Where to get an 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

Fortunately, over this past year, we have seen U.S. Consulates reopening. Therefore, more E3 visa appointment times have become available. In August of 2022, 583 E3 visas were approved which was the highest number since mid-2019.

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 look to for booking your next E3 visa appointment.

Knowing where E3 visas are being processed broadens your choices of where to go for your appointment.

September 2023 E3 Visa Consular Approvals.

As you scroll through the September 2023 data, there are some standouts:

  • Sydney was number #1, but down considerably from August with only 108 E3s, 98 E3Ds, and 76 E3Rs approved.
  • Melbourne was also down sharply and came in second with just 47, 48, and 35 respectively.
  • London was in perennial third place with 38, 24 and 59.
  • Perth was down from 13 E3s in August to just 7 in September
  • Bridgetown, processed 16 E3, 5 E3D, and 5 E3R visas.
  • Paris did not get a Guernsey, but we welcomed newcomers Surabaya and Windhoek to the list, each with one E3.
  • Special mention to the Aussie who travels to Kathmandu for his or her E3.

In all, only 283 new E3 visas were approved at U.S. consulates in September. This was a disappointing number as it is down 147 from last month.

E3 Visa Appointment Wait Times

As they say in Financial Service, “past performance is not indicative of future returns”. For a full list of current U.S. Consulate visa appointment wait times visit the Visa Appointment Wait Times (US Dept of State) website.

It appears that U.S. Consulates are now able to process the demand for new E-3 visa applications in much shorter periods of time. We are seeing the “real” number of monthly visa applications monthly, and not a trend to the low or high due to appointment restrictions or backlogs being processed.

We are seeing a trend line develop indicating c.350 E3 visas per month.

How many E3 visas will be approved in 2023?

So far, 3,192 E3 visas have been approved at US Consulates in 2023. Notwithstanding I-129 E3 approvals, based on this latest data we are lowering our expectation to less than 4,500 E3 approvals in 2023.

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.


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.

 

Join The Australian Community.

Learn more about the benefits of joining The Australian Community in America.

Top 5 Reasons to Join The Australian Community in America

Below are the Top 5 reasons why thousands of Australian E-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.

Below are the Top 5 reasons why thousands of Australian E-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.

Top 10 Tips Australian Job Seekers in America

Here are our Top 10 Tips for Australian Job Seekers in America to better understand the nuances of finding work.

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, Australian job seekers in America will quickly start to accumulate some very unnecessary scar tissue.

Members of The Australian Community (a US public charity) have access to a series of educational videos on our YouTube Channel. There they can learn from the experience of other Australians who have successfully found work.

Jobs in America for Australians

The Australian Community has been providing guidance for Australians seeking work for more than a decade.

If you are legally seeking full-time employment in America, we understand the challenges of finding jobs in America for Australians.

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.

Moving to America from Australia: The Book

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.

September 11 2021 Australian Flag Raising

9/11 Flag Raising in New York

20th Anniversary Commemoration of 9/11

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.

Australians in the USA

Australians in America

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

Australians living in the USA

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 the U.S?

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.

Australians in the USA
Australians professionals in the USA

Community Job Fair

The Australian Community is proactively connecting Australians in the USA to Employers and Recruiters.

We provide Australian job seekers with the resources to find work in the United States.

Is Our FOREX Rate Better Than Yours?

If you currently use Transferwise or XE, the answer is Yes!

Our Members transfer millions of dollars every year for business and personal needs. 

See how much you can save through The Australian Community’s preferred FOREX rate. It’s FREE to sign up and compare!

Best Forex Rate
Australians in the USA

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.

Access U.S. Credit Cards.

Learn how Australians can quickly apply for U.S. credit using their Australian credit history! 

Our relationship with leading U.S. financial institutions overcomes this most basic challenge for Australians in the USA.

Moving to New York from Australia
Australians in the USA

Events

Do you want to make new Australian professional and social connections? 

Our in-person and virtual events are an excellent opportunity to meet other like-minded Australians living in the United States.

Executive Search for Employers

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!.

Australians in the USA

Our Podcasts

Connecting Australian in the USA

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to keep up with Immigration and Taxation updates, Community Events, and professional ex-pat advice. 

Our TAC Talks discuss topics ranging from Career Advancement to Repatriation.

Hear #thoughtleadership from Australian CEOs on navigating the challenges of #businesscontinuity during COVID.

Connecting Australian Lawyers in the USA

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.

Australians in the USA

Corporate Sponsorship

Connecting Australian Businesses in the USA

Our Corporate Memberships promote closer engagement between Sponsors and tens of thousands of Australians living in America.

Therefore, Corporate Sponsorships are available in tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

About The Australian Community

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 Sponsors

Make a Tax-Deductible Donation

Our organization relies on the generosity of its members and supporters to continue our good work, assisting Australians living in the United States.

Please consider making 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.

 

Pro Bono Program for Australian Lawyers

Meeting the 50 Hour Pro Bono Requirement

Pro Bono Program for Australian Lawyers.

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.

Trisha Sircar, Partner Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

Connection

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 [email protected] 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.

How Many Australians Living in New York?

How many Australians living in New York is a question that is often asked, but challenging to answer. This report attempts to answer the perennial question based on data directly obtained from the US Government.

We can see from the data that COVID-19 severely impacted the number of Australians entering the U.S. on tourist visas. A separate report answers the number of Australian who repatriated in 2020.

Much of this report is based on I-94 data – that is every time an Australian enters the US – and not the number of unique Australians living in America. Looking at the raw I-94 data we can see that the vast majority of Australians entering the US are on tourist visas.

Australian Citizens Entering the United States on an I-94

2022 I-94 data has not been released, but based on the surge of non-immigrant visas in 2022, we can interpolate that there were around one million Australian tourist crossings into the U.S. This is well above the 23,096 in 2021 and 532,815 in 2020.

However, the number is well below the 1,369,855 border crossings by tourists in 2019.

Aussie Cafés in NY – and where to find them: Village Coffee and Goods

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.

Navigating the Impact of COVID-19: A Guide for E-3 visa holders.

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.

You can watch all of our videos on our YouTube Channel.

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.

You can watch all of our videos on our YouTube Channel.

How to Find and Rent your first Apartment without a Credit History

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.

New York in the Rear View Mirror: Chapter 20

New York in the Rear View Mirror

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.

Death and Taxes: Chapter 19

Death and Taxes

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.

The E-3Dad: Chapter 18

The E-3Dad

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: Chapter 17

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:

Understand the E3 Visa – Soup to Nuts

The first step in any onboarding of an employee is an offer letter. An E3 visa requires a more detailed Letter of Support.

Letter of Support Example

To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is being submitted in support of the E-3 visa petition filed by [Company Name] on behalf of [Employee], a citizen of Australia.
The [Department] of [Company] intends to [employ/continue employing] [Employee] as a full-time [Title] with an annual salary of $N. This will involve [list duties from Job Description]. 
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in [Field/s] and all other minimum and desirable qualifications such as [List other qualifications from Job Description].
[Employee] is extremely qualified for this position. [he/she] received [his/her] degree in [Field] from [Institution]. [Briefly describe work history and any accomplishments, special skills, and/or other notable qualifications making him/her especially suited to or qualified for this position].
[If the request is for visa renewal, state whether any terms or conditions of employment have changed since the prior E-3 visa was filed. Also explain the reasons for requesting an extension of employment].
Because of [Employee]’s outstanding background, we wish to [employ/continue employing] [him/her]. We will end this appointment upon the expiration of the authorized period of stay, including any subsequent extensions of stay that are granted.
Your kind attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,

Labor Condition Application

The Employer also needs to file a Labor Condition Application 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 form is also used for the E3 visa.

Usually, after five business days, the Employer can check online to see if the LCA is Certified through the Foreign Labor Application Gateway or FLAG portal.

DS-160 Application

Once the LCA has been certified, the Australian national employee will then complete a DS-160 application. The DS-160 takes about ninety minutes to complete.

After a DS-160 is completed, the Employee can apply for a visa appointment at any U.S. Consulate outside the U.S. Wait times can be dependent on local Consulates and access to certain consulates may be restricted due to COVID. However, it is possible for an appointment to be scheduled, and a subsequent emergency appointment sought to reduce the wait time to a few weeks.

Booking and attending a Consular Appointment

Consular Appointment wait times can be checked by using the U.S. State Department website. You can use the USTravelDocs website or the U.S. Department of State website to book an appointment at U.S. Consulates in different geographies.

When the Employee attends the visa interview they will need:

The Interview

Based on feedback, interviews can take less than ten minutes. The Consular agent generally asks questions about the company and the position, the applicant’s work history, how they learned about the position, i.e. a referral from a friend or a recruiter etc.

After the interview, the applicant is given a receipt and the Consulate retains their passport in order to place the E3 visa stamp inside of it.

The E3 Visa Stamp

After a few days, the applicant receives a notice by email that their passport with the E3 Visa stamp is ready for collection. After making an appointment, the applicant returns to the Consulate to collect their passport with the E3 visa stamp. They then can fly to the U.S. and Social Security Number notwithstanding, can commence work immediately.

An Immigration Attorney helps understand the E3 visa

Unlike the H1-B visa, which is in effect a very expensive 1 in 3 chance lottery, an E3 visa is available all year round.

If you compare the filing fees for an H1-B visa to an E3 visa you can see why for around the cost of H1-B filing fees alone, you can retain an Immigration attorney to prepare and file the application and coordinate the Consular appointment.

In Summary

Hiring an employee on an E3 Visa is very different from an H1-B visa.

Click here to read “Moving to the US for Aussies” from the beginning.

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.


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.

 

Join The Australian Community.

Learn more about the benefits of joining The Australian Community in America.

How to get a NYS Drivers License: Chapter 16

How to get your NYS Drivers License

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?”

Are You Smarter than an Immigration Attorney? Chapter 15

Are you Smarter than an Immigration Attorney?

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.

What an Expecting Expat should Expect: Chapter 14

What an Expecting Expat should Expect.

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.

Measuring the Australian Expat Continuum: Chapter 13

Measuring the Australian Expat Continuum

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:

  1. Basic
  2. Reactive
  3. Planned
  4. Aligned
  5. 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).

Top 5 Differences Australians Notice about New York: Chapter 12

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 Ex-Pat Mistakes: Chapter 11

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.

Expat Filing Requirements: Chapter 10

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. 

NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette: Chapter 9

NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette

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.

Definitely worth the investment!

Why Did the Koala Cross the Road? Chapter 8

Why did the Koala cross the Road?

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.

Finding Employment: Chapter 7

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.

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.

Local Language 101: Chapter 6

Local Language 101

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: Chapter 5

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.

The Inconvenient Truth: Chapter 4

The Inconvenient Truth

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.

The Hierarchy of (Ex-Pat) Needs: Chapter 3

The Hierarchy of (Australian Expat) Needs

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?

How to Survive the first 30 days: Chapters 1&2

Chapter 1: 

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.

Australians in New York

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.

Services for Australians in New York

australians in new york


Podcasts

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to keep up with Immigration updates, Consulate openings, and strategies for visa renewals. 

Hear #thoughtleadership from Australian CEOs on navigating the challenges of #businesscontinuity.

The Best FOREX Rate?

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.

australia new york


Bank Accounts & U.S. Credit

Learn how Australians living in America can quickly open accounts and access U.S. credit! 

Our relationship with HSBC Bank USA overcomes this most basic challenge for Australians living in the USA.

Community Job Fair v3.0

The Australian Community Job Fair is proactively connecting Australians in New York to Employers and Recruiters.

Therefore, we provide guidance for Australian job seekers, including the latest U.S. Consular approvals for the E-3 visa, through our YouTube Channel.

Australians living in the USA

News & Articles

Read the success stories of other Australians in New York. 

Access the latest National Immigration data.  Read articles covering the professional, social, and charitable initiatives of The Australian Community.


Our Private Network

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. 

You can also connect with our social media: FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

New york for Australians


Virtual and In-Person Events

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.

Read our Book

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.

Connect with Australians in New York

News & Knowledge

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The Carousel Moment

The Carousel Moment

The Carousel Moment. Every Australian Ex-Pat in the US will experience two carousel moments. The first is when you arrive and are standing at an…

Up to $50,000 in Grants to Support Australian Culture!

Up to $50,000 in Grants to Support Australian Culture!

The Australian Community is committing up to $50,000.00 to support Australian Culture in 2024! Throughout the year, there are dozens of events in New York…

Where to get an E3 Visa Appointment

Where to get an 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…

ODIN Mortgage and Tax

ODIN Mortgage and Tax

As an Australian Ex-pat living in the U.S., filing your property tax returns, or even applying for a mortgage in Australia can be a daunting…

Australians living in America: How many?

Australians living in America: How many?

How many Australians live in America is a question that is often asked but challenging to answer. This report attempts to answer the perennial question…


Next Steps…

If you are an Australian moving or living in New York, you can join The Australian Community.

Annual Membership is only $45 for Individuals or $80 for members and their spouses!

Interested in a Corporate Sponsorship?  Click here to learn about Corporate Sponsorships.

A Coffee and a Conversation with an Australian living in New York: Nathan Subramaniam

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.

New York in the Rear View Mirror:  An Australian’s Perspective.  (Part 3)

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?

New York in the Rear View Mirror:  An Australian’s Perspective.  (Part 2)

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.

How did NYC change you professionally?

New York in the Rear View Mirror:  An Australian’s Perspective.  (Part 1)

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.

What is it like transitioning back to Oz?

Aussie Cafés in NYC – and where to find them: Merriweather Coffee + Kitchen

There are dozens of Australian businesses who have opened shop in New York.  Some we know well, and others not so well.

We want our readers to learn about these businesses, where they are located, as well as share the personal stories of their owners.

We spoke with Peter Godhard, the Founder of Merriweather Coffee + Kitchen – an Aussie café located at 428 Hudson Street in New York City.

A Coffee and a Conversation with an Australian living in New York: Kathleen Simmonds

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.

#KoalaGiving: Spreading the #SlipSlopSlap Message

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.

10 Questions asked by Australians Living in New York

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.