How Can a UK Citizen Move to the USA?

Moving from the UK to the USA isn’t as simple as booking a one-way ticket. It involves a thorough understanding of visa options, legal pathways, cultural adjustments, and financial planning. Here’s what you need to know if you’re serious about relocating.

The Visa Process – Where It All Starts

The first and most critical step in moving to the USA is obtaining a visa. Unfortunately, the USA doesn’t have an equivalent of the European Union’s freedom of movement policy, so UK citizens can't just show up with their passports and set up camp. They’ll need a valid visa, and there are several categories to choose from based on your purpose for moving to the US:

1. Employment-Based Visas: The most common way for UK citizens to move to the USA is by securing a job that sponsors them for a work visa. If you have a job offer from an American company, you may be eligible for one of the employment-based visas such as:

   • H-1B Visa: Ideal for individuals with specialized skills or degrees. The catch? It’s highly competitive, with only about 85,000 issued annually.
   • L-1 Visa: If you’re already working for a multinational company with offices in the USA, you might be eligible for an intra-company transfer.
   • E-2 Investor Visa: Are you ready to invest a significant sum of money into a US-based business? This visa is an option for UK citizens willing to start or buy a company in the States.

2. Family-Based Visas: If you have a close family member who is a US citizen or a permanent resident, you may qualify for a family-sponsored visa. Categories include:

   • IR-1 or CR-1 Visa: For spouses of US citizens.
   • F2A Visa: For spouses and minor children of US permanent residents.

3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: Sometimes referred to as the Green Card lottery, this program offers a chance for UK citizens to obtain a permanent resident card randomly. However, it’s based on a lottery system, so luck is a big factor.

4. Study and Exchange Visas: Many UK citizens opt to start their journey by studying in the US. If that’s your plan, you can look into the F-1 (student visa) or J-1 (exchange visitor visa). After completing your studies, you can explore transitioning to a work visa.

Navigating the Legal Process

Once you’ve determined which visa is appropriate for you, it’s time to gather documentation. Depending on the type of visa, you’ll need different forms, proof of identity, and evidence of your qualifications, family connections, or financial investments. It’s highly recommended to hire an immigration lawyer to guide you through the process. Immigration laws are complex and can vary based on your unique circumstances.

Application and Approval Timeline

How long does it take to get approved for a visa? This largely depends on the type of visa you are applying for and current processing times. Here’s a general idea of timeframes:

• H-1B Visa: Processing can take 6-8 months, but this visa also requires approval in an annual lottery system. You can’t apply just anytime.
• L-1 Visa: Takes about 1-6 months depending on how complicated your transfer is.
• Family-Based Visas: These can take a while—sometimes 6 months to several years depending on the relationship and available quotas.

Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to go through an interview process at a US Embassy or Consulate. Be prepared to explain the purpose of your move and answer questions about your background. This is standard but crucial to completing the process.

Financial Planning: Cost of Moving to the USA

It’s easy to romanticize a move to the US, but the financial reality of making such a move is stark. You need to factor in visa application fees, lawyer fees, travel costs, and initial living expenses in the US.

Visa Costs

Visa applications come with a price tag. Here’s a rough breakdown of the fees you might encounter:

• H-1B Visa: Application fee is approximately $460, but employers may also need to pay additional fees for legal and processing services.
• L-1 Visa: Fees for this can range from $190 for a visa application to thousands of dollars in legal assistance costs.
• E-2 Investor Visa: This visa requires a significant investment in a US business. The investment must generally be substantial—typically at least $100,000, but this depends on the business you are investing in.
• Green Card: Applying for a permanent residency (Green Card) can cost around $1,225 plus legal fees.

Cost of Living in the US

The cost of living in the USA varies significantly based on where you plan to move. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are notoriously expensive. Renting an apartment in New York City, for instance, can easily exceed $3,000 per month. However, if you move to a smaller city or a rural area, the cost of living can be much more manageable.

Culture Shock and Adjusting to Life in the USA

Even though both the UK and the USA share a common language and many cultural similarities, moving across the pond can bring about some surprising cultural adjustments. From different slang and accents to driving on the right side of the road, adapting to life in the US might take some time.

Americans tend to be more direct and outspoken compared to the typically more reserved British approach. Additionally, there are differences in work culture. Americans often work longer hours, and "workaholism" is more normalized. Understanding these cultural nuances can help you ease into your new life smoothly.

Another key aspect of moving is healthcare. The US doesn’t have a National Health Service (NHS) like the UK. Healthcare in the US is privatized, and you’ll need to make sure you have proper health insurance, as medical costs can be quite high without coverage.

Settling Down – Building a New Life

Once you’ve arrived and have your visa, the next step is settling in. This means:

• Securing housing: Finding a place to live can be a challenge in popular cities, so it’s important to plan ahead.
• Opening a bank account: US banks will require identification, proof of address, and sometimes a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• Getting a driver’s license: You’ll need a US driver’s license if you plan on driving. Most states allow you to use your UK license for a limited period before requiring you to take a driving test.

Establishing a routine, making new friends, and getting accustomed to a different way of life takes time. Many expats from the UK find that joining local expat groups can ease the transition and help them build a community more quickly.

Potential Pitfalls and Failure Stories

Not every UK citizen’s move to the USA is a roaring success. There are several common reasons people encounter difficulties:

• Visa Denial: Visa applications can be denied for a number of reasons, including lack of proper documentation, insufficient qualifications, or even criminal records.
• Financial Strain: Without proper financial planning, many expats find themselves struggling with the high cost of living in certain areas of the US.
• Cultural Misfit: Some UK citizens may find it difficult to adapt to the different social norms and lifestyle in the USA, causing them to move back to the UK after a short time.

Conclusion

Moving to the USA as a UK citizen is a dream for many, but it’s a journey filled with legal, financial, and cultural challenges. By planning ahead, securing the right visa, and preparing for life in a new country, you can increase your chances of making the transition successfully. While it’s not always easy, the opportunities and adventures that await in the USA can be well worth the effort for those who are determined to make it work.