Financial-Emigration Playbook

Australia → US Financial-Emigration Playbook

A guided, document-by-document checklist that takes you from “thinking about it” to landed — with the tax and money steps in the right order, the pitfalls to avoid, and what you can do yourself vs. pay a specialist for. Updated 2026-06.

Get the full playbook — $49

All 5 phases. Phase 1 is a free preview below.

What's inside (5 phases)

1 · Decide & qualifyFree
2 · Tax & money prep🔒
3 · Visa application🔒
4 · The move🔒
5 · Landing (first 30 days)🔒

Let's be honest about what this is

We'd rather you skip this than buy the wrong thing. So here's the straight version:

This is for you if…

✓ You're seriously planning a move to United States (roughly within the next 18 months).
✓ You want the money & tax steps in the right order, with the pitfalls flagged before you hit them.
✓ You'd rather do what you can yourself and only pay specialists for what you genuinely must.

It's NOT for you if…

✕ You want someone to do your visa paperwork — we don't (we tell you who can).
✕ You're after a shortcut or a way around the rules — there isn't one here.
✕ You need personalised legal, tax or migration advice — this is an educational plan, not advice.

Every figure links to its official source and is dated. When the rules change, we update it — accuracy is the whole point.

1 · Decide & qualify

Weeks 1–8

The E-3 is your edge — but it needs a US job offer. Confirm the route first.

1
Target the E-3 visa
DIY — but double-check
The E-3 is reserved for Australians in 'specialty occupations' (degree-level roles). It avoids the H-1B lottery, costs less, renews indefinitely, and lets your spouse work. You need a US job offer.
Why it matters: It's the single biggest advantage Australians have for the US — far easier than the H-1B.
⚠ Pitfall: Employers defaulting to the H-1B because they don't know the E-3 exists — flag it early.
💡 Tip: Many Australians live in the US on the E-3 for years before considering a green card.
Official source ↗
2
Confirm the employer will file the Labor Condition Application (LCA)
Use a professional
Your US employer files an LCA with the Department of Labor before you apply for the E-3. Confirm they're willing and understand the process.
3
Decide if/when you want a green card
Use a professional
The E-3 isn't permanent residence. If you want to stay for good, scope the (separate, longer) employer-sponsored green-card route with an attorney.

Documents to prepare

Passport · Degree & qualifications · Detailed CV · Job offer / LCA details

That's Phase 1. Unlock Phases 2–5 — the tax, money & visa steps.

2 · Tax & money prep

Months 1–4 (start early)

The US is the most complex corridor for tax — and your super is the trap.

🔒 3 steps — unlock with the Pack

3 · Visa application

Months 2–4

Employer LCA, then your E-3 application and consular interview.

🔒 3 steps — unlock with the Pack

4 · The move

After visa issued

Sequence funds and logistics for a US arrival.

🔒 3 steps — unlock with the Pack

5 · Landing (first 30 days)

Arrival + 30 days

Get set up and credit-ready in the US fast.

🔒 4 steps — unlock with the Pack

Unlock the full playbook

$49 one-time

All 5 phases, every document checklist, and free updates when the rules change.

Not ready? Join the list instead:

Educational information only — not financial, tax, legal or migration advice. Verify current rules via the official links before acting.