Moving to the USA
from Australia
Since 1969,OSS have provided complete global door to door moving services. That’s over 50 years of specialist international moving, and over 200,000 moves.
Thinking of trading Melbourne for Manhattan? What about Sydney for Seattle? The U.S. is — and has always been — a popular and exciting destination for Australians. Moving to America to further one’s professional training, skill base and/or career opportunities are common occurrences. For over 50 years, OSS World Wide Movers has been assisting individuals, business people and corporates, with the professional service and advice that comes from choosing a quality international moving specialist.
Moving and Living in The USA
As a main player on the world stage, the United States is constantly under the global media spotlight. From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the United States is a collage of extremes.
Marvel at the thunderous spectacle of the 12,000-year-old Niagara Falls in northern New York, or seek an antidote to urban chaos amidst the flat farmland of the Midwest. There are also the black hills of South Dakota, the dramatic mountain and ocean landscape of California’s Pacific Coast Highway and, of course, the world-famous Grand Canyon, just one of the 397 National Parks in the country. All 50 states are scattered with gasp-worthy natural wonders.
It’s not just the range of landscapes that have attracted so many to the United States. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Manhattan’s unforgettable skyline, the sweet strains of New Orleans jazz or the neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas. While New York City is the most densely populated with soaring skyscrapers, including the iconic Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, other cities have admirable architecture as well, like Chicago’s Willis Tower or the monuments of the nation’s capital in Washington DC.
The USA is also the unrivalled entertainment capital of the world, bursting with theme parks, sports venues, and theatres. The turquoise waves of surf capital California and ski resorts of the snow-cloaked Rocky Mountains in Colorado provide ample excuses for adrenaline junkies to explore, whilst the palm-lined beaches of laid-back Miami and sweeping Oklahoma prairies offer true relaxation.
Moving to the USA from Australia with OSS
At OSS World Wide Movers, our network of FIDI / FAIM accredited partners cover the whole of USA.
Our partners in the USA are well versed in all aspects of the requirements for importation of personal and household goods.
This guarantees you a seamless, tailor made move to the USA, right through to your new home not only your personal effects and vehicles, but also for your much loved pets as well.
From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the United States is a collage of extremes.
MOVING YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOODS TO THE USA
How long will my move to the USA take?
When moving your household goods to the USA by sea freight, this will typically take 10 – 12 weeks for an FCL service. For services such as LCL and shared container services (i.e. groupage), these will take longer to reach your destination as your goods will need to be consolidated with other consignments heading to the same destination. Please discuss these options & shipping times with your removal consultant, as shipping times will vary greatly for each destination when using this type of service over an FCL service.
Moving to the USA, can I pack my own goods?
If you are sending items to The USA which have been packed by yourself “owner packed” then they will attract more stringent inspection by the USA Customs on arrival.
Providing a detailed carton by carton moving inventory will assist the USA Customs in inspecting your effects and may avoid unnecessary delays. It is advisable to have your goods packed by your moving company if you are looking at sending larger consignments to ensure the clearance process can be conducted with a minimum of fuss.
Moving to the USA with my car
Moving motor vehicles and motorbikes to the United States is possible provided Customs criteria are met. The exact timeline, however, will vary depending on where you’re moving, with shipments to America’s west coast most likely to take the shortest journey.
Car shipping service usually goes from depot to depot, meaning the motor vehicle will be collected by you from a partner depot in America following customs clearance. Customs may require evidence that the owner of the vehicle has lived abroad for 12 months or longer. A copy of your passport with a date stamp showing arrival in the USA, or a copy of a lease or rental agreement in the U.S., would be sufficient.
Moving to the USA with my boat
Moving a boat to the United States has similar requirements to moving a car when it comes to registration requirements and process.
Customs and Quarantine in the USA will have a special interest in the boat due to its exposure to marine life, however as Australia has a fairly clean marine environment, your boat should pass customs and quarantine without any problem.
Moving to the USA with pets
Moving living things across the world always comes with a unique set of logistical challenges. In most cases, it’s recommended to send your pet through a registered pet transportation agent who will be able to contact all the relevant agencies in the USA.
Moving to the USA and tax implications
If you are considering a move to the USA then it’s very important that you understand the tax differences between the two nations.
It is vital that you understand and obtain specific accounting and taxation advice suitable to your individual circumstances prior to your arrival.
Moving to the USA, what insurance should I have?
OSS offers a full range of moving insurance options depending on your needs.
Although your shipment to the USA will be packed to export standards (designed to withstand the the longest journey), the small cost of insurance gives you complete peace of mind with regard to the exposure and rigours that are always inherent when moving from one side of the world to the other.
Ask us about MoveCover, our Marine Transit Insurance product.
Moving to the USA with restricted and prohibited items
When looking to relocate to the USA you will need to consider the extensive list of restricted and prohibited items. The following PDF is an extensive list of all prohibited and restricted items when moving to the USA: Moving to the USA – FIDI Guide
Moving to the USA with electrical goods
For USA there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. USA operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.
VISAS AND IMMIGRATION
Visas and Immigration information when moving to the USA
If your move is for work purposes and you’ve already been extended a job offer, you’ll want to apply for E3 visa, a special visa designation just for Australian citizens. Applications go directly through the U.S. Consulate rather than the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), greatly reducing the timeline for acceptance compared to most other visas. It’s important to know that the E3 visa only lasts for 24 months. After that you’ll need to apply to become a permanent resident or U.S. citizen.
While this visa is good for many job opportunities, it’s not a given you’ll be extended an E3 visa just because you’re an Australian citizen with a new position in the States. The U.S. Department of Labor only gives out the visa for skilled positions, typically meaning jobs that require a college degree. If your new job doesn’t meet the threshold for an E3 visa, your visa options will include the H1B visa and the L1 visa. In each case, you’ll need your new employer to sponsor your application.
If you’re making the move to the U.S. for personal reasons, your path to residency may be a little harder. While the children and spouses of American citizens can qualify for a green card, this isn’t true in every situation. Notably, the U.S. doesn’t allow for “de facto partner” green cards, meaning that only a legal marriage to a citizen will qualify you for residency.
High Commission of USA in Canberra
Contact the High Commission of USA in Canberra by visiting Moonah Place Yarralumla, ACT 2600.
Phone: (02) 6214-5600
Email: australia@ustraveldocs.com
Follow this link to the High Commission website: https://au.usembassy.gov/
Blogs Related to Moving to The USA
Moving Your Family To The USA
Moving your family overseas can be an exciting adventure but it also comes with plenty of challenges. From packing up your belongings and transportation to finding a new home and new schools, the whole process can be a little overwhelming. Here you will find some important things to consider before you move to The USA.
Using Sea Freight For Moving Overseas To The USA
When it comes to moving internationally and transporting your household contents, choosing the right shipping method is crucial. While air freight may seem like the fastest option, sea freight offers numerous benefits that make it an ideal choice for many. OSS World Wide Movers explores the advantages of using sea freight for your international household move. Using Sea Freight to move to The USA.
A Guide to Health Insurance for Australians Living In The USA
Becoming an Australian expat living abroad is an enriching experience that offers a fresh perspective on the world. As you embrace the excitement of a new culture and environment, it’s essential not to overlook your health and well-being. For more information regarding Health Insurance, click here.
Benefits of Moving Overseas to The USA
Moving overseas to The USA is a big life decision, with a lot to think about in terms of choosing a city to live in and cultural differences. However, moving overseas to The USA is also an incredibly enriching experience, with opportunities to immerse yourself in cultures, meet new people and discover new landscapes. To read more about the benefits of moving overseas to The USA, click here.
What to Think of When Moving Overseas to The USA
Looking to move overseas to The USA? Whether you’re moving internationally for work, study or just a change of scenery, there’s a lot to think about when moving your household goods overseas. To read our top moving tips for moving overseas to the USA, click here.
Moving Reviews about Moving to The USA
A Big Thank You, OSS
Big thank you for a seamless transition overseas!
Deeply grateful to Misha and the OSS team for their exceptional support during my relocation from Australia to the USA.
Their professionalism and efficiency made the daunting task of moving across continents a smooth and stress-free experience. Highly recommend!
This post about moving from Australia to the USA, was made by Tamlyn in May 2024.
Excellent Service, Great Packing Material
We moved our entire home from Brisbane to Chicago. After talking to many movers, realised that OSS was the priciest of them all.
However their great online reviews backed them up and we decoded to go with them.
Took 2.5 months for the goods to reach Chicago. And oh man we were impressed. Let me outline some things that make it worth the extra price:
1. amazing packing skills and material – instead of a cheap bubble wrap, they use a covering that it buble plus plastic plus cloth, there’s no way moisture can go in. The packers were very skilled and took extreme care while packing smallest of the items.
2. Great communication – not just the OSS staff, Their counterparts in America were also Available when needed. They provided us a link to track our ship, which reduced the number of times we had to reach out and also provided a great comfort, knowing where our stuff was at any given point in time.
3. We were given a new invoice when the stuff arrived in the USA by their counterparts. However, it was reasonable because the house we took was three floors without any elevator.
4. The unloaders were very professional as well.
All in all, we were very proud of ourselves that we chose OSS for our move.
This post about moving from Brisbane, Australia to Chicago, USA, was made by Aditya in May 2024.
Moving To California
I am shipping some furniture items to my relatives in California. I only had contact with the packing team. Brianna, Darryl and Carlos were very very professional. They were properly briefed by office before arriving because I told OSS there were quite a few glass panels to be packed.
They came prepared with extra glass packing materials. Packing was smooth and 15 big furniture items plus glass panels took the team one and a half hours to finish
No mess, and very good team work with friendly members. Very satisfied.
This post about moving furniture to California, USA was made by Ali on 17 April 2024.
Very Competent and Professional Service
In June of 2023, we moved the contents of a four bedroom home from the Gold Coast, QLD, to Reno, Nevada, USA. OSS World Wide Movers, in Brisbane handled the pickup, the packing and loading of our goods, including two motor bikes. The crew that picked up our goods were very competent and efficient. The wrapping and packaging of our household items was handled by OSS, and each piece was meticulously wrapped and sealed before loading into the shipping container. When our goods arrived in the USA, there was only minor damage to the motor bikes, most likely from the straps used to secure them inside the container. Overall, we were very pleased with the service provided by OSS. Their professional staff was easy to work with and always competent and courteous. I would highly recommend the services of OSS to anyone needing to move a short or long distance.
Canberra To Texas
I was apprehensive about my move, as my previous experiences with movers are they are quick and nasty. OSS turned up and were polite and friendly and communicated to me exactly how and why they would pack my 2 bedroom Townhouse.
I couldn’t be happier, they worked non-stop for 13 hours, being professional and treating my expensive items with care.
The office staff were wonderful as well, polite, professional and are genuinely trying to make sure your questions are answered and quotes are accurate.
Thank you, OSS
This post about moving from Canberra to Texas, USA was made by Paul in November 2023.
Absolutely Flawless
We moved half a house from California to Australia. Everything was packed and moved brilliantly. When we established the load was smaller than the estimated amount our final invoice was reduced to reflect this. The unpackers move everything inside with little fuss to the requested rooms and almost everything survived the trip except for a few picture frames I packed myself. Communication was excellent throughout the entire process. Would absolutely recommend and though I hope I never move country again I would absolutely use them again with no hesitation.
This post about moving from California, USA, to Australia was made by Charlie on September 20 2022
Most Professional Crews I’ve Dealt With
I have moved between the USA and Australia 5 times now and have used OSS for the last two and would never consider using anyone else. Their crews are professional and competent, a pleasure to have in our home. I only wish I was able to use them on the American side of the move. If you have an international move from Australia, this is the only outfit you need to consider. Best of the Best.
This post about moving from Australia to the USA was made by Yerpointis on August 8 2022
Moving From New York To Sydney
OSS are the local delivery partners for our shipment from New York to Sydney. As soon as Amelia Iskowicz got in touch to introduce herself and commence the customs and quarantine clearance part of the process I could tell she was across the details, timelines and process – probably better than our initial shipping partner from the US. She’s gone out of her way to resolve internal miscommunications and has been super responsive and helpful throughout. Thanks Amelia and here’s to getting our belongings delivered soon!
This post about moving from New York, USA, to Sydney was made by Kat in June 2022.
Great Experience!
We recently relocated from Houston, USA to Sydney, Australia and OSS World Wide Movers handled the Australian end of the move. I was so impressed by the level of service provided by Thi Nguyen, our International Move Manager as well as by the delivery team. We’ve moved internationally four times and this was by far the best interaction we’ve had in the industry. I would recommend them to anyone!
This post about moving to Sydney from Houston, USA was made by Natalie Jay on April 27 2022
Extremely Pleased!
OSS handled the receipt and delivery of a small shipment of household goods from the USA. There were the inevitable COVID-related delays at the port (beyond the control of OSS), but OSS did an outstanding job of keeping me up to date with the progress and offering help in filling in the forms. The delivery and unpacking of the goods were extremely good – the best of any move I have had.
This post about moving from the USA was made by Paul on April 8 2022
The Best Removal Company
In December 2020, in the middle of this pandemic we have decided to relocate from Gold Coast, Australia to New York. We were fortunate to work with OSS World Wide Movers-Brisbane who helped us tremendously during this stressful experience. If you look to relocate overseas, then OSS is the best solution for you! Before finding them, I have spoken with most of other companies in this field between Gold Coast and Brisbane but none of these were serious (not showing up for inspection, enormous quotes etc)
The OSS team goes above and beyond to satisfy your wishes and to clarify any issues that you might have. Initially, one of their specialists assessed all items that needed to be shipped and subsequently a team come to our home and professionally packed everything (personal items, books, glassware, furniture etc). I could have not done a better packaging job than the OSS team! Excellent job from A to Z!
The cost for this service was reasonable and everything (more than 90 boxes, half of a container) reached our new home in NY in very good condition. By the way they collaborate with the best removalist in the US.
Kudos to Ellen, Joanne, Kim, Chris and of course the packaging team! I have never met anybody like this team, although I moved around the world several times.
Best wishes,
Eugen
This post about moving from The Gold Coast to New York, USA, was made by Eugen P on January 29 2022
Relocation from Saint Louis to Sydney
We shipped our household goods from overseas in a 40’ container. OSS acted as the Receiving Agent, providing us with Customs and Quarantine Clearance into Australia. The shipment went into secure storage for six weeks as our house was still tenanted. On the day the four-person delivery team were great to work with, placing everything where we asked, always polite and responsive to every request. “Pleasure,” “Yes sir.” Wonderful to get those types of responses. The entire inventory, with the exception of one bicycle which was pressure washed for dirt, arrived on the day to our complete satisfaction. Thank you OSS World Wide Movers. Outstanding move!
This post about moving from Saint Louis, USA, to Sydney was made by Mr Iluvoz on December 9 2021
Most Professional Crews I’ve Dealt With
I have moved between the USA and Australia 5 times now and have used OSS for the last two and would never consider using anyone else. Their crews are professional and competent, a pleasure to have in our home. I only wish I was able to use them on the American side of the move. If you have an international move from Australia, this is the only outfit you need to consider. Best of the Best.
This post about moving from Australia to the USA was made by Yerpointis on August 8 2022
Great Experience!
We recently relocated from Houston, USA to Sydney, Australia and OSS World Wide Movers handled the Australian end of the move. I was so impressed by the level of service provided by Thi Nguyen, our International Move Manager as well as by the delivery team. We’ve moved internationally four times and this was by far the best interaction we’ve had in the industry. I would recommend them to anyone!
This post about moving to Sydney from Houston, USA was made by Natalie Jay on April 27 2022
Are you moving furniture and other household goods to the United States? OSS World Wide Movers provides safe and reliable moving & relocation services to all parts of the USA. Our professional international relocation service can quickly and efficiently move your effects through customs via our US moving partners.