Moving to the USA from the UK

With the cost of living in Britain soaring, growing numbers of people from students to families and retirees are researching how to move to America from the UK. In fact, online searches about moving abroad have skyrocketed and more than 20,000 Britons a year are taking the plunge and moving to America from

With the cost of living in Britain soaring, growing numbers of people – from students to families and retirees – are researching how to move to America from the UK. In fact, online searches about moving abroad have skyrocketed and more than 20,000 Britons a year are taking the plunge and moving to America from the UK. 

But there’s a lot you need to consider first, such as your ability to study or work in America, your healthcare options and whether you can access your pension once there. 

Why move to the USA? 

The USA has long been known as the land of opportunity, and the rise of global enterprise and remote working have helped to make moving to America from the UK easier than ever before. It is a vast country with something to suit all tastes, from the hustle and bustle of New York and other major cities to the wilderness of the Rockies and the relaxed pace of life in the southern states. There’s no language barrier for English speakers and, other than driving on the opposite side of the road, day-to-day home and work life can feel similar. 

Can I move to the USA? 

Moving to America from the UK is possible but you will need to tick a number of boxes before being granted entry. Anyone aged over 18 will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and you will be required to obtain a suitable visa before leaving the UK. To do this you will need to consider how you will support yourself and your family once you are there. 

Getting a job

When moving to America from the UK to work, you must hold one of the following visas: 

  • employment-based immigrant visa
  • temporary employment visa
  • work permit 
  • green card 

Employment-based immigrant visas are granted to people with special skills in a number of categories that are in demand in the USA. Temporary employment visas are for those who want to stay in the USA for a fixed period of time only. 

If you are researching how to move to America from the UK permanently, a Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, may be your best option. It enables you to live and work in the USA indefinitely without restrictions.

Being a student  

Study abroad programs and exchange opportunities are popular with young people looking to combine academics with adventure. If you want to study in the USA, you are most likely to need an F1 or M1 visa, depending on your course. 

Retiring  

It is a little more difficult if you are moving to the USA from the UK and plan to retire there, but you haven’t already been sponsored by an American employer or obtained a Green Card. If you have family in America they may be able to sponsor you, or you could gain entry through what is known as the EB-5 investor program. You need to invest a significant sum – currently US$800,000 (£653,636) – in a pre-approved enterprise, but doing so provides an opportunity to become a US citizen with permanent residence. 

Moving to the USA from the UK checklist:

In addition to how you will be granted entry to the USA, there are a number of additional, and often costly things to consider that will make a difference to whether, and how, you can move. 

  • Healthcare The UK does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the USA, so after moving to the USA from the UK, you will be responsible for the full cost of any care you need, including prescriptions. You will also need to check that any existing medication you have been prescribed in the UK is legal in America, as some UK medications are not approved in other countries. Importantly, always buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you leave home so you are covered both while in transit and once you arrive in the US.
  • Buying property If you are planning to buy property in the USA you will first need to establish a good local credit score. US banks may apply tougher lending criteria to foreign borrowers, so be prepared to put down a deposit of 30-40 per cent of the price of the property. You will also need to budget for additional sales and real-estate taxes, which vary from state to state, as well as property insurance. 
  • Tax status This is a complex area and you may be subject to federal and state taxes in the US, depending on where you live and work. The UK has what’s known as a “double tax treaty” with the US, which means if you are subject to tax in both countries, you may be able to avoid paying tax twice. Your tax treatment will depend on your situation and you should always seek advice from a tax professional to avoid penalties. 

    • How much does moving to the USA cost? 

    Moving abroad is expensive no matter where you choose to go. You will need to cover upfront costs for visas, insurance, flights and accommodation. Once you are settled, you may also need to transfer money to the UK regularly to make mortgage or student loan payments, or to support family members. If you are retired, you may need to transfer your pension from the UK to your US account. 

    How to send money to the USA from the UK

    Banks often charge high fees for international bank transfers and offer costly exchange rates. Instead, you may choose to opt for a specialist money transfer company with no fees and great exchange rates.

    You can access international money transfers with zero fees and competitive rates in over 120 currencies worldwide via The Telegraph Media Group International Money Transfer Service service, provided by Moneycorp. This service also provides tailored customer support, plus 24/7 access via a secure online platform and mobile app. 

    • Sign up today and start sending money to and from the USA with the Telegraph Media Group International Money Transfer Service

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    Moneycorp is a trading name of TTT Moneycorp Limited which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Service Regulations 2017 (reference number 308919) for the provision of payment services.

    The above article was created for Telegraph Financial Solutions, a member of Telegraph Media Group. For more information on Telegraph Financial Solutions, click here. Information correct at date of publication.

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