Moving to the U.S. as a Latin American Retiree: What You Need to Know

Secure Your Finances

It costs a lot of money to move to a new country. The cost of living in the US varies significantly depending on where you move to, but it can be considerably higher compared to some Latin American countries like Mexico. States like New Mexico, California, and Florida are close to Latin America, making them popular relocation destinations for many Latin Americans looking to move to the US. California has one of the highest costs of living in the entire country, unfortunately, so you’ll need to assess your finances before making a decision. You may not be able to transfer your pension to a new country if you receive one; contact your pension administrator to see if you’re able to receive it in the US. You may need to save up alternative funds if it is not transferable, so factor that into your relocation plans.

Obtain the Right Visa or Green Card

While there isn’t a visa specifically for retirement, there are a few options available to Latin American retirees who wish to move to the US. If you have family in the US who are citizens, they can opt for a family sponsorship to potentially make the green card process easier and faster. If you want to invest once you relocate to the US, you can obtain an EB-5 visa. A B2 tourist visa can allow you to stay in the US for at least six months, which could be ideal for those who plan short-term travel only. Moving permanently will typically require a green card, which you can apply for at any time.

Choose the Best Destination

Latin American retirees typically prefer American cities with established Latin American populations to continue a cultural connection. Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, and Houston are known for their Latin American roots, but there are plenty of cities with vibrant and thriving Latin American populations, particularly in Southern California, New Mexico, Florida, and Arizona. If you prefer a warmer climate, consider these areas, as they are known for their year-round warmth. Florida offers a humid, semi-tropical climate, while Arizona and Southern California provide much drier desert heat. Regardless of which side of the country you’re on, the farther north you travel, the colder it will get in the winter if you prefer seasonal differences. Rural areas will typically cost less to live in, but urban areas will provide more employment opportunities and cultural diversity.

Secure Health Insurance

While US healthcare providers are some of the best, they are pricey. You’ll need health insurance to afford healthcare, which is very important as a retiree. Unfortunately, most health insurance plans only provide coverage to citizens, so if you’re here on a temporary visa, you may need to obtain some traveler-friendly insurance. If you become a citizen, you may qualify for Medicare, a health insurance plan offered by the US government for retirees to make healthcare more affordable when not working. Once you acquire health insurance, assess different healthcare providers to keep you thriving during retirement. Many providers will let you know if they speak Spanish or have Spanish interpreters.

Explore Retirement Communities

If you plan on remaining in the United States for the rest of your retirement years, you may want to consider retirement communities, especially if you’ve left behind family members who can take care of you as you age. In the US, nursing homes and assisted living communities are more common, as it’s likelier for older adults to live alone or farther away from family. As a Latin American, you may not need these communities, especially if you move to the US with family. However, it may be a smart idea to tour some options. You may find some affordable housing and healthcare programs in a retirement home or community. If you need extra assistance or long-term care later in life, it’s a smart idea to find a highly rated option in case of emergencies. Retirement communities in the United States can vary in quality, especially in popular retirement destinations like California, Arizona, and New Mexico. It’s important to know your rights; you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect as a nursing home resident, regardless of who you are or where you come from. If you ever experience neglect or abuse, don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified and experienced law firm like the Nursing Home Law Center.

Connect With the Community

Keeping social is a very important part of retirement and integrating into a new country. Visit new restaurants, connect with the Latin American community, and discover things to do with friends or family. Find senior-related events and social groups to connect with people your age. Take educational courses to keep your mind strong as you age. There are plenty of things to do in the US, so take advantage of them.

Conclusion

Relocating during retirement presents an exciting adventure. As long as you’re prepared, you can make the most of any new location. The United States can offer some great employment opportunities, sightseeing, and healthcare, but you’ll need to make sure you can afford the move and wait for approval for your green card application. Consulting with an immigration attorney can speed the process along, but an attorney comes with a price. With some careful planning, you can thrive in the US during your golden years as a Latin American.