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Comment on Ask HN: Senior dev, no degree – which countries may accept me?parent

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i am unsure of details (a long time since i came here), but i think also chile. i am unsure because i do have a degree (a phd) and did provide it at some point. but i entered on a tourist visa, got a job offer and then applied for change of status using that. as far as i remember they were happy to take me provided i would work and pay taxes. if you speak spanish most of chile's laws seem to be online, so you can probably dig up more info yourself.

since you are with a family, things may be more complex. public education here is not very good (i understand; i don't have children, but it is one of the issues in the current elections). there are private schools, but that implies you have to earn more. but if you can earn a decent wage then life here is pretty good - friendly people, relatively little crime, a more relaxed pace of life, great weather, good, low priced, fresh food (but imported goods are more expensive), very stable politics (for s america).

downsides are large variations in wealth, and relatively little in the way of public services, compared to w europe (i am english) and a certain lack of experience with foreigners (which if you are dark skinned can be quite obvious, and often rather naive, racism). also, hours are long in many chilean companies (how long you are at your desk can seem more important than what you do).

i don't regret coming here, at all, but i am (relatively) well off (and, i realise i haven't said anywhere above, live with - but am not married to - a chilean, which makes life significantly easier when first finding your way around).

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