I am a US citizen who is returning to the US. My partner is seeking employment in the US (she is an Australian citizen). She has contacts in NYC for job opps, but what are the key things she needs to consider upon arrival in the US, in dealing with customs and how difficult is it to obtain a visa in the US as an Australian citizen.

She will need to get the visa before she enters the US, if she wants to work. As she is an Australian citizen, she is under the visa waiver program, and if she enters as such, she cannot file for a change of status.

Her eligibility for a nonimmigrant work visa is determined by her educational background, work history and position requirements. For this situation, the most common visas for Australians are H-1B, and E-3. good luck.