Moving from Australia to NYC – 2021 guide

Moving from Australia to New York City can be difficult. It is a long way to move, and preparing for the relocation could take months. To this end, we have prepared this guide to make moving from Australia to NYC as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Before the move

Before you start planning your relocation from Australia to NYC, there are a few things you should check. First, make sure your passport is valid. This may seem obvious enough, but because US immigration is usually quite strict with dates, it is essential to ensure your passport won’t expire anytime soon.

Obtain a visa

The biggest hurdle when moving from Australia to NYC is typically getting a visa. According to the USA Visa system, you have to be sponsored to live there. The sponsor could be a family member who is already a permanent resident or another US resident. The most common sponsor is, however, is an employer. Because of this, it can be pretty challenging to get approved for a visa without having a job already or a relative who can help you. Fortunately, as an Australian citizen, if you already have a job offer, you should be able to travel on an e3 visa. You will also need academic credentials (a degree) and a job position that is recognized by the visa rules. This visa is valid for two years (you can renew it) and is not hard to acquire if you know what you need.

Become a permanent resident

While becoming a permanent resident of the USA can be pretty tricky, it comes with many privileges you might not have in other places. Along with the right to work and have a place to live, it comes with the freedom to buy property, attend public schools, and, if applicable, receive Social Security benefits and Medicare. If your application is approved, you will receive a Green Card proving your status. Keep in mind that the legal requirement for this is to be over 18, and you have to carry your proof of residency with you at all times.

Prepare your money

This step is simple enough: before moving, exchange your AUD for USD. There are some differences between the two currencies - USD notes are all green, unlike AUD, which have color denominations, which could take a bit to get used to. Also, very important when moving from Australia to NYC is to do your research on banking, social security numbers, taxes, and insurance. It is essential to know what you will need to live in America.

Cut down on clutter

Once you have all of the prerequisites sorted, you can finally begin planning your move. Moving from Australia to NYC is an excellent chance for a new start. So, make sure to cut down on your clutter. Take the time to go through your belongings and decide what to bring, especially if the move isn’t permanent. You could even take the chance to hold a yard sale. After all, it is a great way to help with the costs of your move, and it makes the relocation easier to organize since you will have fewer things to take with you.

Finding your movers

Finding the right movers can be very difficult when moving from one continent to another. The experts from Best Movers NYC recommend that you be extremely careful when choosing your moving crew. Look at all of the reviews of the moving companies you are considering, and go through the extra steps to ensure those reviews aren’t fake. You do not want to take any risks when it comes to choosing your movers.

Book your flight

The earlier you can get your travel arrangements done, the better. Keep in mind that traveling outside of the peak holiday season is much cheaper. You will want to figure out the exact date of your flight so you can adequately plan and save up for it. Also, if your move isn’t going to be permanent, it could be wise to plan ahead for the trip back as well.

Preparing for the move

Finally, when all of your prerequisites are sorted, and you know the general timeframe for your move, it is time to prepare. Every good relocation starts with organization. Therefore, getting a folder with all of your important documentation is an excellent idea. When you decide on your movers, remember there are things to know when signing the deal with your moving company. Paying attention to details in the moving contract will help you avoid any unpleasantries.

It is also essential to account for the time your belongings will be in transit. It would be best to take an inventory of all of the things you will be taking with you and pack the stuff you won’t need in your day-to-day life. As your move gets closer, you should begin packing essentials and things you will need immediately after the move.

A few weeks before the move

Even if you have your move perfectly planned out, there are still some things to do before moving from Australia to NYC. You should take the time to confirm your travel arrangements, finish packing all of your essentials and cancel all of your subscriptions. If you know your new address in NYC, you could even pre-arrange your utilities. And with that, you will be ready for the big day.

In conclusion

Moving from Australia to NYC can be tricky and stressful, but careful planning and thinking ahead can make it more bearable. We hope that this article will help make the process much easier, and we wish you the best of luck before, during, and after your move.