Australia --> NYC recruiting. How to make the jump?

I realize this is an old post but thought it might still be relevant to give my 0.02 having done this myself (in Corp Bkg) and also changed banks while in NYC.

In my opinion you have 2 options:

1) Network within your current bank and explore NYC opportunities. Reach out to the hiring manager for internal vacancies and indicate that you ARE moving to NYC in X month and that you would love the opportunity to stay with the bank if at all possible. This is what I did and it worked on the second try. Be sure to sound focused regarding the type of role you are looking to pursue and why the advertised role appeals to you. I have seen a lot of talented people get knocked back because they said they were willing to do any job available just to get a ticket to NYC. This obviously comes across as desperate and unprofessional.

2) Quit and "move" to NYC (officially as a tourist for 3 months). Recruiters are inundated with phone calls, emails and job applications from people outside the US who have no visa and require sponsorship. This is a costly and time consuming process for employers, and they are usually not interested in doing this sight-unseen for some random guy on the other side of the world. If you present yourself as already living in the US, including using a local address and phone number on your resume, recruiters will be more likely to take you seriously. Be prepared to explain the E-3 visa application process for employers - some recruiters are familiar with it and some aren't.

Make sure your resume is formatted to US standards and limited to 1 page. I wouldn't bother applying for jobs with companies directly as your application will most likely vanish into the ether. Recruiters here have all the contacts in the industry and can fight on your behalf.

Happy to answer any other Q's you may have.