourcefulness to solve our challenges and often need help to see that clearly or be challenged to push harder for what we need in our work and personal lives. I enjoy seeing the powerful results that coaching can deliver for clients.
I believe bringing that Australian spirit of being authentic and “getting on with it”, really resonates with clients who are stuck trying to deal with long-standing career or personal challenges.
We sat down with Jen over an Americano in the Flatiron District and asked her to share her story.
Jen, where were you born and educated in Australia?
I’m originally from Sydney, having grown up in the Hills district. Later I lived in Newtown, then Manly, which became home and is still my favorite place in the world. I trained as a nurse before moving into a career in corporate HR.
What did you do in Australia before arriving in the US?
I’ve spent more than twenty years in various corporate HR roles, including State Street for seven years, then Mastercard for ten years. I was originally with Mastercard in Sydney for four years before transferring to New York in 2012.
What brought you to the US?
I was very fortunate to be offered a role in Mastercard’s headquarters here in New York. I was originally thinking about a move to Singapore, but that didn’t seem challenging enough. So I reasoned that if I’m going to make a global move, why don’t I make it a big one. Go bold!
What inspired you to start Life First Coaching?
I decided to transition out of corporate work at the end of 2017 and was fortunate to afford to take a risk with this next chapter of my work life. I’ve always enjoyed the coaching aspect of HR and decided to build on that passion. It gave me the energy and drive to focus on building the business. My vision is to help others be the best they can be.
I really believe that we all have the creativity and resourcefulness to solve our challenges and often need help to see that clearly or be challenged to push harder for what we need in our work and personal lives. I enjoy seeing the powerful results that coaching can deliver for clients.
I believe bringing that Australian spirit of being authentic and “getting on with it”, really resonates with clients who are stuck trying to deal with long-standing career or personal challenges.
We sat down with Jen over an Americano in the Flatiron District and asked her to share her story.
Jen, where were you born and educated in Australia?
I’m originally from Sydney, having grown up in the Hills district. Later I lived in Newtown, then Manly, which became home and is still my favorite place in the world. I trained as a nurse before moving into a career in corporate HR.
What did you do in Australia before arriving in the US?
I’ve spent more than twenty years in various corporate HR roles, including State Street for seven years, then Mastercard for ten years. I was originally with Mastercard in Sydney for four years before transferring to New York in 2012.
What brought you to the US?
I was very fortunate to be offered a role in Mastercard’s headquarters here in New York. I was originally thinking about a move to Singapore, but that didn’t seem challenging enough. So I reasoned that if I’m going to make a global move, why don’t I make it a big one. Go bold!
What inspired you to start Life First Coaching?
I decided to transition out of corporate work at the end of 2017 and was fortunate to afford to take a risk with this next chapter of my work life. I’ve always enjoyed the coaching aspect of HR and decided to build on that passion. It gave me the energy and drive to focus on building the business. My vision is to help others be the best they can be.
I really believe that we all have the creativity and resourcefulness to solve our challenges and often need help to see that clearly or be challenged to push harder for what we need in our work and personal lives. I enjoy seeing the powerful results that coaching can deliver for clients.
I believe bringing that Australian spirit of being authentic and “getting on with it”, really resonates with clients who are stuck trying to deal with long-standing career or personal challenges.
Zjantelle Cammisa Markel is the principle of Cammisa Markel, a U.S. Immigration law firm in NYC.
Zjantelle and her team have been answering questions and addressing the concerns of her clients post the Presidential Proclamation suspending entry of Non-Immigrants and Immigrants.
Disclaimer
Cammisa Markel has generously permitted The Australian Community to share this information with our members and followers to give you guidance on options that are available during these challenging times.
It is by no means intended to be used as legal advice for your particular situation. Every individual’s situation is different. If you would like to contact Cammisa Markel for legal advice and a strategy particular to your situation, please email: info@cammisamarkel.com.
Presidential Proclamation
In the video below, Zjantelle Cammisa Markel discusses the impact of the Presidential Proclamation on Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas, as well as general advice for Australian expats renewing their visas during COVID-19.
Possibly the greatest ex-pat challenge for Australians moving to New York is finding their first home: Until now!
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides assistance to Australians moving to America. For Australians moving to New York, finding an apartment or buying a home, without a credit history, can be their greatest challenge.
Recent changes to New York law now prohibit Landlords from asking for six or twelve months of rent in advance as a security deposit, in lieu of a good credit score. As a result, many Australian executives in a strong cash position are no longer able to leverage this strategy when negotiating a lease with a Landlord.
We have now arrived at the final chapter of our book. It is fitting that the end of our journey would discuss when is the best time to put New York (or any other U.S. city) in the rear view mirror, and head back to Australia.
This subject matter of this chapter was always going to deal with what can be an agonizing decision for many Australian expats. However with the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, many Australians’ decisions whether to stay, or to go, is being fueled by fear, rather than logic.
This chapter is not intended to give specific tax or legal advice. Every situation is different, so consult with your financial advisor or Immigration attorney for professional advice specific to your circumstances.
They say that there are only two things that are guaranteed in life… It is therefore surprising how few Aussie expats mitigate the later, in case of the former.
In 1978 Australia abolished its death tax. However, whether you and your spouse are a dual Australian/U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card) or Non-Resident Aliens (E-3 et al), understanding how U.S. Estate Tax will impact you in the worst case scenario is very important, yet often overlooked by Australian expats.
This article is not intended to give specific tax or legal advice. It is intended to highlight a potential expat risk that impacts Australians, as well as risk mitigation strategies. Every situation is different, so consult with your estate planner or financial advisor for professional advice specific to your circumstances.
More and more we are seeing Australians relocating their families to New York and other major U.S. cities, where the wife is the E-3 visa holder. As a result, The Australian Community has observed a growing demographic: The E-3Dad.
Many E-3D visa holders are Dads who suddenly find themselves as the primary caregiver to young children and infants. Whether it is a temporary, part-time or more permanent arrangement, the E-3Dad faces a unique set of challenges.
The challenges for the E-3Dad such as finding time for the job hunt are less if the children are in school. However, for those with children under four years of age, there are some short to medium term challenges that need to be understood.
In any given year there are more than 200,000 applications for 65,000 available H-1B visas. For many employers this lengthy and expensive process fails to produce a work visa. As most employers’ experience when hiring non U.S. citizens is the H-1B visa, explaining why the E-3 visa is vastly different is best explained by an Immigration professional.
According to New York State Law, once an Australian ex-pat becomes a New York State resident, they have only 30 days to obtain an NYS drivers license, as their Australian license is no longer valid.
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 to get an NYS drivers license?”
There is no shortage of people on Social Media who think they are smarter than an Immigration attorney. They are regular contributors to Blogs, Facebook groups, and are quick to offer legal advice on visa applications, and other Immigration issues. Unfortunately, not all of this advice is current, and in some instances, completely incorrect.
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.
Starting a family is a big step for any prospective Australian parent. Starting a family whilst living in the US, is going to add an additional layer of complexity – emotionally, legally and financially.
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.
In Chapter 3, we speak of the Expat Continuum. This is a similar model to the one used by corporations to measure their Capability Maturity.
The Expat Continuum has five stages:
Basic
Reactive
Planned
Aligned
Integrated
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).
The Top 5 Differences Australians Notice about New York.
One very famous Australian was quoted as saying “Imagine seven million people all wanting to live together. Yeah, New York must be the friendliest place on earth.”
Pre-conceptions notwithstanding, Australians who move to New York are constantly reminded of the multi faceted differences that separates Australia, and the city that never sleeps. Here are just five of those difference Australians quickly notice.
Top 10 Expat Mistakes + What NOT to post on Social Media
We all make mistakes and most of them you can walk away from with the knowledge of what not to do next time. However, there are some Expat mistakes that you simply cannot just chalk up to experience.
The saying “She’ll be right Mate” may be endearing in Australia, but here in the US, ignorance is not an excuse.
Everything you wanted to know about Expat Filing Requirements – but were afraid to ask!
Many Australians are still coming to grips with the US Tax Code as well as Expat filing requirements. You may feel confident in filing your first E-3 visa, but first time tax filers should seek an “Australian Friendly” US accountant to make sure you have all of your bases covered.
The US Tax Code is complex, and made even more complex for Australians who have foreign income and financial accounts outside of the US.
New York can be an intimidating city for any tourist. As with any metropolis, there are certain tips and unwritten etiquette that if not followed, can leave even the most seasoned traveler suffering the ire of a New Yorker, or worse, victim of a scam.
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.
Transportation around a US city can take many forms. This chapter will look at some of the different options of public and private transportation, as well as helpful tips on safely arriving at your destination.
The fact is that finding work in some of the most competitive cities on the planet is going to be a challenge for most Australians. Landing in a US city with a promise of an E-3 visa is only a ticket to the big league. Without a well planned strategy, you will burn through time and your resources.
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 Networking Communities, where they can make professional connections, access job resources, and learn from the experience of other Australians.
Further, our fast-growing LinkedIn E3 Employment Group is a unique resource that connects Australian Employers, Recruiters, Job Seekers, and Advocates.
Before we speak to the best practices of finding work, we need to cover some of the legalities of searching for work in the United States.
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 Networking Communities, where they can make professional connections, access job resources, and learn from the experience of other Australians.
Further, our fast-growing LinkedIn E3 Employment Group is a unique resource that connects Australian Employers, Recruiters, Job Seekers, and Advocates.
Before we speak to the best practices of finding work, we need to cover some of the legalities of searching for work in the United States.
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 Networking Communities, where they can make professional connections, access job resources, and learn from the experience of other Australians.
Further, our fast-growing LinkedIn E3 Employment Group is a unique resource that connects Australian Employers, Recruiters, Job Seekers, and Advocates.
Before we speak to the best practices of finding work, we need to cover some of the legalities of searching for work in the United States.
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 Networking Communities, where they can make professional connections, access job resources, and learn from the experience of other Australians.
Further, our fast-growing LinkedIn E3 Employment Group is a unique resource that connects Australian Employers, Recruiters, Job Seekers, and Advocates.
Before we speak to the best practices of finding work, we need to cover some of the legalities of searching for work in the United States.
In 1887 Oscar Wilde wrote: “We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language.” This observation is very true for Australians who move to the US.
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.
Several times in this book, we have suggested that priority should be given to overcoming challenges that effect your, Health, Liberty and Finances. This chapter addresses the first: Health Insurance.
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 of a very different Health Care system.
To enlighten the reader, and demystify some of the nomenclatures, the following are important terms and concepts that will make navigating the U.S. healthcare system less complicated.
Australians have a capacity to be direct, and a book written by Australians should be nothing less. Think of this chapter as your friends dishing out some tough love. They just want to be sure that you can separate fact from fiction.
Let’s first address the Elephant in the room
For those who move to the U.S. 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 U.S. 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.
There is a saying: “You do not choose New York – New York chooses you”. There are numerous examples of Australians who arrive in the US with great expectations, yet return to Australia within a few months, shattered emotionally and financially drained.
Not having a solid plan in place before arriving in the U.S. is typically the No1 reason why Australians return home early.
In our book Moving to the US for Aussies, we discuss a check list of basic needs before moving to the United States. 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?
Moving to America from Australia is a huge decision for any Aussie. We hope that you enjoy reading our first chapter: Surviving the first 30 days.
COVID-19 Preface
COVID-19 has caused immeasurable hardships and created havoc for International travelers. Much of the content in this book assumes that we are not in the midst of a Global Pandemic.
Rather than remove content for this second edition, we retained the content as there are still Australians who are successfully obtaining Green Cards and visas and moving to America.
Pre-Flight Check List when moving to America
Just as your pilot runs through a checklist before heading down the runway, you too must create a checklist to ensure that when you arrive at your destination, you will have a smooth landing.
Below are some items that should be on your personal checklist for moving to America.
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. Our Mission is to connect Australians living in New York through Professional, Social and Charitable initiatives.
Australians in New York.
Based in New York City, we are the preeminent non-profit organization for professional Australians living in New York.
Our member services assist Australians to connect through a private Enterprise Social Network that facilitates 1:1 connections. Most importantly, it also contains the largest private Australian knowledge base in North America.
Over the past decade, The Australian Community has assisted tens of thousands of Australians living in New York and across America. Therefore, we have extensive experience in meeting the professional needs of Australians moving to New York.
Importantly, we publicly share information for those considering the move to New York through our website, social media, and our Book: Moving to the US for Aussies. First published in 2017, it is the definitive guide for Australians moving to New York.
Whether you are an Australian in New York or another U.S. city, our non-profit services can connect you with other professional Australians in New York.
Our Members transfer millions of dollars every year for business and personal needs.
Compare our rates on AUD to USD, USD to AUD, AUD to GBP, and more than 30 other currencies. See how much you can save through The Australian Community’s preferred FOREX rate.
Our Yammer Network hosts the largest private Australian knowledge base in North America. It also directly connects you to more than 1,000 other professional Australians.
From Accounting to Visas, Employment to Tax, our private network hosts more than thirty private groups based on Industry, Interest, and Location.
Want to make new Australian connections in New York and other cities in America? Our virtual events are an excellent opportunity to meet other like-minded Australians living in the United States.
Beginning later in 2021 we have In-Person events planned for New York.
The Ultimate Expat Guide for Australians moving to New York.
Firstly, rather than relying on the individual experience of self-proclaimed experts, our book Moving to the US for Aussies is the culmination of years of knowledge captured from the collective experiences of thousands of Australian members of our non-profit organization.
Further, each of the twenty chapters covers important topics such as:
Employment
Immigration
Health Insurance
Tax
Renting your first Apartment and
Overcoming common ex-pat challenges
All designed to give Australians an insight into ex-pat life in the USA.
The Video In the video below, Ashley Murphy, GFP (USA/AUS) CFP® AIF®, discusses the Top 5 Financial Issues that Australian Ex-Pats living in America often do not understand, and can be financially devastating if given the wrong advice. https://youtu.be/8p7zujxckLs Top…
This article will help HR Departments understand the benefits of hiring an Australian National on an E3 Visa and how it is very different from an H1-B Visa. The E3 is for Australian professionals and is available all year. The…
If you are an Australian legally seeking full-time employment in America, we understand the challenges you are currently facing. The Australian Community has been finding jobs in America for Australians on the E3 visa for more than a decade. Our…
For more than a decade The Australian Community has assisted Australians and Australian businesses in their transition to America. However, the real impact of our social, professional, and charitable achievements has gone mostly unnoticed. This is all about to change…
The first question asked by any Australian with their signature barely dry on their job offer is “Which U.S. consulate is best to get an E3 visa appointment?” Since COVID shut down U.S. consulates in early 2020, it has been…
Access US Credit using your Australian Credit History The Australian Community has partnered with Nova Credit, a cross-border credit bureau, to offer you the opportunity to apply for premium credit cards in the U.S. Nova Credit allows you to use…
The Australian Community has always recognized the unique challenges faced by Australian living and working in New York, so it has recorded a Podcast series where our members discuss their personal experiences.
Below are excerpts from our conversation with Nathan.
Finding better ways to connect Australians living in the US is core to our Mission. Therefore, we are very pleased to announce our latest initiative: The Australian Community Mentoring Initiative.
The Australian Community already has programs to assist our members with overcoming many of the challenges of living in the US. The Australian Community Mentoring Initiative is the next step in assisting our members to accelerate their careers to the next level.
Over the past seven years, The Australian Community has connected over 5,800 Australians living in New York. We reached out to members who have returned home, and asked them to share their perspective on living in NYC and their transition back to Australia.
What advice would you give to Aussies contemplating the move to NYC?
Over the past seven years, The Australian Community has connected over 5,800 Australians living in New York. We reached out to members who have returned home, and asked them to share their perspective on living in NYC and their transition back to Australia.
Over the past seven years, The Australian Community has connected over 5,800 Australians living in New York. We reached out to members who have returned home, and asked them to share their perspective on living in NYC and the transition back to Australia.
The Australian community has always recognized the unique challenges faced by our women members, and has recorded a Podcast series discussing some of those challenges.
Below are excerpts from our conversation with Kathleen.
Kathleen Simmonds is an Actor and Producer, and joins us for a coffee and a conversation in New York.
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.
According to the CDC, there were a total of 8,882 annual new cases of Melanoma diagnosed in NYC and Long Island, of whom, 1,015 died.
The fact is that finding work in one of the most competitive cities on the planet is going to be a challenge for most Australians.
Landing in a US city with a freshly minted J-1 or Green Card is only a ticket to the big league. 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 (a US public charity) have access to a Community Job Fair inside a private social media network. There they can find “Australian Friendly” recruiters, make professional connections, access job resources and learn from the experience of other Australians.
On Wednesday June 14, 2017 The Australian Community held a private networking event at Bluestone Lane’s DUMBO location in New York to record a video of the Top 10 Questions asked of The Australian Community.
Some of the answers captured in the thirty minute video revealed a number of common mistakes (and incorrect assumptions) made by Australian expats living in New York and the broader US.
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to connect Australians living in America. Below are the Top 10 reasons why thousands of Australians living in the United States have connected with The Australian Community.
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to connect Australians living in America. Below are the Top 10 reasons why thousands of Australians living in the United States have connected with The Australian Community.
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to connect Australians living in America. Below are the Top 10 reasons why thousands of Australians living in the United States have connected with The Australian Community.
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to connect Australians living in America. Below are the Top 10 reasons why thousands of Australians living in the United States have connected with The Australian Community.
Diving into the deepest end of the most shark-infested pool on the planet may be a risky decision when it comes to taking your career to the next level. However, without a professional or social lifeline, Australians living in the USA will face some serious challenges.
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to connect Australians living in America. Below are the Top 10 reasons why thousands of Australians living in the United States have connected with The Australian Community.
Diving into the deepest end of the most shark-infested pool on the planet may be a risky decision when it comes to taking your career to the next level. However, without a professional or social lifeline, Australians living in the USA will face some serious challenges.
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to connect Australians living in America. Below are the Top 10 reasons why thousands of Australians living in the United States have connected with The Australian Community.
