Apply for a visa to live and work in New York. You will need to do this in person at a U.S. embassy office. Offices are located in Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. According to the U.S. embassy, most Australians are given 90 days to visit anywhere in the United States, but they cannot work. Students also may live in the country if they enrolled and sponsored by an academic institution. You will need to apply for the appropriate visa at the embassy, and sit for an interview with a consular employee.
Book transport to the United States. Qantas offers regular direct flights from Sydney to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City. You might find cheaper flights to other locations in the country (such as Chicago or Washington, D.C.) from which you can then travel to New York. Cathay Pacific flies direct to New York via Hong Kong, with service originating in most major Australian cities. American Airlines and Delta Airlines offer frequent service between Sydney and Los Angeles, with connecting flights to New York. Also check fares for Newark International Airport, as this is very close to the city. Travel by ship is not considered feasible.
Arrange housing once you have arrived in New York City. Be aware that due to demand, cost of living is quite high. You may need to search areas farther out to find affordable housing. For example, apartments in New Jersey--just across the Hudson River, west of Manhattan--are usually cheaper than locations equally distant in the eastern side of town. The Bronx, eastern Queens and southern Brooklyn are affordable options. New York's extensive and efficient public transportation network ensures tolerable commutes even if you're living farther from the city center.
Find a job in the city. With thousands of bars and restaurants, there are many opportunities in the food service industry. Finance, media and manufacturing are all key sectors of New York's economy, however you will usually need prior experience and education to work in office settings. Construction and skilled labor are consistently in demand as new buildings rise citywide. Prepare a CV or resume to bring to potential employers and include documentation proving you are eligible to work legally in the United States.
Keep in mind that as of 2010, the unemployment rate in New York City was higher than in previous years. You might find it helpful to reach out to establishments with Australian themes (such as the restaurants Tuck Shop and The Sunburnt Cow--both operated by Aussie ex-pats) and the Australian Consulate for leads on job opportunities. The non-profit American Australian Association is also a good resource for information and advice on settling into your new city (and country).
