The time has come, and you’re finally ready to move to the US to be with your spouse. But if there’s anything you need to know about moving to another country, the experience is often nerve-racking and frightening – especially if you don’t know where to start and what to do.
Moving to the US comes with plenty of perks, of course. There are many good reasons why many ex-pats and immigrants choose it as a retirement destination or where they just want to spend the rest of their lives. The country provides endless opportunities regarding work, academics, and life in general, so individuals and couples often flock to the US to visit or attain permanent residence.
If you plan to move to the US for your spouse, you’ll first need to accomplish a spouse visa application. A spouse visa allows you to live with your British partner in the UK for as long as 30 months, though this can be extended once you successfully meet specific qualifications. This also opens the path toward an Indefinite Leave to Remain and, eventually, British Citizenship.
But before you enjoy the bliss of living with your partner, you’ll first have to overcome the typical and mentally-taxing hurdle of the transition process. While it’s normal to feel antsy and anxious about the prospect, here’s a list of ways you can mentally prepare yourself when moving to the United States.
- Do thorough research.
One of the most important yet comforting things you can do from the get-go is to do lots and lots of research before moving. The truth is that we often fear what we don’t know, so gaining a bit of insight and knowledge about what you might expect upon moving to a new country is helpful in every way.
Try to learn the estimated costs and expenses, the housing market, the language, or the culture. Make sure to have answers to all the questions you have in your head so that you can set your expectations beforehand. Hopefully, this will assist in making your transition to a new country easier and more comfortable. Knowing the country’s culture will also let you know various nuances you need to take note of. You’ll need that when starting conversations or mingling with locals.
- Participate in social groups.
Joining online social communities or groups is also a great idea to mentally prepare yourself for moving. You might want to join ex-pat communities as it’s always comforting to talk to people who share the same experiences as you. There, you can gain valuable insider tips about living in the country and insight into what the country’s culture is like. This is also a nice way to build relationships and improve communication and social skills.
- Set Up a Routine
Establishing a routine in a new and unfamiliar environment will help you ease and adjust to your life. This offers a sense of normalcy in a place you have never lived in and provides a sense of direction to your daily life. Think about what you want to do as soon as you get there. Maybe you want to hit the gym first thing in the morning, take strolls in the afternoon, join a group to learn baking, and have dinner with your spouse in the evenings. A well-established routine lets you know what to expect from your days and helps you stay calm during stressful early weeks.
Also, planning a schedule to do hobbies or tend to chores ensures that you accomplish these things sooner. Living in a new country can be overwhelming initially, so losing sight of your responsibilities, errands, or even your sense of enjoyment is typical. This way, you can focus more on feeling at home and settling into your new life more comfortably.
- Allocate time to spend with loved ones.
Having a support system to guide you through this new experience wonders your mental and emotional state. For this reason, you might want to schedule date nights or carefree days with your spouse once in a while and take a breather from everything. But other than that, you can also schedule a time to video call with your loved ones from back home to catch up and have conversations. Making this a routine or habit will make you feel like you’ve never left and help you feel closer to them despite being far away.
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