How to Move to the UK from the US: A Complete Guide for American Expats

The ultimate guide for anyone looking to move to the UK from the US to start a new life in Great Britain.

By Alex Schulte | 7 May 2025

The United Kingdom is on the cusp of something extraordinary.

The Labour government want to level-up the economy, “mainline” AI into the arteries of the national economy, and turn the UK into a global hub for innovation and clean energy.

And it needs bright, talented US citizens to help fuel this transformation.

Record numbers of American citizens want to relocate across the pond. Indeed, applications for UK citizenship by Americans increased by 26% since 2023.

But that doesn’t mean it’s an easy process. Far from it.

That’s why we wrote this guide: to make the process as seamless and clear as possible. We’ll cover everything about moving to the UK as a US citizen, from choosing the right UK visas and navigating the immigration process, to obtaining British citizenship.

Let’s get started. Here are your best options for moving to the UK from the USA.

Navigating UK Visa Options: Your Ticket In

American citizens eyeing life in the UK have three main pathways to secure their visa:

Employment
Self-sponsorship
Family connections.

The UK government offers various visa categories to accommodate different circumstances.

Let’s explore each immigration route.

Employment-Based Work Visas: Let a UK Employer Open the Door

The most straightforward way is to secure a job offer with a UK employer approved as a licensed sponsor. This route has a tangible benefit if you want to stay for the long haul: the Home Office ensures that work visas tied to UK employers can lead to permanent residence, known administratively as ‘indefinite leave to remain’ (ILR).

The primary options include:

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the gold standard for professionals moving to the UK.

Lasts five years
Requires a job offer from an approved licensed sponsor
Minimum salary of £38,700 (or £30,960 for shortage occupations)
Must work in an eligible job

Health and Care Worker Visa

This sub-route of the Skilled Worker visa is designed for medical professionals joining the National Health Service.

5-year duration
Exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge
Minimum salary of £25,000
Must be qualified to provide medical services

Scale-up Worker Visa

This visa caters for digital technology professionals moving to the UK to work in a fast-scaling, innovative business.

Initial six-month job offer required
Two-year total duration
Flexibility to change jobs without notifying the Home Office (the government agency in charge of immigration)
Self-employment permitted after 6 months
Minimum salary of £36,300

Intra-Company Transfers: When Your US Employer Has UK Connections

If your current employer operates in the UK or is looking to expand there, these work visa pathways might be your ticket across the Atlantic. But remember: intra-company transfers don’t let you apply for permanent residency.

The various visa types fall under the Global Business Mobility visa route, which caters for companies looking to bring their existing employees into the UK.

Secondment Worker Visa:

This is a great option for employees of a US company sent to work in a UK subsidiary on a secondment.

No minimum salary requirements
12-month duration
Requires a £50 million+ contract between your US employer and a UK company.

UK Expansion Worker Visa:

This visa allows employees to establish a UK branch of their overseas business.

12-month duration
Minimum salary of £48,500

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa:

For experienced professionals transferring to an existing UK branch.

Five-year duration
Minimum salary of £48,500

For a full brief on the different business visa types, check out this article.

Self-Sponsorship: Blazing Your Own Trail

For independent spirits and innovators, these options let you sponsor your own move to the UK from the USA.

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa:

For recent graduates (within five years) from a list of select top global universities, with US schools heavily represented.

No job offer needed
Must apply to Ecctis for official recognition of your qualification
Doesn’t lead to permanent residence (unless you change your visa)

Global Talent Visa:

For recognised leaders in academia, tech, or the arts.

Requires endorsement from a relevant UK institution or a prestigious prize win
Offers flexibility to travel abroad while maintaining immigration status
Leads to permanent residence

Student Visa:

For those over the age of 16 enrolling on courses at UK universities or higher education institutions.

Requires a licensed student sponsor to offer you a place on a course
Student visas can lead to post-study work opportunities
You need enough money to support yourself

Innovator Founder Visa:

For entrepreneurs with fresh business ideas, this innovator visa package could be the perfect launchpad for a Great British startup.

Requires approval from an authorised body
Replacement for the previous Investor Visa
Leads to permanent residence

Family Connections

If you have ancestral roots in the British Isles or are married to a UK national, these family ties might be your simplest path to UK residency:

UK Ancestry Visa:

Available to Commonwealth and British Overseas citizens who can demonstrate that a grandparent was a British or Commonwealth citizen.

Family Visa:

For those married to or in a civil partnership with British citizens
Partner visa options for long-term relationships (2+ years)

Irish Citizens Connection:

Special arrangements exist if you have Irish citizenship – the Common Travel Area allows Irish nationals to travel and work freely in Britain.
Different rules apply than for other EU citizens

Application Process: From Decision to Approval

Once you’ve identified your optimal visa pathway, follow these steps to make the visa application official:

Choose your visa: Match your situation with the appropriate visa category
Gather documents: Prepare your valid passport, Certificate of Sponsorship number, job details, immigration status proof, photos, and criminal record certificate if required
Apply online: Complete the form on the UK government website and pay applicable fees
Book biometrics: Schedule an appointment at a USCIS or VFS center
Attend appointment: Have your fingerprints and photo taken
Submit materials: Send your passport and appointment confirmation letter to the processing center
Await decision: Standard processing takes up to 15 working days (five days for fast track application package)

Professional immigration lawyers often recommend a premium service or fast-track package for those with tight timelines. Their legal knowledge can help navigate complex cases.

Essential Documentation

Most applicants need to provide:

Valid passport
Job details (title, occupation code, salary)
Certificate of Sponsorship number
UK employer details and sponsorship license number
Financial self-sufficiency proof (bank statements)
Family relationship evidence for dependents

Visa Costs: The Price of Admission

Recent fee increases have affected visa applications. Current costs include:

Skilled Worker Visa (3 years or less): £719-£769
Skilled Worker Visa (over 3 years): £1,420-£1,519
Health & Care Worker Visa (3 years or less): £284-£304
Health & Care Worker Visa (over 3 years): £551-£590
Senior or Specialist Worker (up to 3 years): £719-£769
Senior or Specialist Worker (more than 3 years): £1,420-£1,519

Planning Your Move: The Practical Details

Bringing Pets to the UK

The UK maintains strict pet import regulations to prevent the introduction of rabies. Follow these steps to bring your pet:

Microchip: Get an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before vaccination
Rabies vaccination: Administer after microchipping (minimum 21-day waiting period before travel)
Animal Health Certificate: Obtain from a USDA-accredited vet within 10 days of travel
Tapeworm treatment: For dogs only, 1-5 days before arrival
Approved travel route: Use designated airlines to major UK airports (most pets travel as cargo)

These rules apply throughout Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands.

Healthcare: Joining the National Health Service

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) will become your healthcare provider. To access medical services:

Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying for your visa:
- £776 annually for students and those under 18
- £1,035 annually for most other visa categories
Register with a local GP (General Practitioner) once you’ve settled into your new home

Think of the NHS as a healthcare club you’ve pre-paid to join. No surprise bills, just comprehensive medical coverage when you need it.

Finding Your British Home

The UK rental market moves quickly, especially in major cities. Start your search early.

Where to look:

Rightmove and Zoopla for property listings
SpareRoom for house shares
Facebook groups and local estate agents

What to expect:

Furnished or part-furnished properties are standard
Security deposit (typically five weeks’ rent) plus first month’s payment upfront
References and income/visa verification requirements
6-12 month standard lease terms

For families or those seeking more space and value, consider commuter towns instead of city centers. They’re often the sweet spot between comfort and affordable living costs.

Driving in the UK: Navigating from the “Wrong” Side

Yes, you can drive with your US license, for a while:

Valid for 12 months after arrival
Exchange for a UK license thereafter (no test required for US license holders)
DVLA handles license exchanges
Be aware of London’s congestion and low-emission zone charges

The UK’s excellent public transport means many city dwellers find cars unnecessary. But they’re invaluable for exploring the countryside, where narrow, winding country lanes and roundabouts are the rule.

Education: Setting Your Children Up for Success

The British education system offers several paths:

State schools: Free, government-funded, and assigned by local catchment area
Private schools: Fee-based with varying costs and admission requirements
International schools: Often following US or IB curricula (ideal for temporary relocations)

The academic year runs September to July, with children starting formal education at age 4-5. Apply through your local council for state schools, using government Ofsted ratings to assess quality.

Banking: Managing Your Money

Opening a local bank account has become easier for expats but still requires:

Passport or photo ID
Proof of UK address
Visa or immigration documentation

Some banks offer international accounts that can be set up before arrival.

Moving Costs: Budgeting for the Big Move

Planning your relocation expenses helps prevent financial surprises:

Visa costs: £2,000-£5,000 per person (application fees plus NHS surcharge)
Flights: $500-$1,200 per person (season and location dependent)
Shipping: $5,000-$13,000+ for full household moves; $500-$3,000 for smaller shipments
Temporary accommodation: £70-£150 per night while searching for permanent housing

First Steps After Arrival: Getting Established in the UK

Collecting Your Biometric Residence Permit

For visas exceeding 6 months, you’ll need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), your official proof of immigration status.

Collect within 10 days of arrival
Visit the designated Post Office location specified in your decision letter
Bring your passport with entry vignette and decision letter
Report any errors within 10 days

Immigration experts recommend checking your BRP carefully upon receipt.

Right to Work Checks

UK employers must verify your work eligibility before your start date:

Generate a share code: Visit gov.uk/prove-right-to-work with your BRP
Employer verification: Your prospective employer checks your status using this code
Photo confirmation: Employer confirms your identity matches the system photo
Record keeping: Employer saves verification evidence for the duration of employment plus 2 years

This process applies to all non-EU citizens working in the UK.

Setting Up Home Utilities

Once you’ve secured housing, establish your essential services:

Electricity and gas: Contact the current supplier to set up an account
Water: Register with your regional supplier (automatically assigned by location)
Council Tax: Register with your local council for this mandatory municipal service fee
Broadband and phone: Major providers include BT, Virgin Media, Sky, and TalkTalk

Check your tenancy agreement first—some properties include certain utilities in the rent.

The Path to Permanence: Securing Your Future

After sampling life in the UK, you might find yourself wanting to settle here. If so, you’ll need to remember three letters: ILR.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): The Gateway to Permanent Residency

If you want permanent residence in the UK, you need to have one of three things:

A visa tied to a UK company
Amazing talent that the UK needs
British family ties.

After a qualifying period in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) which gives you permission to live in the UK without immigration restrictions:

Requirements:

Five continuous years on an eligible visa (some routes permit three-year applications)
No more than 180 days absence per 12-month period
Pass the Life in the UK Test (British history and culture assessment)
Meet English language requirements (US citizens are automatically exempt).

Application process:

Apply online (£2,885 fee as of 2024)
Attend a biometric appointment
Await decision (up to 6 months, or faster with premium service)

With ILR secured, you can work without restrictions, access public benefits, and, after 12 more months, apply for British citizenship if desired. Immigration experts offer comprehensive advice packages for this important step.

Navigating the US-UK Tax Maze

As an American citizen abroad, you face a unique tax situation. The US taxes citizens worldwide, while the UK taxes based on residency. This means you’ll have to pay UK taxes but file in the US and claim liability as Foreign Tax Credit.

Let’s look at your…

Dual obligations:

File UK taxes through the PAYE system and pay National Insurance
Continue submitting US federal tax returns annually
Report foreign accounts exceeding $10,000 via FBAR

Avoiding double taxation:

Claim UK tax payments as Foreign Tax Credits against US liability
Be mindful of state tax obligations. Some states require formal severance of ties
Navigate the misaligned tax year calendars (UK: April-April; US: January-December)3

There’s a lot of uncertainty at the moment, particularly because the US may soon end the citizenship-based taxation model. Check out our webinar on Trump’s first 100 days if you want to find out more.

Speak to the UK Immigration Experts

The UK’s renewed focus on developing its cutting edge science and technology sectors makes this an exciting time for American transplants. But determining your right pathway isn’t easy, particularly if you want to remain compliant and make the process as swift and seamless as possible.

Centuro Global helps American citizens and businesses move across the pond to the UK. Our team of immigration experts has decades of combined experience solving even the most knotty cases. While they work on your request, you can access the latest regulatory information on our AI-powered legal compliance platform.

With expert help for your visa applications, our tech-enabled service will help you move to the UK without stress. Talk to us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can US citizens stay in the UK without a visa?

As of January 2025, US citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting. This digital visa waiver:

Costs £10 ($13)
Allows stays up to 6 months
Processing typically takes 3 working days
Is required for tourism, business, or short-term study

What cultural differences should I prepare for?

Despite shared language, expect some cultural adjustments:

Social etiquette: Politeness, punctuality, and proper queuing are highly valued
Tipping practices: Less common than in the US (10-15% at restaurants)
Communication style: More reserved with understated humour and self-deprecation
Daily life: Left-side driving, smaller appliances and spaces, tea culture, and pub socialising

How can I become a British citizen?

The path to British citizenship typically involves:

Five years of legal UK residence
Obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain
Waiting 12 months with ILR (unless married to a British citizen)
Meeting eligibility criteria: Good character, Life in the UK Test, language requirements