Family Preparation Guide

If Children Are Staying in the U.S.

Families sometimes decide that U.S. citizen children will remain in the country with another parent, relative, or guardian. If that is the plan, formalizing guardianship or power of attorney in advance — through a family law attorney, not this website — gives the caregiver the legal authority to make medical, school, and other decisions on the child's behalf.

If Children Are Leaving Too

Gather school and medical records early, and research how the destination country handles school enrollment for returning or newly arriving children. The relevant country guide's "First 30 Days" section is a useful starting point for what to expect on arrival.

Staying Connected

Set up a reliable way to communicate before leaving — a phone plan or eSIM that will work at the destination, and a shared plan for how often family will check in. See the Technology category for practical options.

Financial Support

Decide in advance how family remaining in the U.S. will send financial support, and how those funds will be received on the other end. The Money & Banking category compares options for sending money internationally.

Emotional Preparation

Separation, even planned and voluntary, is genuinely hard on a family. It is reasonable to seek support — from community organizations, faith communities, or a counselor — rather than treating this as something to manage alone. See the Mental Health category for further resources.