Moving overseas is a huge change, and there are plenty of expenses to consider. To help you create a budget and start planning, focus on these five areas.
International shipping costs
When you’re planning to move overseas, you’ll need to budget for an international moving service. An intentional move can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to compare a few different removal companies. When you’re comparing prices, check out how much experience each company has. Look at any testimonials available and ensure that you understand your insurance options. How much you pay will depend on how many items you have. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to declutter before you move. Shipping your goods by sea is generally less expensive than air shipping.
Packing expenses
Next, you’ll need to budget for your packing expenses. You’ll have to buy materials such as boxes, tape, tissue paper, and bubble wrap. You may be able to source a few boxes for free if you ask local grocery stores and other retailers. Some removal companies include packing services, which could save you some money. When you’re packing remember to take care of your fragile items. Any fragile boxes should be labeled as such, and delicate items need to be protected.
Consider visa expenses
If you’re moving abroad, you’ll also need to budget for your visa expenses. Depending on where you are moving to, visa costs will vary. According to Visa Help U.S, ‘non-immigrant visas are priced at $160 for non-petition-based visas and $190 for petition-based visas.’ Petition-based visas refer to visas that are sponsored by an American citizen, for example, your new employer.
To apply for a UK Skilled Work Visa, ‘the standard fee ranges from £610 to £1,408.’ You’ll also need to pay a healthcare surcharge and have at least £1,270 in your bank account.
Hiring a lawyer
Under certain circumstances, you might require a lawyer to support you with an international move. You’ll need to understand the significance of a Green Card Lawyer, if you are seeking permanent residence in the U.S. A green card is required to become a citizen of the United States. It can be a lengthy process to obtain the document, and so it’s best to hire a lawyer to help you.
Great green card lawyers like attorney Ben Baumgartner can help you know the exact documents you need to apply for permanent residency based on your unique situation. Furthermore, your immigration lawyer can assist with filling out and filing any paperwork. These professionals also know the ins and outs of the application process, so they can help you prepare for the all-important interview by predicting common questions to expect. Working with an immigration lawyer increases your chances of a successful green card application outcome than working alone. In addition, you will spend less money, avoid fraud, and enjoy peace of mind when you hire an immigration lawyer to handle your green card application.
Apps to save
When you’re budgeting for a move, you’ll want to start saving up well in advance. To help you to budget and save there are several apps that can be useful:
- Wally: With the help of the Wally budgeting app you can track your income, and create savings targets. It’s simple to organize your payments into categories. Wally can help you to visualize your finances.
- Goodbudget: The Goodbudget app helps you to organize your spending, and allocate an amount for different categories. Using the app you can plan your savings and spending, to stay on the right track.
These apps can help you to save money for your move, and improve your finances overall. When you’re planning an international move, it’s best to start getting organized early.
(Disclaimer: This content is a partnered post. This material is provided as news and general information. It should not be construed as an endorsement of any investment service. The opinions expressed are the personal views and experience of the author, and no recommendation is made.)