How Can I Live in a Different Country With U.S. Citizenship?
Deciding to relocate to a foreign country is a big decision for the average American. There is a host of requirements that should be completed before the big move. This article will guide you through the process with relative ease.
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Instructions
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Decide which country and city you'd prefer to live in. Though it may sound easy to simply pick a place and fly off without careful planning, your immigration overseas may become your worst nightmare if you haven't done your homework.
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Make contacts by networking on and offline with people in the United States who have lived in your chosen location before traveling. Making friends with people who can refer you to a relative in the area you plan to relocate to is a great way to gain immediate friends before you arrive. Once the excitement of the move has worn off, having friends who are supportive and helpful will do wonders to stave off a sense of loneliness.
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Contact the American Embassy in the area where you will be living. If one is not available, locate the closest embassy in the next town or country. Ask the consular office to send you a packet of information complete with services for American citizens. This packet usually includes information on local doctors and attorneys, locations of hospitals nearby and any travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department.
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Research the local economy and job market. It is easy to pick your new home and move in, however once your funds run out, your fascination with your new homeland may become unpredictable at best. Grab a newspaper from your local library that relays news about your future destination. Write down the employment offices in the area, contact each one and send off your resume and cover letters. Unless you will be retaining your current position in the new country, it is a good idea to secure employment before arriving. If this is not possible, try to set up appointments for employment within the first few weeks after arriving. Inquire with your employment representative about securing a residence and work visa also. Having a specific plan of action will keep your mind occupied and on your future success in the new country.
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Try to secure a few apartment or house locations complete with pictures of the inside and outside of the building. Ask a local friend to view the home and report back on the terms and quality. Having a home to go to once you get off the airplane is advisable. Many Americans have a false assumption that they can simply get a plane ticket, step off the plane into the new destination and "wing it" for a few hours or days until accommodations are found. Unfortunately, American society has lulled Americans into a sense of comfort pertaining to daily life. Though you may be able to fly to another state with cash in hand and purchase great accommodations on a dime, this isn't always true in every country. Some countries require citizens to leave the streets at a certain hour of the night. Imagine catching a late night "red eye" flight to save money, arriving at 2 a.m. and there is no one who can rent you a room until daylight arrives. Be proactive.
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Once you have completed all of your pertinent research, made some friends, secured accommodation and possible job leads, it is then time to pack belongings, notify family and friends and purchase airplane tickets. To avoid missing anything, make a checklist of necessary tasks to complete before moving. Since the U.S. post office doesn't usually forward mail internationally, be sure to get an international mail-forwarding service and change your address the day of your move. Notify your employer at least two weeks before you move; anymore than that and you may find yourself involuntarily training your replacement months before you actually leave your position.
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If shipping household furniture, contact a freight company that specializes in relocation. They will help you measure your furniture load to accommodate shipping requirements. Most shipping companies charge about $2,000 to $6,000 to ship furniture. The furniture will be packed into a truck or large shipping container. Think of the cargo bins that ride on railroad cars and you will know what your furniture will sit in. These containers are packed tightly; therefore it's a good idea to wrap items tightly inside Styrofoam boxes. If shipping a car, wrap plastic or other protection around the side mirrors, doors and all exterior surfaces. Since shipping personnel are trained to park automobiles in close formation inside the ship, dings or scratches are possible. To avoid unnecessary fees, purchasing a cargo container with other people relocating to the same destination may prove more affordable than shipping alone. Be sure to keep a second set of keys to your car in the event that your car keys are lost at sea or elsewhere.
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You're now informed enough to become an official immigrant to any foreign country. Keep in touch with friends and family in your home country and take lots of pictures to curb the inevitable homesickness. In a matter of a few weeks or months, your new country will feel just like home.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the local laws and customs to avoid committing any inadvertent crimes. Never pay money to a potential landlord in cash. Use a check or credit card at all times. Be sure to get any educational degrees authenticated before traveling. Make three copies of all important documents. Keep one copy with family, one with your attorney and one in your own bank safety deposit box or in a safe location.
Check your criminal background before applying to immigration for a resident and employment card for your new country. Some countries do not allow American citizens with serious criminal records to live and work there permanently, although you can visit for a short time (usually three to six months) with a valid return ticket.
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Resources
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