Migrating to Another Country: What Filipino Parents Should Know About Relocation to the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Spain

Migrating to another country from the PH or Philippines can be both an exciting and challenging journey, especially for Filipino parents seeking better opportunities for their families. Countries like the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Spain offer various benefits, but the process and lifestyle adjustments require careful planning. Here’s what Filipino parents should know before taking the leap when migrating to another country.

Migrating to another country from PH: What Filipino parents should know

Image from Shutterstock

1. Understanding Immigration Processes

Each country has unique immigration pathways and requirements:

• United States: The US offers family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, and diversity visas. Research the most suitable visa type for your family’s needs when migrating to another country from PH.
• Canada: Canada is known for its family-friendly immigration programs, such as the Family Sponsorship and Express Entry systems. These programs are popular choices for families migrating to another country from PH.
• New Zealand: The Skilled Migrant Category and family visas are common options for migrants, offering a reliable path for those migrating to another country from PH.
• Australia: Australia’s points-based system evaluates skills, age, and qualifications. Family reunification visas are also available, making it an ideal destination for Filipinos migrating to another country.
• Spain: Spain offers options like the Non-Lucrative Visa for those with sufficient financial resources and the Golden Visa for investors.

Seek advice from immigration consultants or legal experts to ensure a smooth application process when migrating to another country from PH.

2. Cost of Living and Budgeting

The cost of living varies significantly across these countries. For instance:

• US: Housing, healthcare, and education costs can be high, depending on the state.
• Canada: Free public healthcare and education balance the moderate-to-high living costs, a significant factor for families migrating to another country from PH.
• New Zealand: Relatively affordable compared to other developed nations, but housing prices can be high in major cities. Families migrating to another country from PH should prepare for this adjustment.
• Australia: Offers high wages but comes with a high cost of living.
• Spain: Known for its affordable lifestyle compared to other European countries.

Prepare a budget that includes housing, food, transportation, education, and healthcare to avoid financial stress when migrating to another country from PH.

Image from Shutterstock

3. Education Opportunities

Education systems vary in approach and quality:

• US: Offers a mix of public and private schools with diverse extracurricular opportunities.
• Canada: Known for its high-quality public education system, a key attraction for families migrating to another country from PH.
• New Zealand and Australia: Both countries emphasize holistic education with strong support for international students.
• Spain: Spanish schools offer bilingual programs, making it easier for children to adapt.

Understanding the local education system helps in selecting the best school for your children when migrating to another country from PH.

4. Healthcare Access

Healthcare systems differ in accessibility and cost:

• US: Healthcare is privatized, requiring health insurance.
• Canada and New Zealand: Offer free or subsidized public healthcare, a key benefit for those migrating to another country from PH.
• Australia: Medicare provides free or low-cost healthcare services.
• Spain: Residents can access universal healthcare through the public system.

Registering for healthcare upon arrival should be a priority when migrating to another country from PH.

5. Cultural Integration

Adjusting to a new culture can be overwhelming. Encourage your family to:

• Learn the language spoken in the destination country.
• Participate in community activities to build a social network.
• Celebrate Filipino traditions to preserve cultural roots.

Cultural integration is an essential step for families migrating to another country from PH.

6. Employment Opportunities

For parents, securing a job is crucial. Research industries with high demand for skills:

• US and Canada: Healthcare, IT, and skilled trades are in demand.
• New Zealand and Australia: Look into construction, engineering, and education.
• Spain: Opportunities often lie in teaching English, tourism, and healthcare.

Understanding employment opportunities is critical for Filipinos migrating to another country from PH.

7. Legal Documentation and Citizenship

Image from Shutterstock

Ensure all documentation is complete:

• Passports and visas
• Birth certificates
• Educational records
• Health insurance and vaccination records

Some countries offer pathways to permanent residency or citizenship, so familiarize yourself with these processes when migrating to another country from PH.

Tips for Filipinos who are planning to migrate to another country

Here are some insights and tips from migration agencies and consultants:

• Norilyn Oligo-Sarma: A licensed immigration consultant warns against fake consultants and highlights the importance of verifying credentials.
• Visa Hub Tech: Assists IT and engineering professionals with skilled migration, offering tailored guidance for Filipino talents.
• eHub International-Philippines: Shares the real motivations behind migration and provides practical tips for navigating the immigration process.
• MommyDi: Offers advice on Canadian and US visa application processes, including preparation for interviews.
• Dr. Charlie Lim: Highlights successful visa appeals and the importance of expert support during the immigration process.
• Filipino Migrant Workers: Share authentic experiences of living abroad, providing realistic perspectives on overseas life.
• Jax Reyes: Provides checklists and advice for smooth international travel preparations.

By following these social media accounts, Filipino parents can gain practical tips, avoid pitfalls, and feel more confident in their migration journey.

Join the “NagTAPtanong” Series

For Filipino parents looking to dive deeper into the migration process, join our “NagTAPtanong” series — a dedicated platform where we can answer your most pressing questions about relocating to countries like the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Spain.