6 Essential Things That You Need To Do Before Immigrating To Another Country

Moving abroad is an exciting process and is also one that can overwhelm you because of the number of things you need to get done before you go. But if you begin the planning and preparation ahead of time, the entire immigration process can feel a lot more achievable. From confirming that your plane ticket and visa are properly booked to consulting with a certified immigration lawyer in advance, here are 6 essential things you must do before you immigrate to another country.

1. Book Your Plane Ticket

The most obvious essential thing you must do before moving abroad is booking your plane ticket and making sure that all your visas are up to date and valid. If you purchase your ticket in advance, you are more likely to get a good deal on it as plane tickets usually get more expensive as the travel date approaches. A rule of thumb in getting the lowest ticket price possible is to book your flight at least a month in advance. Being flexible with travel days and dates can also allow you to snag an appreciable offer. 

2. Research Your New City

Before you get onto that plane, you want to make sure you know what to expect from your new home city. Get some research done beforehand, either through buying travel books about the city and giving them a read or checking out expatriate groups on social media. The simple act of turning to the internet to explore travel blogs and articles is also helpful. It’s critical to find out details about money, the availability of job opportunities, and how the economy and politics work there. You should also observe the weather information so that you know what clothes to bring with you and if you need to buy any additional things to wear. In addition, it might be fun to make a list of all the things you want to see and do there and get yourself excited about the move. 

3. Consult With An Immigration Lawyer 

Finding the perfect immigration lawyer is also an essential thing to do before you move abroad. Consulting with a legal expert is crucial to make sure you have your legal rights in check. They can assist you with any visa processes you may need to carry out. For instance, the lawyer can advise you to consider the type of a visa, which allows a Canadian citizen to sponsor a family member in Canada for the purpose of a family reunion. Lawyers specialized in immigration will have up-to-date news on the policies to make sure that you aren’t caught off guard when you get to the country you are moving to. Furthermore, they can streamline the complex immigration process from the legal side and make sure all your papers are ready to avoid complications.

4. Sort Out Your Insurance 

Before you go, you should check if your current health insurance will cover you when you are in your new home city. You should also collect your medical records so that you have them all on hand if you need them. Be sure to take any vaccinations you need ahead of time. It’s also advisable to get your important checkups done such as checking up on your vision and teeth and partaking in a full physical examination. If you are a female, you should also get a women’s care checkup done so that you can make any needed treatments or birth control along with you. Check on websites for different insurance options and compare rates and packages to find and purchase one that is suitable for you. Make sure to have your current insurance plans canceled as you will be paying for these services even without using them.  

5. Learn Some Language Basics

When moving to a new place, try to get the basics of the language down before you go there. Because English isn’t always enough, you should prepare and be familiar with the language basics of the locals. Even if they don’t fully understand you, they’ll appreciate the effort you are making to speak their local tongue. If you don’t want to go for a full-blown language course, you can use free online applications and websites to get yourself educated. Immersing yourself in TV shows, movies, music, and radio programs that are in the place’s language can also help you learn. Additionally,  it’s recommended to read up on cultural etiquette and norms to make sure you aren’t blindsided when you get there.

6. Make Copies Of Important Documents 

Finally, an essential thing you should do before immigrating is to make copies of important documents. Examples of these documents include your passport, visa and driver’s license, and your immunization and medical records. It might also be a good idea to bring along your birth certificate and your marriage certificate if you are married. You might suddenly need your birth and marriage certificates, and knowing that they are at hand can always alleviate stress.

Hopefully, after reading the guide on what is essential to do before immigrating, you feel more motivated when boarding the plane to your destination. Moving to a new country is always an exciting experience, though it could seem to be a little scary when you think of how much you need to put together before you go. However, if you are well-prepared before taking off, this can make a world of a difference to how stressed you are and enable you to enjoy the process more deeply.