Bay Area smart contract dev relocation: relocation to US for blockchain roles realistic timeline — what did yours look like?

I’m planning Bay Area relocation for a smart contract developer role and I need a realistic answer on the relocation timeline to the US when visa sponsorship and hiring cycles are uncertain.

I used to assume it’s apply → interviews → offer → move. But now it feels like the timeline depends on things candidates can’t fully control: whether the company is sponsor-ready, how long Bay Area interview loops take, and whether “remote” roles quietly mean US-only. The bigger risk is burning cash on Bay Area rent and basics while you’re still in “maybe” territory.

If you’ve done this (or decided not to), what did your timeline actually look like from first serious application to start date? Did you relocate only after the offer was signed, or did being local improve outcomes enough to justify the cost? And if you had to redo it, what would you lock first — portfolio depth, sponsor-ready target list, or a minimum cash buffer?