Moving to the United States from the United Kingdom

Visa Pathways for British Citizens

The UK is part of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows British citizens with valid ESTA authorization to enter the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa ^[1]. For longer stays or work, you need a visa issued by a US embassy or consulate before arrival.

H-1B Specialty Occupation.

British professionals with at least a bachelor's degree in a specialty field can be sponsored by a US employer for H-1B status ^[2]. The H-1B is subject to an annual cap and a registration selection process ^[3]. UK bachelor's and master's degrees are well-recognized and generally do not require equivalency evaluations.

L-1 Intracompany Transfer.

British employees of multinational companies can transfer to a US office in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity after at least one year of qualifying employment abroad ^[2]. This is a common route for Brits working at companies with US and UK offices, particularly in finance, technology, and consulting.

E-2 Treaty Investor.

The UK has a qualifying treaty with the US for E-2 investor visas ^[4]. British nationals can invest a substantial amount in a US business and receive renewable E-2 status ^[4]. This visa is popular with UK entrepreneurs opening US operations. E-2 does not directly lead to a green card but can be renewed indefinitely ^[4].

O-1 Extraordinary Ability.

For individuals with demonstrated extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, the O-1 visa provides a path without the H-1B cap ^[2]. The bar is high, requiring evidence of sustained national or international recognition.

Employment-based green cards.

For permanent residence, British nationals can pursue EB-1 (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational managers), EB-2 (advanced degree professionals, National Interest Waiver), EB-3 (skilled workers), or EB-5 (investors) ^[5]. UK-born applicants generally face minimal per-country backlogs compared to heavily oversubscribed countries.

Family-based immigration.

US citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor British spouses, children, and other qualifying family members through the family preference system ^[4]. Spousal and immediate-relative petitions have no annual quota.

Diversity Visa lottery.

UK nationals are typically ineligible for the DV lottery because the UK sends more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in recent years, which disqualifies a country from the program ^[6]. Northern Ireland-born individuals with eligibility to claim Irish nationality may have a separate pathway through Ireland's allocation.

Cross-Border Tax Obligations

The US taxes residents on worldwide income. Once you become a US tax resident (through the green card test or the substantial presence test), all income, including UK-source income, must be reported on your US federal return ^[1].

The US-UK Tax Treaty.

The US-UK Double Taxation Convention prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income ^[2]. The treaty allocates taxing rights and provides mechanisms for foreign tax credits. You claim the Foreign Tax Credit on Form 1116 for UK taxes paid on income also taxable in the US ^[3]. Since UK tax rates exceed US rates for many income levels, the credit often offsets most or all US liability on UK-source income.

UK tax exit.

The UK uses a statutory residence test (SRT) to determine tax residency. Leaving the UK and establishing US residence does not automatically end UK tax obligations. If you maintain a UK home, spend significant time in the UK, or have UK workdays, you may remain UK tax resident for the year of departure or beyond. Completing the P85 form notifies HMRC of your departure ^[4]. UK capital gains tax applies to disposals of UK assets in the tax year of departure ^[4].

Pensions.

UK workplace pensions and private pensions continue to accrue if you have vested benefits. The US-UK treaty addresses pension taxation, generally giving taxing rights to the country of residence at the time of distribution ^[2]. UK State Pension can be claimed while living in the US and is payable worldwide, but it does not increase annually (it is frozen at the rate when you leave the UK or first claim, whichever is later, because the US does not have a reciprocal uprating agreement with the UK). This pension freeze can significantly reduce the real value of your State Pension over decades.

ISAs and SIPPs.

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) lose their tax-free status when you become a US tax resident. The UK's tax-free wrapper does not carry over to the US tax system ^[2]. Interest, dividends, and capital gains within ISAs are reportable on your US return. SIPPs raise complex US reporting questions under the foreign trust rules (Form 3520/3520-A). Consult a cross-border tax advisor about your pension and savings structures before moving.

National Insurance and Social Security.

The US-UK Totalization Agreement prevents dual social security taxation ^[5]. The agreement eliminates dual social security taxation, so you pay contributions only to the country where you work ^[5]. It also lets you combine UK National Insurance credits with US Social Security credits toward benefit eligibility in either country ^[5].

FBAR and FATCA.

UK bank accounts, ISAs, pensions, and investment accounts held after becoming a US tax resident must be reported. FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) is required if aggregate foreign account balances exceed $10,000 ^[6]. FATCA Form 8938 applies at higher thresholds ^[7].

Healthcare Transition

The NHS does not cover you outside the UK. According to UK government guidance, the US does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK ^[1]. You are responsible for obtaining US coverage from day one.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

Most British expats moving for work receive health insurance through their US employer. This is the primary source of coverage for working-age adults in the US. Plans vary widely in cost, network, and coverage. You will encounter concepts less common in the UK system: deductibles (the amount you pay before insurance covers costs), copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums. Review plan documents carefully during your employer's open enrollment.

The sticker shock.

After decades of NHS access, the cost visibility of US healthcare is jarring. Even with insurance, you pay for many services at the point of use. An emergency room visit can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in copays and coinsurance. Routine bloodwork may come with a bill. Ambulance rides are not free. This is the single most common source of surprise for Brits in the US.

ACA Marketplace.

If you are not receiving employer insurance (self-employed, between jobs, or on a non-employment visa), you can purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace during open enrollment or a qualifying life event. Premium subsidies are income-based.

Dental and vision.

NHS dental care (even with its limitations) and optician visits are separate systems in the US. Dental and vision insurance are typically separate from medical insurance, offered as optional add-ons by employers. Without dental insurance, routine cleanings and procedures are paid out of pocket.

Prescription drugs.

Many medications available on NHS prescription are available in the US but at substantially higher prices. Bring documentation listing your medications by generic name (International Nonproprietary Name) and dosage. Some UK prescriptions (particularly for controlled substances) may require a new evaluation by a US physician before they can be prescribed.

Mental health.

US employer insurance plans cover mental health at parity with medical services. Access is broader in some ways than NHS mental health services, where wait times for therapy can be lengthy. Private US therapists are widely available, though cost is a factor if you are paying out of network.

Banking and Finances

Opening a US bank account.

You need a US bank account for employment direct deposit, rent payments, and building credit history. Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) require a passport, US address, and Social Security Number or ITIN. HSBC offers a global transfer service for existing HSBC UK clients that can set up a US account before you arrive, which is one of the smoothest transition options.

Credit history.

Your UK credit history (Experian UK, Equifax UK, TransUnion UK) does not transfer to the US. You start with no US credit score. Some UK banks with US operations (HSBC, Barclays through partner programs) may offer initial US credit products. American Express allows some international cardholders to apply for a US card based on their global relationship. Secured credit cards are the standard fallback. Building a usable US credit score takes six to twelve months.

FATCA and UK banking.

FATCA complicates your financial life on both sides of the Atlantic. UK financial institutions must report US-person accounts to the IRS. Some UK investment platforms and banks have stopped accepting US-person clients because the compliance costs are not worth the business. You may find that your UK brokerage or ISA provider asks you to close your account when you notify them of US tax residency.

Pensions.

Your UK workplace pension and any SIPP contributions remain in the UK system. Withdrawals are taxable in the US under the treaty framework ^[1]. UK State Pension is payable worldwide but frozen at the rate when you leave (no annual uprating). Consider whether the frozen pension makes it worth deferring your claim until you return to the UK, if that is a possibility.

Mortgage and property.

If you keep a UK property, rental income is taxable in both countries (with foreign tax credits to prevent double taxation). UK mortgage lenders may change your terms when you become a non-resident, converting your residential mortgage to a consent-to-let or buy-to-let product at a higher rate. Notify your lender before you move.

Currency.

The GBP/USD rate directly affects your purchasing power if you maintain GBP savings or receive UK-source income. Wise and Revolut offer better exchange rates than high-street banks for recurring transfers. Many Brits maintain accounts in both currencies and convert strategically.

Moving Logistics

Shipping household goods.

Door-to-door shipping from the UK to the US by sea typically takes several weeks. A 20-foot container covers most household contents. Companies like Crown Relocations, Pickfords, and Allied International handle UK-to-US moves regularly. Get at least three written quotes. Air freight is available for smaller, urgent shipments but costs substantially more per cubic meter.

Customs duties.

Personal belongings owned and used before your move are generally exempt from US customs duties when transferring your residence. Prepare a detailed inventory in English. Restricted items include certain food products, plants, and goods subject to US agricultural inspection. Electrical appliances built for UK voltage (230V) will not work on US voltage (120V) without a transformer, and plug adapters alone are not sufficient for high-wattage devices.

Driving.

The UK drives on the left; the US drives on the right. Beyond switching sides, US road rules differ (right on red is generally permitted, roundabouts are less common, speed limits are in mph, and highway on-ramps are shorter). Most states allow you to drive on a valid UK license for a limited period (30-90 days), after which you must obtain a state license. Some states offer reciprocity; others require a full written and road test.

Pets.

Dogs and cats entering the US from the UK need a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The UK is rabies-free, but the US still requires proof of vaccination. Airlines operating UK-to-US routes (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, United) have specific pet transport policies. Cargo transport is available for larger animals; in-cabin is limited to small pets within weight limits.

Voltage and appliances.

US electrical outlets run at 120V/60Hz versus the UK's 230V/50Hz. Small electronics with universal power supplies (laptops, phone chargers) work with a plug adapter. Kitchen appliances, hair dryers, and other high-wattage devices need a step-down transformer or should be replaced with US-voltage equivalents. Replacing is usually more practical and safer.

Time zones.

The US spans multiple time zones. The East Coast is five hours behind the UK (GMT-5 during EST); the West Coast is eight hours behind. If you maintain UK work relationships or family contact, this gap shapes your daily schedule.

Cultural Adjustment

Shared language, different culture.

The shared language creates an illusion of cultural similarity that catches many Brits off guard. American directness in business, the scale of everything (portions, distances, shopping centers), and the centrality of the car to daily life are genuine adjustments.

Healthcare mindset.

After a lifetime of NHS access, navigating a system with visible costs, insurance networks, and billing disputes is the most commonly cited adjustment for Brits. Accept that healthcare in the US is a consumer product, not a public service, and learn to advocate for yourself on billing and coverage decisions.

Workplace culture.

Americans generally take fewer vacation days, work longer hours, and are more openly ambitious than British workplace norms suggest. "Holiday" means a public holiday, not annual leave. Most US employers offer two to three weeks of paid time off initially, compared to the UK statutory minimum of 28 days (including bank holidays). Negotiate PTO during hiring.

Tipping.

US tipping expectations are higher and more pervasive than in the UK. Standard restaurant tips are 18-20%. Tipping is also expected for bartenders, hairdressers, hotel housekeeping, valets, rideshare drivers, and delivery services.

Grocery and food.

American grocery stores are larger, and food labeling standards differ from the UK. Many UK brands are available in specialty import shops or the "international" aisle at larger grocery chains. Chocolate, crisps, and certain dairy products taste different due to different manufacturing standards. Farmers' markets are widely available and offer produce closer to what you might find at UK greengrocers.

Social style.

Americans are often friendlier and more outgoing in initial interactions than Brits expect, but forming deep friendships can take time. The American habit of asking "how are you?" as a greeting (expecting "good, thanks" rather than a genuine answer) and the enthusiasm gap (Americans express excitement more visibly) are common points of cultural friction that resolve with time.

Driving distances.

The US is vast. Distances between cities that look close on a map may be several hours of driving. Public transportation outside a handful of major metro areas is limited. A car is effectively mandatory in most US locations. Factor in the cost of a vehicle, insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

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