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Do not get an ESTA!

From memory, we did ours either 2 or 3 weeks before the interview. It will depend on when the panel doctor can see you and we also wanted to allow time in case anything came up in the medical that needed further investigation.

Congrats @chucke3, just be sure to allow enough time for your medical while you're in Oz.

My doctor also checked that I was actually female. Just a quick glance under the gown.

1. Check out BritSimon's site. He has the historical data. http://britsimonsays.com/historical-visa-bulletin-numbers/ 2. Not necessarily an issue. Get a new ESTA. You might have a couple of questions at the border because, by submitting the DS260, you have signaled immigrant intent. Just...

There have been a few Aussies who've gone the work experience route successfully. It's all in the evidence you present, as Susie says. Aussies have a great knack for beating the odds when it comes to tricky cases. We ARE that good.

With a 900 number, there are no repercussions for holding back the DS260. From memory, we didn't submit ours until July or August of 2014 and we interviewed on time / once our number became current.

Congrats @Mijoro , finally! And congrats to all other winners. @kb's quest, we were in the 900s and interviewed in April 2015. That's a safe number for OC.

You only get taxed once (with some exceptions, e.g. capital gains tax). There is a treaty between the US and Australia. I'd get an extension for both of you. When you arrive in August, get the SSN and then file.

Neither were we.

@Britsimon has a great article on this: http://britsimonsays.com/health-insurance-for-new-immigrants/ We used this insurance until I found a job and was able to get insurance through my employer.

No need for certified copies. I would take university degrees. Just in case. No need for documents proving you aren't married / have a military history. You'll need your police certificate etc and, if there are court events in your history, you'll need to bring that with you.

@Gharrison, Susie gives great advice here. I'll message you my accountant's details. She is amazing and has many Aussie clients for whom she does returns. You will need an extension. Most accountants closed off their returns windows (i.e. the time they will accept new clients) 2-3 weeks ago...

Just re the SSN, for the majority of those who ticked yes to having a SSN done automatically in the DS260, their SSN will arrive within ten days of POE. It may not be necessary to go into the SSO.

As @SusieQQQ said, the KCC don't adjudicate cases. They just process them, identify any potential problems and submit the case to the Consulate for their adjudication. Fingers crossed it isn't an issue: it would be good for others to know!

Take the book. I did for my kids and it worked.

I'd second Susie's suggestion. We did that and it made things ALOT easier.

Name check is fine so long as it has all known names. I've had three name changes in my life (I'm on my way to becoming Alexis Morrell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan from Dynasty) and I listed all three known names. Some have had luck with Code 35 but Code 35 only includes unspent offences...

I left a very high paying senior executive role in Australia. I was called crazy. Nope, just brave. I didn't want to get to retirement, get a clock at my farewell party to remind me of how much time I wasted playing it safe, and spend the rest of my life in quiet regret. The last two years...

She's preaching to the choir at Mamma Mia: Australians who comfort themselves about our country's problems by pointing to the US and screeching "SEE! THOSE DUMB AMERICANS". Let's just say it ain't the most intellectual of crowds.