How to Move to the UK From the US

Easiest method US citizens can move to United Kingdom. This post includes the steps on how to move to the UK from the US.

It’s estimated that around 200,000 US expats are currently living in the UK. American citizens move to the UK for many reasons, most commonly to join a partner or work.

The UK appeals to expats because it’s closer to other countries in Europe, it offers free health care to all residents (in addition to other state services), and there are plenty of job opportunities. Still, moving to a new country is challenging, and that’s why it’s good to know a few important things about this transition.

Moving to UK From USA Checklist

Here is a concise overview of how to move to the UK from the US:

• Get a UK visa and residence permit.
• Prepare to move your things.
• Find accommodation.
• Open a bank account.

Get a UK Visa and Residence Permit

Contrary to popular belief, you need a visa to move to the UK if you are an American citizen. The only exception to this is that if you are visiting with no long-term plans, you can stay in the UK without a visa for six months – but you cannot work during your visa-free stay.

Since the UK offers several immigration options, you have to do some research and see which one suits you best. The following work visas offer a pathway to getting a permanent residency – or your indefinite Leave to Remain (IRL):

• Skilled Worker visa
• Health and Care Worker visa
• Intra-company visas
• Minister of Religion visa (T2)
• International Sportsperson visa

Prepare to Move Your Belongings

There are essentially two ways you can ship your belongings to the UK when you move:

By air. This option is fast, but it’s costly. So, if you are travelling on a budget, you should consider sending your belongings by ship.

By ship. The cost of transporting your household and personal items by ship is almost five times cheaper than by air.

However, it takes several months to receive your things. If you want to use this option, consider moving your things a few months before your trip.

You should also keep in mind that when you move your things, you must evidence every single item you are taking with you. In addition to this, you have to fill out an application for transfer of residence relief (ToR1) so you don’t have to pay customs charges for your belongings. You can find the form here.

You can get help with moving to the UK from the United States at MoveAdvisor. You can get up to 5 free quotes and connect to a leading international moving company that suits you best.

Find Accommodation

It’s important to remember that you need to prove your “Right to Abode” to rent in the UK. So you must provide your current passport and evidence that you are legally staying in the UK either temporarily or permanently. In addition, you can provide your BRP or a valid document issued from the Home Office supporting your legal stay in the UK.

Before you move, you should do your research to have a rough idea of how much renting or buying costs in the UK. Most expats recommend visiting the UK and seeing the places in person, and since US citizens can stay up to 6 months without a visa this shouldn’t be an issue.

Open a Bank Account

You need a bank account to rent in the UK, but you can’t get a bank account without an address. This is one of the biggest obstacles expats have to overcome when moving to the UK. However, there are several options available for you:

You can hire a relocation agency. The agency will help you find properties that are suitable for you, especially if you have pets. Your consultant will also connect you with an estate agent who will negotiate the terms of your tenancy and provide support letters. If you are moving with the “Intra-company transfer” pathway, your company may already have a preferred agency they work with.

You can open a bank account with the help of your bank in the US. Your bank in the US may help you open an account in the UK if they have a branch or are partnered with a bank there.
Find a UK bank with international account options. Some banks in the UK provide options for international accounts for non-residents that you can open from abroad. A few of the most popular banks for expats are the following:

Lloyds Bank

Barclays

HSBC

How Can I Immigrate to the UK from the USA Without a Job Offer?

To immigrate to the UK without a job, you have to meet the criteria for other non-work visas:

Moving Pets to the UK From USA

You can bring your cat, dog, or ferret with you if you move to the UK from the US. But, you have to make sure that your pet meets the entry requirements to avoid quarantine or having to send your pet back. Your pet must be:

• Vaccinated against rabies.
• Microchipped.
• Equipped with a health certificate.

In addition to this, you must also provide evidence that your dog was treated for tapeworm 24 hours before you travel with your dog. If your pet needs to be quarantined, you cannot transfer them to the quarantine premises, instead, your pet will be moved by an authorized official- you can check the details here.

If you have another pet (other than a cat, dog, or ferret), you can still bring them, but you must follow different guidelines. The Home Office provides you with all the necessary details on their webpage.

Joining Family Members in the UK From the US

You can move to the UK to join a family member. Usually, the most common visa applications are to join a partner, but you can also apply for one of the following:

• Family visa to join a parent.
• Family visa for relatives who need long-term care.

Moving to the UK From the US for Retirement

The UK no longer provides a retirement visa for foreign nationals. However, if you have enough money, you may be eligible for an investor visa and move to the UK to spend your golden years. But, you should be aware that age is a determining factor whether you get a visa or not.

Is It Hard to Move to the UK as an American Citizen?

It’s not hard to move to the UK from the US if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You have a job offer there.
• Your company is transferring you.
• You are moving to join a partner or family member.
• You have some kind of ancestral relationship with the UK.
• You have enough money for investment.

Anyone who does not belong to these categories might have a more challenging time getting a long-term residence permit.