When you move to another country, there are a lot of things to think about. Do you need health insurance? What kinds of identification do you need to apply for? And, of course, where will you live and work?
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| Eight things to think about before moving to another country |
We know what you're going through because we've been there. That's why we've made this list of eight things to think about before moving to another country. Let's have a look:
1. Know what you need to get a visa
If you plan to move overseas for longer than six months, you might require a visa to live, work or study. So before making any travel plans, you should consult your destination country’s immigration website to ensure you’re qualified for a visa – and understand all the criteria. Many countries, for example, require candidates to take an approved English language proficiency test like PTE Academic to study or work in the nation.
You might also want to engage a registered migration agent if you need help with your visa. These are immigration professionals that can complete your visa application for you, help prepare papers, and provide advise throughout the application process.
You can more about individual visa requirements on these official websites:
- Australian Department of Home Affairs
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- Immigration New Zealand
- UK Visas and Immigration
- U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
2. Find out if you’re eligible to work
Just because you’ve been granted a visa to live in a nation, doesn’t imply you have the right to work full-time.
Many student visas include a cap on how many hours people can work. For example, in Australia students are allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the school term. In the UK, students are able to work 20 hours per week during the semester. And in Malaysia, students can also work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks longer than eight days.
If you’re not on a student visa, it is probable you’ll have permission to work full-time. However, many nations require you to apply for a social insurance number – or something similar – before you may.
In Canada, for example, permanent and temporary residents need to apply for a social insurance number when they enter in the country, and it can take roughly 20 days to arrive.
3. Create a budget
Before migrating to a new nation, you should have some savings. In some situations, depending on your visa type and the nation you’re relocating to, you could be required to submit proof of savings with your visa application.
Day-to-day living expenditures may also be more expensive abroad, and it could take you longer than planned to find a job – so it’s crucial to have money put away to help you settle comfortably.
If you’re a student looking to go to Canada or the UK, we’ve put together some extensive guides that cover the living costs in each country:
- Living expenditures in the UK for overseas students
- Student guide: What is the cost of living in Canada?
Many governments offer cost of living calculators online, which can be a wonderful resource for prospective immigrants. Take a look at New Zealand’s cost of living tool, for example.
When you arrive, you’ll also need to open a bank account. This can often be done online. Some banks even have accounts specifically created for newcomers and offer credit cards to help develop credit history.
4. Search for housing
Looking for lodging might be one of the most exciting elements of moving overseas. Once you choose a place to call home, you’re able to fully visualize what your new life will be like - you get to explore Google Maps from afar, check out area restaurants online, and plan where you could mingle with friends.
If you’re moving with a work visa, your new workplace might be able to help you find temporary accommodation. Likewise, if you’re moving abroad to study, your university should offer housing choices for international students — such as on-campus residences or other homestay connections. It’s also a terrific idea to join local housing Facebook groups, where people post their apartments or houses for temporary or long-term rents.
5. Discover transportation options
Once you know where you’ll reside, you can work out how you’ll get around. Is your apartment close to public transportation? Or have you elected to reside outside a city center, and will need to move around by car?
You could be eligible to drive with an international driver’s license soon after traveling abroad. But after a few months, lots of countries will require you to apply for a local driver’s license instead. If you’re relocating to a country where it snows, it might also be a good idea to invest in driving classes to learn how to drive safely on slippery roads.
6. Apply for healthcare or insurance
You might not be automatically eligible for health coverage in your destination country, even if it offers universal healthcare to citizens.
In Canada, for example, each province manages its own publicly-funded healthcare. That implies, if you’re a student, your eligibility for healthcare will depend on where you study. If you’re not eligible, your university should offer you insurance.
On the other hand, if you’re on a work visa or permanent resident visa, you may be able to apply for publicly-funded healthcare. But, there can be a waiting period before you’re permitted to have access - so it’s crucial to obtain insurance to make sure you’re insured beforehand.
Always check with the local authorities in your destination country to discover what your rights are regarding healthcare. It’s also crucial to study the mental health resources that may be accessible after you arrive. If you’re a student, your university may offer counseling services on campus.
7. Keep up to current with travel regulations
Travel restrictions change frequently, so it’s crucial to keep up to speed on what you’ll need to do before – and after – arriving at your target country.
Always with the health authorities in the country you’re traveling to ensure you obey public health rules – and you’ll be allowed to enter the country.
8. Don’t forget about the tiny things
When going abroad, we tend to focus on the big concerns - like housing, work, and healthcare. But there are many of little things to think about, too! Remember to:
Close your utility accounts – like internet and hydro – before leaving home (and do it before the cut-off date, so you don’t be charged extra)
Unlock your mobile phone so you’ll be able to use a local SIM card, and buy a power plug adapter for your charger if you require one.
Bring a few things that remind you of home and that you won’t be able to buy overseas. Something as easy as carrying your favorite face wash or snack food can make a significant impact when just starting to settle in.
Overall, getting a head-start on your travel preparations can enable you to avoid stress and hit the ground running when you arrive.