Moving abroad comes with its fair set of challenges from cultural shock to document requirements to finding appropriate housing and employment. Here are a few things you need to know before you move overseas to lessen the problems associated with such a transition.
- The Visa
Getting a visa for living, working, or studying is one of the most important considerations if you are moving abroad for a period of more than 6 months or even less. Visiting the immigration office in your country can get you started on completing all the regulations of obtaining a visa, even language proficiency test scores can often be a prerequisite so give yourself at least 6 months to plan and execute the move. Migration agents that specialize in visa-related problems can be helpful if you have special needs or are facing problems with the process.
- Sort Out The Finances
Having a savings account and your finances under control is pivotal for making a big move to another country especially if you are not obtaining a student stipend or scholarship or don’t already have a job waiting for you upon arrival. In some countries showing financial stability is actually a clause in the visa application.
When you are first settling in, there is going to be a mountain of accumulated costs from getting housing, day-to-day food expenses, utilities, and also transport as you get your documentation in order. ‘Cost of living’ calculators are available online for every country to give you an approximate number to work with.
Applying for and opening a bank account in the new country is also vital for the expenses of everyday life and you can even fill out the form online. Many banks are more welcoming to newcomers and immigrants and may have less stringent regulations regarding showing credit history or the source of foreign income. For figuring out tax deductibles an expat tax consultant in Canada or any other country where you have moved can be a worthwhile visit to make.
- Working Full-Time
Some first-time movers may assume that just because they have started living in a country they can simply work full-time. For many, this is not the case unless they have a work visa and permit. Student visas for example limit the hours that can be worked (in some countries this can be 40 hours or just 20). For that reason, students may stay behind in holidays and summer breaks so that they can earn enough to offset their mounting expenses. Registering for a social insurance number is needed in most countries to obtain permits for full-time work and they can take up to a month to come through.
- Setting Up A Home
Renting accommodation is no doubt an exhilarating part of any big move. Many factors will feature strongly in your decision from the budget to proximity to work or university to how pleasing the neighborhood is. Look into sharing an apartment or house, finding university or college subsidized housing, or visiting online groups and forums that give information about long-term rentals.
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