How to emigrate
November 8, 2024 6:16 AM Subscribe
I'm seriously considering leaving the US in the next two months. How do I go about it, and has anyone here already done it who can give advice?
About me: circa 30M, with a degree in compsci and seven years' work experience. I only speak English, Spanish and some Portuguese (which I doubt will help much in this case). Partner is circa 35F with T1D and a bioengineering degree. Both hold only US citizenship.
First: where? Needless to say, I don't want to end up anywhere worse off than the US is now--but that's really my only criterion at this point. I don't care about taking a pay cut, or living in a tiny apartment somewhere--anything beyond 'survival' is a nice-to-have. I've heard good things about Scandinavian countries, and New Zealand, and certain parts of Europe--but how many would take someone like me or my partner? (Or even e.g. Canada-- I know they have their own problems, but they seem [for now] to pale in comparison to ours.) How much is a compsci and/or biomed degree worth these days, in practical terms of getting a work visa, or some other visa, weighted against partner's preexisting conditions? What countries are even hiring right now? (My ancestry is eastern-european, though I doubt that makes much difference these days.)
Second: how? Where do I look to even find companies that would sponsor me, let alone apply to them? Does e.g. Norway use Linkedin? Does Ireland use Indeed? How quickly would I have to learn the language? I have some savings in US banks that might enable us to buy time while we job-hunt, but how to transfer them over? How do I get partner and myself on healthcare?
(I realize the answers to those last two will vary wildly by country, and I welcome it. Anecdata gratefully accepted. If this all sounds kind of half-baked, it's because it is.)
Realistically, I have no hope of moving either of our families with us right now--but I hold out hope that (if this works, and the time comes) we might be well-enough established in some other place to host them for a time, or help them make the move themselves. Is that a thing? Has anyone done this? For that matter, how does one go about socializing in a new country where one has no social network at all?
(One even wilder concern: partner wants children, and soon. I sure as hell don't want to have them here. So--and I cannot believe I'm typing this out--how does birthright citizenship work in places outside the US? Is this illegal to even consider?)
I recognize that my personal circumstances may not apply to everyone on MeFi. Feel free to include other details that may help other people here, in case anyone else is thinking along similar lines.
Also, I'm aware that nobody can see the future, and that the outlook is grim everywhere. I still want to take my chances. If all this works, there will be a couch somewhere to crash on, for any MeFite who needs it. I'm sorry it's come to this. Feel free to tell me I'm naive, or to list factors I hadn't even begun to consider.
About me: circa 30M, with a degree in compsci and seven years' work experience. I only speak English, Spanish and some Portuguese (which I doubt will help much in this case). Partner is circa 35F with T1D and a bioengineering degree. Both hold only US citizenship.
First: where? Needless to say, I don't want to end up anywhere worse off than the US is now--but that's really my only criterion at this point. I don't care about taking a pay cut, or living in a tiny apartment somewhere--anything beyond 'survival' is a nice-to-have. I've heard good things about Scandinavian countries, and New Zealand, and certain parts of Europe--but how many would take someone like me or my partner? (Or even e.g. Canada-- I know they have their own problems, but they seem [for now] to pale in comparison to ours.) How much is a compsci and/or biomed degree worth these days, in practical terms of getting a work visa, or some other visa, weighted against partner's preexisting conditions? What countries are even hiring right now? (My ancestry is eastern-european, though I doubt that makes much difference these days.)
Second: how? Where do I look to even find companies that would sponsor me, let alone apply to them? Does e.g. Norway use Linkedin? Does Ireland use Indeed? How quickly would I have to learn the language? I have some savings in US banks that might enable us to buy time while we job-hunt, but how to transfer them over? How do I get partner and myself on healthcare?
(I realize the answers to those last two will vary wildly by country, and I welcome it. Anecdata gratefully accepted. If this all sounds kind of half-baked, it's because it is.)
Realistically, I have no hope of moving either of our families with us right now--but I hold out hope that (if this works, and the time comes) we might be well-enough established in some other place to host them for a time, or help them make the move themselves. Is that a thing? Has anyone done this? For that matter, how does one go about socializing in a new country where one has no social network at all?
(One even wilder concern: partner wants children, and soon. I sure as hell don't want to have them here. So--and I cannot believe I'm typing this out--how does birthright citizenship work in places outside the US? Is this illegal to even consider?)
I recognize that my personal circumstances may not apply to everyone on MeFi. Feel free to include other details that may help other people here, in case anyone else is thinking along similar lines.
Also, I'm aware that nobody can see the future, and that the outlook is grim everywhere. I still want to take my chances. If all this works, there will be a couch somewhere to crash on, for any MeFite who needs it. I'm sorry it's come to this. Feel free to tell me I'm naive, or to list factors I hadn't even begun to consider.
Do want you want, and I'm not saying it's a bad idea necessarily ..but you may want to consider that making major decisions based on speculative "worse case scenario" conditions may not be good for you in the big picture. Try to think objectively, and outside your "bubble", before deciding. I do sincerely wish you good luck!
posted by Liquidwolf at 6:33 AM on November 8, 2024 [15 favorites]
posted by Liquidwolf at 6:33 AM on November 8, 2024 [15 favorites]
I can’t answer most of your questions, but you may be surprised at both the possibilities and the value of a European Union passport: forgive me if you already know this, but, in general, having nationality in one EU state grants you the right to work, study, and live in any other, as well as, for the most part, the non-EU states of Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. As an Italian citizen, for example, you could work in Portugal or Finland or Cyprus or Bulgaria or any other EU state as well as Italy itself. This would also include places in the Western Hemisphere and Atlantic Ocean a bit nearer the US mainland, like the Portuguese Azores, the Spanish Canary Islands, and the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean.
The jus sanguinis Wikipedia article features not only a list of states which offering jus sanguinis citizenship — that is, the granting of citizenship of a state by direct familial descent from citizens, as Italy does — but also includes a list of leges sanguinis states which offer citizenship, residency, or other privileged/simplified access to work/residence visas to people with ethnic ties to those countries, including Lithuania, Bulgaria and Croatia among others.
There’s also the Dutch American Friendship Treaty route if you start a business in the Netherlands. More on Wikipedia here.
posted by mdonley at 6:43 AM on November 8, 2024 [3 favorites]
The jus sanguinis Wikipedia article features not only a list of states which offering jus sanguinis citizenship — that is, the granting of citizenship of a state by direct familial descent from citizens, as Italy does — but also includes a list of leges sanguinis states which offer citizenship, residency, or other privileged/simplified access to work/residence visas to people with ethnic ties to those countries, including Lithuania, Bulgaria and Croatia among others.
There’s also the Dutch American Friendship Treaty route if you start a business in the Netherlands. More on Wikipedia here.
posted by mdonley at 6:43 AM on November 8, 2024 [3 favorites]
The way to immigrate to Canada is likely through the Express Entry program for skilled workers: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html
I don't know anything about how long the process takes or the likelihood of success. If you are accepted, then you apply for permanent residency after that (I think). But this is likely on the order of years after your initial application.
Once you move, moving money is a bit of a hassle, but it's doable. First what you want to do is open a regular Canadian bank account (in Canadian dollars) but then also open a USD bank account at the same bank. Then you do a wire transfer from your US bank to your USD account in Canada. Then you convert to Canadian dollars and transfer that money into your CAD bank account. It is possible to do it in fewer steps (skipping the USD account in Canada) but then you're stuck with the exchange rate the bank gives you. Better rates are available from other exchange services. But that is is far down the line. First worry about applying and getting accepted.
posted by number9dream at 6:49 AM on November 8, 2024
I don't know anything about how long the process takes or the likelihood of success. If you are accepted, then you apply for permanent residency after that (I think). But this is likely on the order of years after your initial application.
Once you move, moving money is a bit of a hassle, but it's doable. First what you want to do is open a regular Canadian bank account (in Canadian dollars) but then also open a USD bank account at the same bank. Then you do a wire transfer from your US bank to your USD account in Canada. Then you convert to Canadian dollars and transfer that money into your CAD bank account. It is possible to do it in fewer steps (skipping the USD account in Canada) but then you're stuck with the exchange rate the bank gives you. Better rates are available from other exchange services. But that is is far down the line. First worry about applying and getting accepted.
posted by number9dream at 6:49 AM on November 8, 2024
Your timeline is very unrealistic for Canada. But you can look at the express entry program to see if you meet the requirements and what your points would be.
Please note though, that we are in the middle of dramatically lowering the number of immigrants accepted into Canada so this is probably one of the worst times to be applying. It would help if you were in the trades. The H1-B program has basically closed, which was the program that was designed to keep highly skilled North American workers in North America.
For the children question, as long as you have resided in the US longer than 7 years, you can register your child as a US citizen. Canada and the US both permit dual US-Canadian citizenship.
With a few exceptions, Canada adheres to jus soli, so children born on Canadian soil receive Canadian citizenship. But their parents do not.
posted by warriorqueen at 6:53 AM on November 8, 2024 [2 favorites]
Please note though, that we are in the middle of dramatically lowering the number of immigrants accepted into Canada so this is probably one of the worst times to be applying. It would help if you were in the trades. The H1-B program has basically closed, which was the program that was designed to keep highly skilled North American workers in North America.
For the children question, as long as you have resided in the US longer than 7 years, you can register your child as a US citizen. Canada and the US both permit dual US-Canadian citizenship.
With a few exceptions, Canada adheres to jus soli, so children born on Canadian soil receive Canadian citizenship. But their parents do not.
posted by warriorqueen at 6:53 AM on November 8, 2024 [2 favorites]
You can both apply to jobs in Ireland and yes they will be on LinkedIn. IrishJobs.ie is another. One of you gets a job, you can both come, you get health insurance online (which is cheap, like €1500 per year.) At some point you will qualify for free national health insurance. You open an Irish bank account and then just transfer your money in with a bank-to-bank transfer or via a 3rd party service like XE.
Children born in Ireland are not Irish unless their parents are. But after 5 years you can all apply for citizenship. After that you are EU citizens, so go do whatever.
Housing is painful. We have a significant nationwide housing crisis.
posted by DarlingBri at 6:54 AM on November 8, 2024 [4 favorites]
Children born in Ireland are not Irish unless their parents are. But after 5 years you can all apply for citizenship. After that you are EU citizens, so go do whatever.
Housing is painful. We have a significant nationwide housing crisis.
posted by DarlingBri at 6:54 AM on November 8, 2024 [4 favorites]
Immigrant to Ireland from the UK here. To add to what DarlingBri says --
Ireland will be tricky - whilst we have a lot of tech industry here, we also have a large tech workforce available from both the EU and UK, and they don't need visas. I doubt you will have much luck unless you have a particularly unique skillset and can find someone to sponsor you for it. Your partner may fare better (pharmaceutical industry is big here too).
Finding somewhere to live here is likely to be tricky and/or eye-wateringly expensive. If you were a house builder prepared to live in a caravan for a year we'd welcome you with open arms right now! The rest of the things you mention (healthcare, bank account) are relatively straightforward IF you can get a visa to work here.
posted by BigCalm at 7:12 AM on November 8, 2024 [1 favorite]
Ireland will be tricky - whilst we have a lot of tech industry here, we also have a large tech workforce available from both the EU and UK, and they don't need visas. I doubt you will have much luck unless you have a particularly unique skillset and can find someone to sponsor you for it. Your partner may fare better (pharmaceutical industry is big here too).
Finding somewhere to live here is likely to be tricky and/or eye-wateringly expensive. If you were a house builder prepared to live in a caravan for a year we'd welcome you with open arms right now! The rest of the things you mention (healthcare, bank account) are relatively straightforward IF you can get a visa to work here.
posted by BigCalm at 7:12 AM on November 8, 2024 [1 favorite]
Seconding warriorqueen, Canada is closing its doors to a lot of immigrants right now due to our own homegrown racist populism, but I suspect that if you're white or white-passing, you will benefit from that unfortunately.
Housing? Not great. Our once-lauded healthcare system? Limping along. It took me nearly two years to get my PR and a near decade to get citizenship, but I was sponsored by my Canadian husband. I definitely would not have met the skilled worker options!
Also, remember that if you have health issues or your partner does, that will lessen your chances significantly in any country.
posted by Kitteh at 7:21 AM on November 8, 2024
Housing? Not great. Our once-lauded healthcare system? Limping along. It took me nearly two years to get my PR and a near decade to get citizenship, but I was sponsored by my Canadian husband. I definitely would not have met the skilled worker options!
Also, remember that if you have health issues or your partner does, that will lessen your chances significantly in any country.
posted by Kitteh at 7:21 AM on November 8, 2024
Be aware that your being a "US Person" can be a giant pain in the ass for foreign banks, and so many will decline to deal with you. Do not simply assume you can walk up to a retail branch and open an account.
...also, once you are abroad, many US banks will immediately close your account if they realize you're not a resident any longer; they obviously allow shorter trips and the like, but if they become aware of your new status as a resident of a foreign country they can (and many will) close your account with basically zero notice unless you've made prior arrangements.
So, first step, start sorting out your banking even before you know where you're going to be. One avenue to consider is to establish "residence" in South Dakota, where there are remailing companies that will act as your address. That, plus a VPN, will usually keep your bank accounts safe (the banks are merely being paranoid and lazy; it's not like they actually want to have to close your account, but if you force them to be aware of your residence they will take the easy way out). As long as they can pretend they didn't know, you're safe, but if you change your address to Munich they'll be forced to act.
If you have enough money, there are specialist divisions in some of the major investment banks that will facilitate your continued banking by establishing the right kinds of accounts that won't get them (or you) in legal trouble. Charles Schwab has an entire expat division, Chase has a "private client" group that includes international banking, and so does Merrill-Lynch.
Among foreign banks it varies, but there are still banks that are willing to accept US Persons as clients, and there are still others who won't mind as long as you give them plausible deniability (eg: a local address). For example, ICICI in India is perfectly happy to conduct business as long as they can pretend they don't know I don't live there (I use a local person as my agent, more or less. Note this requires massive trust, or else legal frameworks, since they could just take my money even though my name is on the account). I have a European private bank I also use, because they do massive KYC checks and thus are set up to deal with US bank reporting rules.
posted by aramaic at 7:24 AM on November 8, 2024 [5 favorites]
...also, once you are abroad, many US banks will immediately close your account if they realize you're not a resident any longer; they obviously allow shorter trips and the like, but if they become aware of your new status as a resident of a foreign country they can (and many will) close your account with basically zero notice unless you've made prior arrangements.
So, first step, start sorting out your banking even before you know where you're going to be. One avenue to consider is to establish "residence" in South Dakota, where there are remailing companies that will act as your address. That, plus a VPN, will usually keep your bank accounts safe (the banks are merely being paranoid and lazy; it's not like they actually want to have to close your account, but if you force them to be aware of your residence they will take the easy way out). As long as they can pretend they didn't know, you're safe, but if you change your address to Munich they'll be forced to act.
If you have enough money, there are specialist divisions in some of the major investment banks that will facilitate your continued banking by establishing the right kinds of accounts that won't get them (or you) in legal trouble. Charles Schwab has an entire expat division, Chase has a "private client" group that includes international banking, and so does Merrill-Lynch.
Among foreign banks it varies, but there are still banks that are willing to accept US Persons as clients, and there are still others who won't mind as long as you give them plausible deniability (eg: a local address). For example, ICICI in India is perfectly happy to conduct business as long as they can pretend they don't know I don't live there (I use a local person as my agent, more or less. Note this requires massive trust, or else legal frameworks, since they could just take my money even though my name is on the account). I have a European private bank I also use, because they do massive KYC checks and thus are set up to deal with US bank reporting rules.
posted by aramaic at 7:24 AM on November 8, 2024 [5 favorites]
Dutch-American friendship Treaty may be relevant, for as long as it lasts:
https://expatlaw.nl/dutch-american-friendship-treaty
posted by frumiousb at 7:28 AM on November 8, 2024
https://expatlaw.nl/dutch-american-friendship-treaty
posted by frumiousb at 7:28 AM on November 8, 2024
Oh, you may also want to look at setting up an account with the State Department Federal Credit Union. You will need to first become a member of the American Consumer Council. Doing so allows you to open an SDFCU account, which you otherwise wouldn't qualify for.
posted by aramaic at 7:31 AM on November 8, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by aramaic at 7:31 AM on November 8, 2024 [1 favorite]
For a less than obvious choice, Argentina has open immigration enshrined in the constitution, a strong tech sector with LOTS of people getting paid abroad in dollars and changing them here into pesos, a liberal society as far as social issues go, friendly and welcoming people and a climactic zone for everyone's preferences (tropical to arctic). Show up here, go get your residency card and in a couple of years you can get a passport (with all the caveats of argentine bureaucracy).
Then there's the economy, which I won't even begin to go into.
posted by conifer at 7:55 AM on November 8, 2024 [2 favorites]
Then there's the economy, which I won't even begin to go into.
posted by conifer at 7:55 AM on November 8, 2024 [2 favorites]
First, to answer your general question about citizenship: children inherit it from their parents. You just need to file some paperwork with the consulate.
——
Seven years ago I picked up and moved to Mérida, Mexico. A nice city and much physically safer than anywhere in the U.S.
If you can prove you have $130,000 ($65,000 each) to your name then come on in. You can get a temporary residency visa which after four years automatically turns into a permanent visa. There is also a path to citizenship.
You can’t work for a Mexican company under the temporary visa, but nobody in the expat community does anyway. Everybody works remote, usually in their country of origin. Generally you take a pay cut for the privilege but you’ll still be doing very well by local standards.
When you get your permanent visa, you will also have access to statistically the worst socialized medical system in the world. However, as Mérida is a major medical hub you can get amazingly cheap and good medical care in the private system. Half the doctors were educated in the United States if you’re worried about that sort of thing. I take three drugs that are prescription in the United States; I buy them OTC here for cheaper than my co-pay was.
I turned up in Mérida with no connections and a shaky grasp of Spanish at best. I picked up a four hour volunteer shift at the local English library where I have met tons of expats as well as local people learning English. Also, although I am not religious I connected with the local Episcopal church and found volunteer opportunities through them. Due to my still limited Spanish I’ve had to pass on some opportunities that didn’t have a bilingual person present. On the other hand, I am now doing Spanish-only volunteer tech support for a disadvantaged girls program and for complex conversations we just use Google Translate.
I used to worry about the ethical concerns of gentrification and in general sparking local inflation by being willing to pay more, and then I got a look at the statistics. Expats are a tiny drop in the bucket compared to the massive influx from Mexico City. As long as I don’t volunteer to do a job that somebody would be getting paid for my conscience is clear.
So there you go. Almost certainly not what you have been imagining but a very viable option, particularly if you want to move quickly.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 8:08 AM on November 8, 2024 [15 favorites]
——
Seven years ago I picked up and moved to Mérida, Mexico. A nice city and much physically safer than anywhere in the U.S.
If you can prove you have $130,000 ($65,000 each) to your name then come on in. You can get a temporary residency visa which after four years automatically turns into a permanent visa. There is also a path to citizenship.
You can’t work for a Mexican company under the temporary visa, but nobody in the expat community does anyway. Everybody works remote, usually in their country of origin. Generally you take a pay cut for the privilege but you’ll still be doing very well by local standards.
When you get your permanent visa, you will also have access to statistically the worst socialized medical system in the world. However, as Mérida is a major medical hub you can get amazingly cheap and good medical care in the private system. Half the doctors were educated in the United States if you’re worried about that sort of thing. I take three drugs that are prescription in the United States; I buy them OTC here for cheaper than my co-pay was.
I turned up in Mérida with no connections and a shaky grasp of Spanish at best. I picked up a four hour volunteer shift at the local English library where I have met tons of expats as well as local people learning English. Also, although I am not religious I connected with the local Episcopal church and found volunteer opportunities through them. Due to my still limited Spanish I’ve had to pass on some opportunities that didn’t have a bilingual person present. On the other hand, I am now doing Spanish-only volunteer tech support for a disadvantaged girls program and for complex conversations we just use Google Translate.
I used to worry about the ethical concerns of gentrification and in general sparking local inflation by being willing to pay more, and then I got a look at the statistics. Expats are a tiny drop in the bucket compared to the massive influx from Mexico City. As long as I don’t volunteer to do a job that somebody would be getting paid for my conscience is clear.
So there you go. Almost certainly not what you have been imagining but a very viable option, particularly if you want to move quickly.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 8:08 AM on November 8, 2024 [15 favorites]
There's an open thread on the blue where we're discussing this. The app it links to that suggests a destination country is a little silly, but it's a conversation starter and as ever on MeFi, we're conversing.
As someone whose entire life plan for the last year or two has been moving out of the US (though it's gonna take me a few more years), I have thought way too much about this. within that thread, here's my checklist of things to consider.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:37 AM on November 8, 2024 [4 favorites]
As someone whose entire life plan for the last year or two has been moving out of the US (though it's gonna take me a few more years), I have thought way too much about this. within that thread, here's my checklist of things to consider.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:37 AM on November 8, 2024 [4 favorites]
That's a really good list DirtyOldTown.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 9:35 AM on November 8, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 9:35 AM on November 8, 2024 [1 favorite]
There is something that i would add to DirtyOldTown's list, namely are you prepared for not being able to vote in your country of residence until becoming a citizen, a process that will take several years.
posted by 15L06 at 12:06 PM on November 8, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by 15L06 at 12:06 PM on November 8, 2024 [1 favorite]
The entire world is undergoing a major shift to the right. Incumbents are losing all over the world. Any place a rich westerner would want to live is experiencing similar challenges as we are seeing in the US. People as a whole are too stupid to understand what is the effect of leadership and what is the effect of a global pandemic destroying our systems.
Not to say you shouldn’t leave, but don’t think you can get away from this bullshit and keep a comfortable, predictable modern lifestyle. Theres nowhere to run, so focus on protecting yourself and your family. Maybe that means moving, but you can’t run from this problem.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/us-elections-trump-win-democrats-republicans-anti-incumbent-sentiment-4732846
posted by Geckwoistmeinauto at 1:43 PM on November 8, 2024 [6 favorites]
Not to say you shouldn’t leave, but don’t think you can get away from this bullshit and keep a comfortable, predictable modern lifestyle. Theres nowhere to run, so focus on protecting yourself and your family. Maybe that means moving, but you can’t run from this problem.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/us-elections-trump-win-democrats-republicans-anti-incumbent-sentiment-4732846
posted by Geckwoistmeinauto at 1:43 PM on November 8, 2024 [6 favorites]
I would also add this concern to DirtyOldTown's list: if you're male and under a certain age, actually becoming a citizen of some countries could possibly mean obligation to military service.
posted by Rash at 1:46 PM on November 8, 2024 [2 favorites]
posted by Rash at 1:46 PM on November 8, 2024 [2 favorites]
Re: Australia,
* comp sci & bioengineering degrees would classify you as skilled migrants. If you could match qualifications & experience against one of the occupations currently in shortage, that might be in your favour. E.g. "software engineer" and "biomedical engineer" show up as being in shortage across nearly all australian states and territories
* one pathway could be an employer-sponsored temporary visa, then applying for permanent residency after a couple of years, then citizenship after obtaining permanent residency. anecdotally it takes people 4 years or so to become an australian permanent resident. while you are on a temporary visa before permanent residency it looks like you are not covered by australia's public heath system and would need to purchase private health insurance -- that would cost around AUD $7k / year for a couple purchasing insurance with a comprehensive level of coverage.
* another pathway is a non-employer-sponsored skilled migration visa where you make an expression of interest, and then australia's federal / state governments may invite you to apply, and if your application is successful you are granted immediate permanent residency and are immediately eligible for the benefits of australia's public health system. there's probably a lot of competition for these visas
I live in Melbourne, Australia. There is a lot of medical / life sciences stuff going on here -- both public sector / research & industry -- it's likely there are a number of employers who could be interested in employing your partner. There's also a bunch of software work but the tech scene here is smaller than Sydney & a lot smaller than US, and the pay is less. There's less timezone overlap with the US so it is more challenging to work remotely for a US company than it would be from other parts of the world. Housing isn't cheap here, housing supply hasn't been keeping up with migration & rents have spiked in the last few years -- but one person working full time with a professional job would easily have enough income after taxes to cover a renting a 2 bed apartment in the city, living expenses & health insurance for 2 people & be able to save a bit.
posted by are-coral-made at 2:53 PM on November 8, 2024
* comp sci & bioengineering degrees would classify you as skilled migrants. If you could match qualifications & experience against one of the occupations currently in shortage, that might be in your favour. E.g. "software engineer" and "biomedical engineer" show up as being in shortage across nearly all australian states and territories
* one pathway could be an employer-sponsored temporary visa, then applying for permanent residency after a couple of years, then citizenship after obtaining permanent residency. anecdotally it takes people 4 years or so to become an australian permanent resident. while you are on a temporary visa before permanent residency it looks like you are not covered by australia's public heath system and would need to purchase private health insurance -- that would cost around AUD $7k / year for a couple purchasing insurance with a comprehensive level of coverage.
* another pathway is a non-employer-sponsored skilled migration visa where you make an expression of interest, and then australia's federal / state governments may invite you to apply, and if your application is successful you are granted immediate permanent residency and are immediately eligible for the benefits of australia's public health system. there's probably a lot of competition for these visas
I live in Melbourne, Australia. There is a lot of medical / life sciences stuff going on here -- both public sector / research & industry -- it's likely there are a number of employers who could be interested in employing your partner. There's also a bunch of software work but the tech scene here is smaller than Sydney & a lot smaller than US, and the pay is less. There's less timezone overlap with the US so it is more challenging to work remotely for a US company than it would be from other parts of the world. Housing isn't cheap here, housing supply hasn't been keeping up with migration & rents have spiked in the last few years -- but one person working full time with a professional job would easily have enough income after taxes to cover a renting a 2 bed apartment in the city, living expenses & health insurance for 2 people & be able to save a bit.
posted by are-coral-made at 2:53 PM on November 8, 2024
Have you lived outside of the US before? I am guessing not. It’s a lot harder than you might expect. Can you consider moving to blue city in a blue(r) state?
It’s very easy to idealize other places. They are also moving right. This is an international trend and you might not be able to run away from it.
Sometimes the best way to manage our stress and anxiety is not to flee but to find some way, even if small, of helping other people. It might be good if you got out of head a bit.
(I say this as a queer person who has kids who are also vulnerable. This isn’t theoretical for us.)
posted by bluedaisy at 7:35 PM on November 8, 2024 [3 favorites]
It’s very easy to idealize other places. They are also moving right. This is an international trend and you might not be able to run away from it.
Sometimes the best way to manage our stress and anxiety is not to flee but to find some way, even if small, of helping other people. It might be good if you got out of head a bit.
(I say this as a queer person who has kids who are also vulnerable. This isn’t theoretical for us.)
posted by bluedaisy at 7:35 PM on November 8, 2024 [3 favorites]
Before you start making permanent changes, it might be a good idea to test trial living in another country. As an American citizen, your passport will allow you at least 90 days in many places. There are many difficult realities of living as a foreigner, especially when you don't speak the language. It may be all worth it in the end, but I would definitely go into it gradually and cautiously.
posted by monologish at 8:17 PM on November 8, 2024 [3 favorites]
posted by monologish at 8:17 PM on November 8, 2024 [3 favorites]
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posted by flink at 6:26 AM on November 8, 2024