It’s not uncommon for Americans to be tempted to move elsewhere. It may be for work purposes or to reunite with a loved one. Some considering it in pursuit of a more comfortable life or affordable home. On other occasions, people may simply want a new adventure.
Regardless of your motive, it’s helpful to have a strategy in place. Moving countries is a big deal and having things clear in your mind before you leave will make the transition smoother for you. Here’s what you should consider when preparing to move country.
Begin the preparations early
Allow yourself plenty of time before making the move abroad. This means you can thoroughly research the legal elements of your move, as well as the cultural side, so you know what to expect once you leave the US. This will not only help you avoid any tricky situations, but it will also help you to settle in and embrace the new culture you’ll be exposed to. It’s recommended that you give yourself at least six months to get everything together.
Consider banking and your credit score
In the planning stages, it’s worth assessing how you can boost your credit score. You’ll need to find somewhere to rent when you get there and this requires a good credit history to your name. Each country reviews credit scores independently of one another, so your US credit score likely won’t follow you abroad. This means you’ll need to look at the different ways you can boost your credit score and doing your research ahead of time will mean you can identify some of the best ways that suit you.
Have the right documentation
Having all your documents compiled well in advance will save any last-minute stress ahead of the move. Check the criteria carefully to see what you need. Typical documents might include your birth certificate, driver’s license, marriage certificate, medical records and school records. You may also need divorce, child custody or adoption papers. Keep everything in a clearly-labeled folder so that everything can be kept together and easily identified.
Understand your visa options
Different countries will have varying visa requirements, so it’s important that you check this thoroughly. You can do this by visiting the immigration guidance for the country in question, as after a certain amount of time, a visa will be needed to live or work abroad. You can also get visas to study, however, there will likely be restrictions on how many hours you can work if this is the case. Again, allow plenty of time, as some may require additional tests, such as a language proficiency test.
