Visa Guide : It is thought that about 200,000 Americans are living in the UK right now. There are many reasons Americans move to the UK, but the most common ones are joining a partner or finding work.
Expats like the UK because it’s close to other countries in Europe, all residents get free health care (and other services from the government), and there are many jobs. Still, moving to a new country is hard, so it’s important to know a few important things about it.
Moving to the UK from the U.S.
Here’s a quick summary of how to move from the US to the UK:
- Get a visa and a permit to live in the UK.
- Get ready to move your stuff.
- Find a place to stay.
- Open an account at a bank.
Agency can help you move from the United States to the United Kingdom. Our top international moving companies can provide up to five free quotes.
Get a visa and a permit to live in the UK.
Despite what most people think, if you are an American and want to move to the UK, you need a visa. The only time this isn’t true is if you’re visiting and don’t plan to stay long-term. A visitor can stay for six months in the UK without a visa, but they cannot work.
Since there are many ways to move to the UK, you need to research to figure out which is best for you. The following work visas can help you get permanent residency, also called “Indefinite Leave to Remain” (ILR):
- Skilled Worker visa
- Visa for Health and Care Workers
- Intra-company visas
- Visa for the Minister of Religion (T2)
- Visa for international athletes
Also, as an American, the way you apply for a visa is a little different, so make sure you know how to apply for a UK visa before you send in your application.
Get ready to move your things.
When you move to the UK, there are two main ways to ship your things there:
By air.
This choice is quick, but it costs a lot. So, to save money while traveling, you should think about sending your things by ship.
By cruise.
By ship, it costs almost five times less to move your household and personal items than by plane. But it takes a few months for you to get your things. If you want to use this option, you might want to move your stuff a few months before you leave.
You can find an international moving company through Sirelo and save up to 40% on moving costs.
In addition, you must remember that when you move, you must show proof of ownership for every item you take. You also have to fill out an application for transfer of residence relief (ToR1), so you don’t have to pay customs fees for your things. Here is where you can find the form.
Find Accommodation
Remember to show your “Right to Abode” if you want to rent in the UK. So, you must show your current passport and proof that you are legally staying in the UK, either temporarily or permanently. You can also show your BRP or a valid document from the Home Office that shows you have permission to stay in the UK.
Before you move to the UK, you should research to get a general idea of how much it costs to rent or buy a home there. Most ex-pats recommend going to the UK to see the places for themselves, which shouldn’t be hard since US citizens can stay for up to 6 months without a visa.
Setting up a bank account
Having a bank account without an address in the UK is impossible. This is one of the hardest things for ex-pats to deal with when they move to the UK. But you have a few choices:
You might work with a moving company.
The agency can help you find a good place to live, especially if you have pets. Your consultant will also put you in touch with a real estate agent who will help you negotiate the terms of your lease and give you letters of support. If you move using the “Intra-company transfer” path, your company may already work with a preferred agency.
Your bank in the US can help you open a bank account.
If your US bank has a branch or works with a bank in the UK, they may be able to help you open an account there.
Find a UK bank that lets you open an international account.
Some UK banks let people who don’t live there open international accounts from outside the country. Some of the most popular banks for foreigners are:
Lloyds, Barclays, and HSBC.
Getting Pets from the US to the UK
If you move from the US to the UK, you can bring your cat, dog, or ferret. But you must ensure your pet meets the entry requirements so you don’t have to put it in quarantine or send it back. Your pet must be:
- A vaccine for rabies.
- Microchipped.
- Includes a health certificate.
You must also show proof that your dog was treated for tapeworms at least 24 hours before you travel with it. If your pet needs to be in quarantine, you can’t take it yourself. Instead, an authorized official will move your pet. You can find out more here.
If you have a pet that isn’t a cat, dog, or ferret, you can still bring it, but there are different rules you have to follow. The Home Office gives you all the information you need on their website.
University relocation from the US to the UK
If you’ve been accepted to a good school in the UK, you can move there to study. As a result, a student visa will need to be applied for. If your visa application is approved, you can live in the UK while you finish your degree for up to 5 years.
One of the following jobs may be applied for after graduation:
Post-work study visa.
This visa lets you stay in the UK for two more years, work, or look for a job so you can switch to a work visa.
Graduate entrepreneur visa.
You may apply for this visa if you wish to start a new company in the UK and have a creative business concept.
Visiting relatives in the UK from the US
To join a relative in the UK, you may relocate there. Most visa requests are to join a partner, but you can also ask for a visa for one of the following:
- Visa for the family to join a parent.
- Family visa for long-term care relatives.
Relocating to the UK from the United States to retire
Foreigners can no longer get a retirement visa in the UK. But if you have enough money, you might be able to get an investor visa and spend your golden years in the UK. But you should know that your age is a big part of whether or not you get a visa.
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Is It Difficult for Americans to Move to the UK?
In case you meet any of these requirements, it’s not hard to move to the UK from the US:
- There’s a job offer for you.
- Your company is moving you to a new place.
- You’re moving to be with your partner or family.
- You have a link to the UK through your ancestors.
- You have enough money to put it to good use.
A long-term residency permit may be harder for those who do not fall under these categories.