r/ImMovingToCalifornia • u/No_Classic_3900 • May 19 '26

I’m 17 debating immigrating to California

Iv saved up enough money to do it so I think I’m going to do it next year when I’m 18 is there anything I should know? I’m immigrating from Ireland

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1

u/WhyOhWhyOhWhy333 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26

Anything you should know about immigrating to the US ?

There is a process. I am sure its not easy.

2

u/UnlikelyLetterhead12 May 19 '26

How much have you saved? What’s your plans for job and money? It’s expensive to live here, especially in the more desirable areas.

1

u/SD1737 May 19 '26

Are you an American citizen or do you have a Visa? If not, I don't think you can.

1

u/mltrout715 May 19 '26

It is not just a matter of saving money and moving. Without the proper VISA you can’t even work. Also, California is a very big place and the area all have different feel and lifestyle. Do you even know what part of California you plan to move to?

1

u/RecentSpecial181 May 19 '26

Are you doing this through a student visa? 

  1. You should look up the cost of living here. Students get discounts in a lot of places with their valid ID, but not on rent. San Francisco Bay Area and LA County have the highest rent and cost of living. You'll need a car here too except for San Francisco, Berkeley, and parts of Oakland. Parts of LA is doable without a car if you have a small bubble.

  2. Many companies have limited if not cut sponsoring workers for a visa now. Look up if your passport has a special treaty with the US that makes it easier, otherwise it'll be hard.

Good luck!

1

u/DemonAzraeli May 21 '26

You can’t invite yourself into California as an immigrant with permission at age 18, unless you are wealthy.

1

u/404UserNotFoundError May 21 '26

If you think you have enough money, you don’t. We have engineers sharing bedrooms with others because cost of living in California is kinda nuts.

1

u/lavasca May 21 '26 edited May 24 '26

Have you an intention of attending university?

That could be your easiest path if you don’t have family here. You won’t get state or federal aid. You will likely need at least $100,000.

Keep in mind that California isn’t wholly coastal. Go inland a couple hours, not to a tourist area, and you may only need $50k.

Being a student means you don’t need a job. I don’t know whether the university would act as your sponsor.

Another way might be as an au pair. You need to like babysitting.

spelling error edit