Steve,
Some quick points, as i noticed your questions regarding moving to NYC. I am a 2010 winner who moved to NYC.
Accommodation:
1) If single and unattached, i would initially look at short term/temporary housing; less risk involved if things don't turn out the way you expect.
2) Accommodation was probably the biggest challenge i faced when moving to NYC (for me the job was the easy part);
I was even lucky enough for my work to initially put me up; it would have been so much more brutal had that not been the case.
But it was still a challenge after that.
a) If you get your own place, assuming you don't have a US credit score you will have to pay at least 2 months rent up front as a security deposit. Plus you standard months rent up front and any other first time set up fees.
b) If you see a place you like, take it, it probably won't be available if you hesitate (without a credit score, this isn't as easy to close however).
c) In many of the 'nicer' areas in Manhattan you will be probably be looking at 3k per month in rent.
Work:
- Make sure you are networking and making contacts before you arrive. It will be hard IMO to get people to look at you while out of the country; but will be helpful to have some contacts when you arrive. Be mindful, for many people the current climate isn't to easy on the job front; but don't lose heart their are still jobs out there; this is not the universal experience. I work in IT and had a job even before i arrived, i would say quite easily.
Health Insurance:
- I used seven corners inbound immigrant health insurance to cover me and my family initially until my employer insurance kicked in. You might want to look at that.
Credit:
- One of the other biggest challenges for most people. It isn't easy to get a credit rating in the US. But it is fundamentally important.
- If you can, and it looks like you are going to be sticking around for a while; get a phone contract and start paying 'bills' asap to help build this credit score. There is also pre-paid credit cards which i believe are also most helpful. So you might want to look at legitimate options there.
- If you have an AMEX card already, do a global transfer (to the US). This is brilliant (regardless of whether they transfer any existing credit history or not). Without a credit score, a credit card application won't be approved. If you can transfer your existing amex however, you will have a credit card in the US already which is the best way to build your credit score.
I moved to NYC with my wife and son almost 2 years ago and love it. It is a great place, it must be one of the most amazing cities in the world. Enjoy!!!
AJK
Good luck for your interview, I had mine a few weeks back, all went well. Dont be nervous - The only things I was asked was, When was I planning on going, Was I married, had children and have I lived overseas before. (I had lived in Beijing for two years - but this wasnt an issue, I just needed a Police Check from China) I was surprised they didnt even ask how I planned to support myself while looking for work, and which City I was thinking of moving too.
Im going to move to NY. It would be good to get your opinion on what you plan to do for accommodation when you arrive and your thoughts on Health/Travel Insurance.
That's a big move! Hopefully soon you'll be making an even bigger move to the US! 
