For any Employer submitting an E3 Labor Condition Application, listing the correct Prevailing Wage is essential. The table below is from the US Department of Labor FLAG system that lists the latest Certified E3 Visa LCA data. This E3 Labor Condition Application Data is for informational purposes and publicly available on the Department of Labor’s website. This information can also assist you understand your expected salary if considering taking a position with a US Company. For Employers, this data takes away the mystery of what is the Prevailing Wage of a specific position when filing an LCA for an Australian on an E3 Visa. The Labor Condition Application process is very straightforward. The Employer files a LCA Form ETA 9035 online with the Department of Labor. Instructions and video tutorials for filing an LCA are found on the Department of Labor’s website. While the form references the H1-B visa, as the DoL’s website states, this…
Thousands of Australians on US visas face the challenge of opening US Bank and Credit Card accounts before they get a SSN.
The main challenge facing Australian ex-pats is how to open a US Bank account, let alone access US credit without a US Credit Score or a Social Security Number.
Solution: The Australian Community, through a partnership with Adro’s Ex-pat Banking Platform can open US Checking, Savings and Credit Card accounts before (or after) they arrive in America!
Thousands of Australians on US visas face the challenge of opening US Bank and Credit Card accounts before they get a SSN.
The main challenge facing Australian ex-pats is how to open a US Bank account, let alone access US credit without a US Credit Score or a Social Security Number.
Solution: The Australian Community, through a partnership with Adro’s Ex-pat Banking Platform can open US Checking, Savings and Credit Card accounts before (or after) they arrive in America!
The Australian Community has been providing guidance for Australians seeking work on the E3 visa for more than a decade. If you are legally seeking full-time employment in America, we understand the challenges of how to get a job in America. Therefore, this post is for informational purposes for those looking to understand how to make jobs in America for Australians more accessible. The first roadblock to finding work in America is attempting to do it from Australia. Although we live in a changing work environment where remote workers are common, most American companies will not interview applicants outside the United States. For those reading this in the U.S., you have already made it through the first challenge. Jobs in America for Australians on the E3 Visa. To assist Australians understand how to find work in America, The Australian Community has created a series of seminars times to allow participants…
If you are an Ex-Pat and have a question about living in America, we have great news… You can now ask Joey, America’s first Australian Ex-Pat AI!
For nearly a decade, The Australian Community’s Yammer Network answered ex-pat questions and became the largest private Australian ex-pat knowledge base in America. This vast knowledge base is now publicly available simply by asking Joey, our AI volunteer!
Typically, Australian ex-pats use a search engine when they have a question and then have to wade through pages of information and Blog articles until they get an answer. With Joey, you type in a question, and you get the concise answer – specifically in the context of an ex-pat!
Like any AI, answers are dodgy at best without a well-constructed Model of behavior and an ethical, curated knowledge base. We have been testing Joey to ensure that the answers and information are relevant and delivered in a friendly, typically Australian language.
Meet Joey!
Joey speaks to key initiatives of our non-profit organization.
Just Ask Joey!
Over the past decade, we have amassed America’s largest private Australian knowledge base. This knowledge can now be accessed through Joey, our AI Volunteer.
Anyone can easily ask questions on Topics and Conversations with answers based on the knowledge of thousands of Australians in America.
Of course, Joey can make mistakes like any AI, but we closely monitor Joey’s answers and retrain any anomalies so that the next time the same question is asked, it gives the best response.
Our Corporate Sponsors, Australian artists, and cultural events are also winners of this Australian AI. Joey is trained to include events happening in our organization and mention our Corporate Sponsors when questions align with their products and services.
If you have any feedback on our Australian AI, you can tell Joey. We will get the memo!
Open US Bank and Credit Card Accounts from Australia and have instant access when you land!
Step 1: Open a US bank account before you leave Australia
The Australian Community offers a convenient and efficient way to open US bank and credit card accounts from Australia, even before you get a Social Security Number.
Step 2: Fund your newly opened US account with a Preferred Rate on AUD to USD negotiated for our Members with OFX.
Register and see why our Preferred Rate beats Australian Banks and major online FOREX services to stretch your AU Dollar further!
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.
Learn more about the benefits of joining The Australian Community in America.
When COVID shut down U.S. Consulates in early 2020, it was a struggle for Australians to get an E3 visa appointment. Subsequently, when a U.S. Consulate opened up, a surge of appointment applications flooded in. Suddenly the wait for a visa at the newly opened Consulate would be up to six months!
It was 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!
More U.S. Consulates Approving E3 Visas
The Australian Community has access to the latest consular data, which shows where E3 visas are being processed worldwide and helps you determine which U.S. Consulate to visit for your next E3 visa appointment.
The first question asked by any Australian with their signature barely dry on their job offer is “Where in the World do I get an E3 visa appointment?”
When COVID shut down U.S. Consulates in early 2020, it was a struggle for Australians to get an E3 visa appointment. Subsequently, when a U.S. Consulate opened up, a surge of appointment applications flooded in. Suddenly the wait for a visa at the newly opened Consulate would be up to six months!
It was 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!
More U.S. Consulates Approving E3 Visas
The Australian Community has access to the latest consular data, which shows where E3 visas are being processed worldwide and helps you determine which U.S. Consulate to visit for your next E3 visa appointment.
Join us for possibly the most prescriptive approach to how Australians find work in America. Learn from the collective experience of thousands of Australians who have successfully found work in America. Ask questions.
This Zoom event caters to Australians who are somewhat frustrated with their job-seeking efforts and are looking for prescriptive guidance on how to find work.
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 Supervised 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 regular work hours.
Control
Supervising and pro bono attorneys who participate in our program are instructed 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.
Open US Bank and Credit Card Accounts from Australia and have instant access when you land!
Step 1: Open a US bank account before you leave Australia
The Australian Community offers a convenient and efficient way to open US bank and credit card accounts from Australia, even before you get a Social Security Number.
Step 2: Fund your newly opened US account with a Preferred Rate on AUD to USD negotiated for our Members with OFX.
Register and see why our Preferred Rate beats Australian Banks and major online FOREX services to stretch your AU Dollar further!
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.
Learn more about the benefits of joining The Australian Community in America.
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 other ex-pat tax services 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 specializes in expat tax services such as advice on double taxation and FBAR, 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 time to record an interview with members of EFPR’s International Tax Group to speak to some of the expat 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.
We spoke with Kevin Hill, Richele Sharn, and Scott Buckley of EFPR’s International Tax Group. EFPR Group is an Accounting firm of CPAs ex-pat tax services across the United States, and Internationally.
05:05 What are some of the typical mistakes Australians make with their U.S. taxes?
08:24 FBAR filings and Superannuation: What if I am delinquent in my filing?
10:08 Repatriation: Some important tax considerations.
12:01 The HEART Act and its tax impact on Green Card holders and U.S. Citizens who relinquish citizenship.
14:41 How a team approach can benefit you the client.
17:25 Why having U.S. and Australian Wills are essential for Australian expats.
19:19 EFPR Expat Tax Guides – available for download.
You can visit EFPR Group’s website at https://efprgroup.com to learn more about their ex-pat tax services, or you can contact EFPR Group via email: itax@efprgroup.com or call Kimberly Crevelling on +1 585 340 5186.
Other Important Videos
Before you send money Overseas!
Use this Currency Converter to gauge how much money you could save over your existing FOREX service by accessing The Australian Community’s Preferred OFX Rate.
Currencies can fluctuate by the minute. This Converter is indicative of the Preferred OFX Rate at this time.
However, once you register and access our Preferred OFX Rate, you will see the current converted rate, and the converted amount before making your transfer.
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.
Did you find this article helpful? Make a Donation!
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are fully tax-deductible under the IRS Code.
Every Australian Ex-Pat in the US will experience two carousel moments. The first is when you arrive and are standing at an airport carousel waiting for your bags.
In that moment a wave of emotion washes over you, a combination of excitement and cold sweat when you ask yourself the question “What have I just done?”
The other is having said goodbye to America and you are standing at an airport carousel in Australia. For many repatriating Australians, in this moment the question is “Did I pull up stumps too early?”
2024 is a critical year for Australian ex-pats living in the US who have been on the fence about repatriation. On top of all of the personal and professional challenges they have overcome since arriving, they also made it through a Pandemic.
Let’s be clear, repatriation is a permanent solution to what could be a temporary problem. Just ask the thousands of Australians who pulled the proverbial pin in 2020/2021 and now regret leaving too soon.
Therefore, one of our charitable activities in 2024 is to provide an Australian Ex-Pat in the US with as much unvarnished data to factor into any decision – cue The Clash’s 1982 hit.
If you have not done so, consider becoming a member or follow our social media to keep up with developments.
Open US Bank and Credit Card Accounts from Australia and have instant access when you land!
Step 1: Open a US bank account before you leave Australia
The Australian Community offers a convenient and efficient way to open US bank and credit card accounts from Australia, even before you get a Social Security Number.
Step 2: Fund your newly opened US account with a Preferred Rate on AUD to USD negotiated for our Members with OFX.
Register and see why our Preferred Rate beats Australian Banks and major online FOREX services to stretch your AU Dollar further!
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.
Learn more about the benefits of joining The Australian Community in America.
Below are the Top 5 reasons why thousands of Australian Ex-Pats connect with The Australian Community in America.
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 America will face some serious challenges. Australian Community in America.
#5 We are a Non-Profit:
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, revenue is reinvested into funding our member programs, as well as social and professional events.
Many Australians connect with our organization to give back by sharing their knowledge and experience with other members.
If you are an Australian living in America, applying for membership is as simple as following the link on this page! As we are a U.S. Public Charity, all donations are tax-deductible.
#4 Professional Connections:
With thousands of Australian connections in the United States, our organization can introduce you to other Australians who are important to growing your business, or who can assist with advancing your career.
It is especially important for Job Seekers to connect with Allies who can assist with understanding the work culture of their company or share how they found work in America.
#3 In-Person and Virtual Events:
Let’s be real, we did not move to the U.S. for the bagels. Most Australians are here to challenge themselves and see how well they compete in one of the world’s toughest markets.
As a member, you always receive invitations to special events. Further members receive complimentary access to events that non-members pay to attend.
As we are a National organization, not everyone can attend an In-Person Event. We often host virtual events that focus on specific challenges facing ex-pats or feature an Australian Short Film with interviews with the Filmmaker.
These events are always complimentary for our members to attend.
#2 Access to Member Programs and Discounts:
The real value of membership to an Ex-pat organization is rarely measured in dollars and cents. However, not only does The Australian Community provide soft value through social and professional connections, but also access to a suite of products and services offered by our Corporate Members.
Since 2012, The Australian Community has been assisting our members open Bank and Credit Card accounts in the US – with or without a Social Security Number!
Through our relationship with Adro, our members can open accounts from Australia or in the US with or without a SSN. See the link to also receive $50 when you open an account. Conditions apply.
Our members can now register through a special link and access a preferred rate on their international wire transfers! This is a much deeper discount than OFX’s standard rate, and it is one of the best rates available in the market.
It is also saving members thousands of dollars each year on personal and business money transfers over other FOREX services.
For those looking to travel to Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is offering a 5% discount to our members on travel to and from Australia via Hawaii, direct from JFK, as well as flights from other US cities. Australian Community in America.
Other member benefits include access to a Free U.S. Will.
#1 You become a Member of The Australian Community in America:
New York has a long history of nationalities banding together to overcome social and professional challenges. In part, The Australian Community performs this function.
By supporting The Australian Community through membership, it ensures that we continue providing services to Australians who moving to or are living in the United States.
Open US Bank and Credit Card Accounts from Australia and have instant access when you land!
Step 1: Open a US bank account before you leave Australia
The Australian Community offers a convenient and efficient way to open US bank and credit card accounts from Australia, even before you get a Social Security Number.
Step 2: Fund your newly opened US account with a Preferred Rate on AUD to USD negotiated for our Members with OFX.
Register and see why our Preferred Rate beats Australian Banks and major online FOREX services to stretch your AU Dollar further!
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.
Did you find this article helpful? Would you like to make a Donation!
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are fully tax-deductible under the IRS Code.
Moving to America from Australia is a huge decision for Aussies. 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 to gain an insight into ex-pat life in the USA.
Moving to America from Australia is a huge decision for Aussies. 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 to gain an insight into ex-pat life in the USA.
This article will help you understand the E3 Visa, the benefits of hiring an Australian National on an E3, and how it is very different from an H1-B Visa. Many HR departments do not understand the E3 visa: A Specialty visa for Australian professionals that is available all year. The cost is di minimus, and the employee can start working for the company in as little as a few weeks. E3 Visa Highlights: The E3 visa is a specialty occupation visa that allows Australian nationals to work in America, in two-year increments. The visa can be renewed indefinitely in two-year increments as long as the Australian can show ties to Australia and the Australian national has the intention to repatriate. It is not uncommon for an Australian to have worked for more than 10 years with the same employer, on the same E3 visa. An Australian can also transition from…
The September 11 2021 Australian flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green commemorated the Ten Australians who perished at Ground Zero on the twentieth anniversary.
With the cooperation of Government, Military, and Civilian organizations, the 20th Anniversary Flag Raising ceremony at Bowling Green featured special performances by leading Australian artists.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendees were limited to comply with NYC Parks and New York State Regulations. Social distancing and hygiene protocols were in effect.
Saturday, September 11, 2021, marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The Australian Community commemorated this occasion with a special flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green in NYC.
The September 11 2021 Australian flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green commemorated the Ten Australians who perished at Ground Zero on the twentieth anniversary.
With the cooperation of Government, Military, and Civilian organizations, the 20th Anniversary Flag Raising ceremony at Bowling Green featured special performances by leading Australian artists.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendees were limited to comply with NYC Parks and New York State Regulations. Social distancing and hygiene protocols were in effect.
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.
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.
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.
Possibly the greatest expat 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.
Explaining the E-3 Visa to an Employer. Many HR departments do not understand the E3 visa: A Specialty visa for Australian professionals that is available all year. The cost is di minimus, and the employee can start working for the company in as little as a few weeks. E3 Visa Highlights: The E3 visa is a specialty occupation visa that allows Australian nationals to work in America, in two-year increments. The visa can be renewed indefinitely in two-year increments as long as the Australian can show ties to Australia and the Australian national has the intention to repatriate. It is not uncommon for an Australian to have worked for more than 10 years with the same employer, on the same E3 visa. An Australian can also transition from an E3 to a Green Card. The role must require a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent through twelve years of work experience or…
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?”
But the law is the law. If you are caught speeding, or involved in a fender bender, lying to a cop (or worse still, a State Trooper) about how long you have lived in New York, your day is going from bad to worse in less than a New York minute.
Definition of Resident per Section 250 (5) of the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law: “As used in this section, the term ‘resident’ shall mean domiciliary, that is, one who lives in this state with the intention of making it a fixed and permanent abode. It shall be presumptive evidence that a person who maintains a place of abode in this state for a period of at least ninety days is a resident of this state.”
So once you have met the NY State residency; i.e. maintained a New York address for 90 days, you have two choices. One is to run the risk of being charged with a misdemeanor. This understandably could have serious consequences the next time you reenter the US as it may be on your permanent record.
The other is to obey the law and apply for an NYS Learner Permit. Australians typically have years of experience driving, so most find getting their NY State Driver License a no-brainer.
The Process.
Step 1: Study the NYS Drivers License Road Rules.
You can go to the NYS DMV website to study and then take the online practice test. Each state has its own website, and here is New York’s:
Step 2: Get your Learner Permit by sitting the Road Rules Test.
Go to your local DMV and sit the Road Rules Test. It is a multiple-choice test with around fifteen questions, that take about twenty minutes to complete. The questions are similar to the online test.
Be sure to pass!
A temporary learner permit will be issued after you pass the test, and your card will be mailed to you in about two weeks. There is good news for ex-pats with a current Australian license. Once you have a NY State learner permit, you are allowed to drive unsupervised if you want to fly solo.
Step 3: Register with a Driving School.
There are dozens in New York and you can search the web or use Yelp to find one closest to you.
Step 4: Take the 5-hour pre-licensing course.
You will be subjected to hours of videos talking about basic road rules. This can be quite mundane as much of it you will already know. However, there will probably be a few things uncovered that you did not know, so it is nonetheless a valuable experience.
Step 5: Take a few driving lessons.
You may only need one or two lessons to get the feel of driving on the right-hand side of the road. Alternatively, if you live in New York, have a friend drive you across the GWB to a New Jersey Mall in Bergan County on a Sunday as they are closed. It’s like having your own private driving course!
You can go to town practicing left and right turns, three-point turns as well as parallel (reverse) parking with minimal risk of hitting another vehicle – curbs, posts, and other inanimate objects notwithstanding.
Driving on the right-hand side of the road can be quite a frightening experience, even for the most seasoned Aussie driver. A simple Mantra when driving in the US is to repeat “Keep Right, Keep Right, Keep Right”. That way, whether you are going in a straight line, or making left or right turns, you are assured to be reminded which is the correct lane, and the side of the road to be driving!
Step 6: Take the road test.
Be sure to pick a DMV in a quiet neighborhood. Also, have a friend or your driving instructor take you there. If you drive there by yourself, it may be difficult to explain why you are driving unsupervised on a learner permit!
The road test takes ten to fifteen minutes. With wait times, it could take up to an hour. Watch out for the automatic fails including speeding, crossing the road divider line, and mounting the curb.
Step 7: You are mailed your NY State Driver License.
Assuming you pass, your NY State Driver License will automatically be mailed to you in about two weeks’ time.
You are now good to go!
Why you should get a NY State Driver License.
The NY State DMV has created a video highlighting the differences between the new REAL ID, the Enhanced Driver License, and the traditional New York State license.
Most Australians will not qualify for the Enhanced Driver License as you must be a US citizen, but the Real license can be used for ID to fly domestically and enter US Federal buildings.
This is another great reason to get your NY State license as eliminates the need to carry your Passport for ID when flying on US Domestic flights!
Click here to read “Moving to the US for Aussies” from the beginning.
Open US Bank and Credit Card Accounts from Australia and have instant access when you land!
Step 1: Open a US bank account before you leave Australia
The Australian Community offers a convenient and efficient way to open US bank and credit card accounts from Australia, even before you get a Social Security Number.
Step 2: Fund your newly opened US account with a Preferred Rate on AUD to USD negotiated for our Members with OFX.
Register and see why our Preferred Rate beats Australian Banks and major online FOREX services to stretch your AU Dollar further!
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.
Learn more about the benefits of joining The Australian Community in America.
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 advice is always to seek a professional who understands your specific situation and has the knowledge and resources to resolve any immigration challenges facing Australian expats living and working in the US.
If you would like to be connected to an immigration lawyer (or any other professional), please email joey@aucommunity.org and someone will get back to you shortly.
Before you send money Overseas!
Use this Currency Converter to gauge how much money you could save over your existing FOREX service by accessing The Australian Community’s Preferred OFX Rate.
Currencies can fluctuate by the minute. This Converter is indicative of the Preferred OFX Rate at this time.
However, once you register and access our Preferred OFX Rate, you will see the current converted rate, and the converted amount before making your transfer.
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.
Did you find this article helpful? Make a Donation!
The Australian Community is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are fully tax-deductible under the IRS Code.
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Learn more about the benefits of joining The Australian Community in America.
Starting a family is a big step for any prospective Australian parent. Starting a family while living in the US will 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.
How Australians find work in America 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 to assist in the job hunt. They include professional connections, access to job resources, and learning from the experience of other Australians. Before we speak to the best practices for finding work, we need to cover some of the legalities of searching for work in the United States. Immigrant Intent We touched on this concept in an earlier chapter. A U.S. Border Protection Agent (BPA) is the first Agent you speak with before entering America. If they…
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.
Decoding US Health Insurance 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. Click here to access the New York State of Health website where you can see if you qualify for Government-sponsored Health Insurance. If you are working, then your employer will offer you health insurance. Depending on the size of your company, your choices in health coverage may be limited. You may also…
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.
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.
Not having a solid plan in place before arriving in the U.S. is typically the No1 reason why Australians return home early.
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 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.
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.
Q: 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.
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.
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.
