How to Leave America as a U.S. Citizen in 11 different ways either permanently or temporarily

What you should know is that most long term expats fall into one of these 3 categories:

1. Being sponsored by an employer. You would be on a work visa that your company pays for. An American company paying for your visa while working in another country (think Emily in Paris) or a foreign company that sponsor’s your work visa (think Cirque Du Soleil performer).

2. Eligible through ancestry. Your family has citizenship in another country therefore you quality by descent. There are also visas that allow you to stay in a country when you live with a partner who is a citizen or permanent resident of that country. 

3. Self Employed or Business Based

If you don’t fall into these categories (like me), are 18+, and want to leave, here are 11 ways to do so.

1. Study Abroad

Doing this through your American College or University will probably cost thousands of dollars. I suggest you get your Bachelor’s or Master’s at a university in a country (outside the US) that you are interested in. Here’s an example, going to a University in Italy will be a fraction of the cost. Public university in Italy is 900 to 4,000 euros per year (income based). As an American applying for an University in Italy there is an extra pre-enrollment and visa process for Non-EU students. You will also have to apply for a student visa. After arriving in Italy, you apply for a residence permit. The programs are taught in Italian or English. What’s great is that this can lead to staying in Italy long term! Time spent studying can count partially toward long term residence!  After graduation you can convert to a work permit or apply for a job search visa. 

2. Teach English Abroad

It’s best to have a degree. Although there are some programs allow you to join without a degree. I used the Meddeas Program to teach English in Spain. You can read all about that here.

3. Au Pair

You will need to have experience with babysitting and taking care of children

4. Digital Nomad Visa

Requires proof of income or savings. Often a monthly minimum of $3,000+. Up to 6-12 months with opportunity to renew. You can only work with foreign companies or pay yourself to a business account from your savings. You can not work locally for local companies.

5. Volunteer Exchanges

I personally use Worldpackers. 

Read about my 7 Worldpackers experiences here. 

• Worldpackers

• Workaway

• WWOOF (world wide opportunities on organic farms)

• HelpX

• Help Stay

• Volunteers Base

• Hippo Help

• Trusted House Sitters! 

*Check out my Discount Code Page for discounts on Worldpackers and Trusted House Sitters

6. Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain

You will need $30,000+ in savings, pension, or passive income. Learn more about this from Michelle Garabito on TikTok

7. Holiday Work Visa

• Australia: Ages 18-30 and up to 12 months

• New Zealand: Ages 18-30 and up to 12 months

• South Korea: Up to 12-18 months, with part time work permitted while traveling

• Singapore: Up to 6 months for undergraduate students or recent graduates

• Ireland: For those who graduated in the last 12 months. Can apply for 12 months of travel and work.

• Canada: US citizens can participate through a recognized organization which nominates them for a working holiday permit allowing work and travel in Canada for about a year.

8. International Organizations 

• United Nations

• WHO

• OECD

• NGOs

• World Bank 

They will sponsor your visa, allow long term residence, and move you between countries.

9.Some countries allow Permanent Residency first then Work. This is residency without work initially then later conversion to work authorization. Countries that allow this are: Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Eastern Europe

10. You can live in Georgia or Albania for up to a year VISA-FREE as an American. No formal residency or visa application. No residence permit needed. You just enter and can stay up to a year. Saint Lucia (Caribbean option), Palau (Micronesia region), Marshall Islands allow for up to a year visa-free as an American as well.

11. Countries with long or extensible stays but not strictly visa free for a year

Mexico (tourist permit), Panama, and Peru up to 180 days visa free

Love, Kaliah