Moving to the UK from USA is a massive task whether for study, work, or family. From preparing and applying for materials to settling in a new country, relocating is a complicated process that requires a lot of time and effort. To make the whole process smooth, we have come up with a detailed guide on how to move to England from USA. Follow us to make everything easy!
Why Moving to the UK from USA?
The United Kingdom has long been a popular destination for immigration. Its rich cultural heritage, profound history, prestigious education, and health care system all attract many American expats to move and settle down. Living in the UK, you will enjoy major benefits including:
- Employment Opportunities: Global job markets in big cities like London and Manchester; intra-company transfers, skilled worker visas.
- Education: Prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE; shorter degree programs.
- Family and Relationships: Americans can join a British spouse/partner via family visas or relocate to live with family members already in the UK.
- Cultural and Lifestyle: Shared language, historical artistic heritage, and work-life balance.
- Healthcare System: Free-at-point-of-use healthcare for residents, contrasting with the US’s insurance-based system.
- Prime Location: The UK serves as a base for exploring Europe, with affordable flights and rail links.
1. Eligibility Criteria for Moving to England form US
The eligibility criteria for relocating from USA to UK dependens on the type of visa you plan to apply. There are four major types of UK visa for US citizens, and each requires the applicant to meet specific threshold.
Skilled Worker Visa:
- Job Offer: From a UK employer approved by the Home Office with a ‘Sponsor License’.
- Salary: Minium £38,700 per year as of April 2024.
- Skill Level: RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) or above.
- English Proficency: Pass a recoginized English test or hold a degree taught in English.
- Financial Requirement: Show proof of funds (£1,270 in savings for 28 days) unless fully sponsored.
Ancestry Visa:
- Limited to Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent, but you may qualify for British citizenship by descent if you have a UK-born parent.
Family Visa:
- Spouse/Partener Visa:
- Relationship Proof: Marriage/civil partnership or 2+ years cohabitation.
- Financial Requirement: £29,000 annual income (as of April 2024).
- English Test: A1 level English (unless exempt).
- Parent Visa: Joining children settled in the UK.
Student Visa:
- CAS Letter: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed institution.
- Financial Proof: Sufficient funds to cover tuition + living costs (£1,334/month in London; £1,023/month elsewhere).
- English Proficiency: Pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Of course, there are also additional visa types like Global Talent Visa, High Potential Individual Visa, and Innovator Founder Visa. General requirements for most visas including:
Valid Passport: With at least 6 months’ validity.
Clean Criminal Record: No serious convictions.
Healthcare Surcharge: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access (£1,035/year).
Biometric Information: Provide fingerprints and a photo.
2. Apply Visa Before Moving to UK from US
To apply for a visa, you generally need to provide a valid reason for moving to United Kingdom from US, financial support, and other materials like English language proficiency and educational qualifications. When the preparation work is done, follow the detailed steps:
- Complete the online application
- Pay the visa fee
- Book a biometrics appointment
- Provide the required documents
- Submit application and fee
- Attend the biometrics appointment
- Wait for decision
3. Cost of Living in UK vs. US
Wondering how much money you need to maintian your original life quality after moving to England from US? On average, the cost of living in the United Kingdom is 4.0% lower than in United States, and rent in the UK is 23.1% lower than in US, according to Numbeo.
Taking the two big cities, London and New York, for examples, here is a detailed comparison of the cost of living:
| Item/Cost | London | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 26.21 $ (20.00 £) | 30.00 $ (22.89 £) |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 7.86 $ (6.00 £) | 8.50 $ (6.49 £) |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.69 $ (2.05 £) | 2.47 $ (1.88 £) |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 1.69 $ (1.29 £) | 1.57 $ (1.20 £) |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 4.62 $ (3.52 £) | 6.13 $ (4.68 £) |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 13.53 $ (10.32 £) | 19.79 $ (15.10 £) |
| Apples (1kg) | 3.27 $ (2.50 £) | 7.55 $ (5.76 £) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 3.73 $ (2.85 £) | 2.90 $ (2.21 £) |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5.90 $ (4.50 £) | 4.99 $ (3.81 £) |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.90 $ (1.45 £) | 0.99 $ (0.75 £) |
| Basic Utilities | 304.45 $ (232.32 £) | 190.58 $ (145.43 £) |
| Monthly Rent for Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 2,878.10 $ (2,196.23 £) | 3,866.43 $ (2,950.40 £) |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | 20,803.85 $ (15,875.03 £) | 17,953.77 $ (13,700.18 £) |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 4,044.10 $ (3,085.97 £) | 5,306.85 $ (4,049.55 £) |
Based on Numbeo, the overall cost of living in London is 24.1% lower than in New York, which means you need around 9,112.4$ (6,953.5£) in London to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 12,000.0$ in New York.
4. Finding a Place to Live in the UK
If you have no friends or family to live with, finding a place to live is your priority after applying for your visa to move to Britain from the US. Like in other countries, the price of a house varies significantly depending on location, type, and environment.
The price of buying an apartment in London can be as much as or even more expensive than that in New York, and the same is true of other UK cities. Thus, especially for new immigrants, renting in the UK is the first choice with a much lower price than in the US. Check some of the best places to rent in the UK:
Best Places for Expats in the UK:
- London: Capital city, thriving hub of finance, culture, and entertainment.
- Birmingham: Second largest city, thriving city economy, well-connected, affordable cost of living.
- Manchester: Opportunities in manufacturing and media industries, vibrant cultural scene, famous football clubs.
- Leeds: Large financial and legal sector, growing tech industry and popping arts scene.
- Bristol: Start-up scene, eco-friendliness, rich heritage.
Cheapest Places to Live in the UK:
- Belfast: Average Monthly Rent: £495
- Durham: Average Monthly Rent £650
- Newcastle: Average Monthly Rent £650
- Cardiff: Average Monthly Rent: £663
- Stirling: Average Monthly Rent: £700
Whether you’re a working professional or an incoming student relocating from USA to UK, uhomes.com provides a wide range of accommodations in the United Kingdom, both purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) and private houses and apartments. To make your booking easy, we offer verified information, 24/7 assistance, price-match guarantee, as well as exclusive listings and offers, flexible stays, and an easy cancellation policy. Secure your ideal home away from home with us!
5. Make Sure Your Healthcare is Covered
Healthcare might be one of the major advantages for attracting people moving to United Kingdom from US. The healthcare provided by the National Health Service (NHS) is free at the point of use, and American expats can gain NHS access by paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application (£1,035 per year, with discounts for students and youth mobility visas). Although no system is perfect, for US patients, the NHS eliminates the stress of medical bankruptcy, opaque pricing, and insurance disputes.
Key Differences from the US System:
| Aspect | UK (NHS) | US |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Funded via taxes + IHS; minimal out-of-pocket | High premiums, copays, deductibles |
| Prescription Drugs | Capped at £9.65 per item | Often expensive, even with insurance |
| Emergency Care | Fully free | High out-of-pocket costs (even with insurance) |
| Preventative Care | Free and prioritized | Often limited by insurance plans |
6. Get a Job after Moving to the UK from USA
To secure a job in the UK as an American expat, the first thing you need to do is confirm your eligibility to work in the UK. A Skill Worker Visa is the most common route, and others like the Global Talent Visa, Dependent Visa, and Ancestry Visa are also applicable. You also need to apply for a national insurance number and a UK bank account.
High-demand sectors in the UK are mainly tech, healthcare, finance, and education, and remember to tailor your application to UK style and emphasise transferable skills and enthusiasm for work. Apart from general job boards like LinkedIn, Indee, and Reed, you can also utilize industry-specific sites, industry events, and expat groups to look for opportunities.
7. Tax after Moving to Britain from US
After moving to the UK from US, you must file annual U.S. tax returns, reporting worldwide income, regardless of where you live. To avoid double taxation, you can claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) 10,000 annually for higher asset thresholds.
In the UK, expats are taxed as if they spend over 183 days there or meet statutory residency tests. The UK tax year runs April 6–April 5, with income tax rates from 20% to 45%. The UK-U.S. Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) helps prevent dual taxation, allowing credits or exemptions for certain income types.
8. Cultural Adjustments and Daily Life
Although use the same language, there are still many major cultural differences in daily life that America expats in the UK need to pay attention to:
- Social Norm: The British emphasizes politeness, understatement, and indirect communication. Not to aks personla questions or be too loud.
- Transport: Driving on the left, narrower roads, and reliance on public transport (trains, buses) are standard.
- Food: Smaller portion sizes, less free refills, and stricter alcohol licensing hours. Pubs are central to social life, and “Sunday roast” is a cultural staple.
- Shopping: Stores close earlier (especially Sundays), and self-checkout is widespread. Tipping is less expected (10% in restaurants, rare elsewhere).
- Weather: The UK’s damp, gray weather can be a stark adjustment. Daylight hours vary drastically (short winter days vs. long summer evenings).
- Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is prioritized, with legally mandated vacation time (28 days/year) and a cultural emphasis on “leaving work at work.”
9. Emergency Contacts You Need to Know
It is always crucial to keep safe in a new contry especially if you are living alone. You usually need just seconds to recall the numer that can help you in emergency in your home country, but it is usually not the case when moving to another one. Check the listed emergency contacts and keep them in mind in case of any unexpected situations:
- 999 – The main emergency number
- 101 – The non-emergency number for the police
- 111 – NHS
- 112 – Coastguard
- 020 7499 9000 – US Embassy
- 0800 138 0990 – Mental Health Advice & Support Line
Top Tips for Moving to the UK from USA
Moving to the UK from USA is chanllenging as well as tempting with a lot of things to handle and details to notice. Here are the top tips to help you better hold all the cards.
- Plan everything in advance: Set a clear schedule for everything you need to finish and follow it strictly.
- Visit before you move: Travel for several times to investigate the lifestyle, culture, economy, neigoubourhoods, and everything in person to ensure you’re well-informed.
- Prepare early for logistics and legalities: Apply your visa, open a UK bank account, check your quality for NHS, and get the suitable house to live in.
- Adapt to cultural and lifestyle shifts: Embrace British politeness and indirectness, respect queues, avoild lound and persontal talks, bring your unbrella when go out.
- Navigate daily life like a pro: Exchange your license, use contactless cards/Oyster (London), expect smaller fridges and stores.
- Budget smartly and avoid pitfalls: Plan it in advance since some UK cities might also be expensive. Only 10% in sit-down restaurants (often included as “service charge”). No tipping in pubs/taxis.
- Build a support network: Join local or online expat groups to meet people, as well as embrace UK traditions to integrate faster.
Conclusion
Through this comprehensive guide, we aim to make everthing easy and come up woth informative tips for everyone prepare moving to England from US. Just schedule everything in advance, prepare all documents you need, collect enough information, your moving is surely to be smooth like a breeze.
FAQs
How to move to the UK from the US?
Moving to the UK from the US involves:
- Get a Visa: Apply for a visa (work, student, or family) based on your purpose.
- Find Housing: Use platforms like Rightmove or Zoopla for long-term rentals.
- Prepare Finances: Open a UK bank account and handle money exchange.
- Book Your Flight: Arrange flights after your visa is approved.
- Plan the Move: Organize shipping for belongings and register for NHS if needed.
- Notify Important Parties: Update your address and inform relevant authorities.
- Adapt to Life: Familiarize yourself with local customs, weather, and transportation.
How hard is it for an American to move to the UK?
Moving from the US to the UK can be straightforward, but it depends on your visa type. Securing a visa (work, student, family) is the key step, and the process involves paperwork, documentation, and meeting specific requirements. Finding housing and adjusting to local customs and the climate may take some time, but overall, it’s manageable with proper planning.
Is it worth moving to the UK from the USA?
Whether it’s worth moving to the UK depends on your personal goals. The UK offers excellent healthcare, rich history, and cultural diversity, but the cost of living, especially in cities like London, can be high. If you value proximity to Europe, different career opportunities, or a change in lifestyle, it could be a great move. However, consider factors like work opportunities, cost of living, and climate before making the decision.
How do I permanently move to the UK from the USA?
To permanently move to the UK from the USA, you’ll need to:
- Secure a Visa: Apply for a work, family, or other relevant visa that allows long-term or permanent residence.
- Meet Visa Requirements: Provide necessary documents, pass any required health checks, and possibly attend an interview.
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After living in the UK for a certain period (usually 5 years), you can apply for ILR, which grants permanent residency.
- Naturalization: After holding ILR for 12 months, you may apply for UK citizenship.
Is it easy for a US citizen to become an UK citizen?
Becoming a UK citizen as a US citizen is not automatic and requires meeting specific criteria. You typically need to:
- Live in the UK for 5 years with a relevant visa (e.g., work, family).
- Obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), usually after 5 years.
- Pass the Life in the UK test and demonstrate English proficiency.
- Apply for citizenship after holding ILR for at least 12 months.
Can I move to the UK without a job?
Yes, you can move to the UK without a job, but you’ll need a valid visa. Options include:
- Student Visa: If you’re studying in the UK.
- Tourist Visa: For short visits (not for long-term stay or work).
- Family Visa: If you have family in the UK.
- Investment Visa: If you’re able to invest a significant amount of money.
Is it cheaper to live in the UK or US?
Yes. On average, the cost of living in the United Kingdom is 4.0% lower than in United States, and rent in the UK is 23.1% lower than in US according to Numbeo. Although some big cities like London can be expensive, and costs one some drinks, trasportation, and house price can sometime be higher, living in the UK is generally cheaper than in the US.
