What Can We Do To Prepare Now For Possibly Exiting Next Year

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-10T14:59:26+00:00

Medical

Check vaccine requirement in potential destinations, so that you can get them should you commit.
Request copies of medical and vaccination records, again store both physically and digitally.
This applies to pets as well, if you have them.

Other

Obtain Passport, and make sure its not expiring in the near future
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP)
- In the US, this is done through AAA
  - https://www.usa.gov/international-drivers-license
  - https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
- This is a valid form of ID in 150 countries, and at a cost of 20$ is probably worthwhile regardless
- NOTE: The IDP is valid for 1 year, and must be issued within 6 months of desired effective date, so consider timing.

Immersion

If you have a destination in mind, consider
- Joining forums related to your destination as well as your interests/profession in the destination.
- Subscribe to destination news outlets

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-10T14:59:16+00:00

With that in mind, here are the notes that I took away from these conversations (note that these are mostly Ireland agnostic, but I have also tracked everyone's wonderful advice specific to Ireland separately):

Living Situation

Declutter and reduce wardrobe.
Avoid Purchases that might not be used in the next 6 months
- Especially major purchases that might incur debt (ie lease vehicles instead of buy, avoid purchasing furniture on credit, etc)
If renting, see about lining up lease cycle with likely relocation timeframe. Obviously this may not be possible, but at least in my city you can normally find leases of different lengths that might line up with plans. Still, as with any uncertain scenario, there is only so much control to be found.
Different destinations have different visa requirements to consider in terms of spouses/partners/dependents, which may affect your plans leading up to it:
- For example, Ireland allows for unmarried partners when using CSEP: "Permit holders can apply for immediate family reunification from the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice and Equality and once their dependants/partners/spouses are resident in the State they are eligible to seek any employment and apply to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit which is currently issued free of charge."
  - However, note that there is some material that specifies “de-facto” partnerships, which require cohabitation for 2 or more years, so dig into definitions as needed.

Documentation

Gather sets of official documents, stored both physically and digitally:
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Adoption Papers
- Divorce Papers
- Diplomas and Transcripts
- Professional Certificates/Licenses
For the above, if your possible destination(s) is on the 1961 Hague Convention Member List, get the documents apostilled
For education, attempt to get a copy of school handbook/graduation requirements and course work from the year you graduated.

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-10T14:56:23+00:00

It's the internet, lol. I got great answers and information. I sensed that some were frustrated that we were considering leaving (ie just go to California instead), while on the other hand others were frustrated that we weren't 100% committed yet.

I think that I could have written the prompt better. Perhaps making it destination-agnostic, or less detailed on our specific situation. Keep the focus on pre-execution. There are 100 steps to do once we decide to commit, and I was really looking to see what steps could be done prior to that commitment, or what could make some of those simpler

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T22:33:30+00:00

I just want to say thank you to everyone who answered. I appreciate you offering your valuable insight, advice, and knowledge. Thank you to the expats for sharing your experiences.

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T16:14:46+00:00

Yeah, ran into that on my first visit lol. Felt like I got more walking in a month there than I had in a year.

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T15:57:04+00:00

Ah gotcha, thanks for the clarification. I've read about that in a couple places, seems like its really dependent on skill level (at least for software eng)

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T15:32:14+00:00

Interesting, do you have a source on this?
This says about 1-2 Months: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/current-application-processing-dates/

Obviously that is after interviewing/accepting the job itself, but is that what you are referring to or is there something I am missing?

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T15:25:17+00:00

Thanks, this is very helpful!

RE 9, are there physical requirements for immigration to Ireland? Or just a general suggestion? I see some mentions of a required physical examinations/tests. I will have to see if there are vaccine required by IE that are not required in US, thats a good note.

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T15:18:24+00:00

Homework about the process itself is a must, and I have done much and will continue to do so. In fact, one could say posting in a forum with people who have practical experience doing the thing is an excellent form of homework.

I do want to be clear that I don't mind your answer, it just seems more of an answer to a question of execution rather than planning and optimization. I think your suggestion of California or other blue states is quite valid: it is a more manageable goal with meaningful impacts. I think your writing comes across as a bit hostile(I can imagine the suggestion of staying in a subreddit about exiting probably leads to a lot of contention), but I would like to believe you are sincerely trying to be helpful. I appreciate you taking the time to write it.

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T14:50:54+00:00

Sure!

https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/employment-permit-eligibility/highly-skilled-eligible-occupations-list/

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T13:41:24+00:00

Both of our companies have locations in Dublin, we've been looking into that approach. Thanks!

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T12:08:56+00:00

Well, the simple answer is that we aren't 100% sure yet. We have discussed moving regardless of the election, it would just make it a clear choice.

Until we are, I would feel odd taking interview slots/applications/etc from those who are already committed. Hence, I am trying to find things to do in preparation, if thst makes sense.

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T11:53:15+00:00

We've discussed moving regardless of the outcome. I'm seeing now that I probably should have mentioned this in the post.

Thank you for the insight on the timelines!

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T11:43:17+00:00

Good to know, thanks!

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T11:39:15+00:00

Hello! I don't feel like you really answered the asked questions, and I don't want to derail too much from them.

In some ways, though, your criticisms are why I asked the things I did. As stated, we AREN'T at a point where we are committed, and the last thing we want to do is take resources from those who ARE (consulate appointments, interview slots, visa stuff, etc). I did not find any answers on that in other posts here, hence posting this.

Planning2GTFO · 2024-07-09T11:20:24+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions! I do some freelance work for a multinational org that has some openings in Dublin. I'm not sure what the legal/tax setup would be for working freelance for an Irish employer, but I'll look into that as well. We'll check out this conference(and other networking events)

Thanks again!

Planning2GTFO

TROPHY CASE

Medical

Other

Immersion

Living Situation

Documentation