How to Move to the USA from the UK

August 24, 2024

If you’re thinking about how to move from the UK to the US, there’s likely much more on your mind than the deliciously subtle differences between chips and crisps, or cookies and biscuits! Even when there are several parallels between two destinations, a permanent move to a new country is much more significant an undertaking than a short-term visit or a long-term stay.

We pledge allegiance to cheap fast food and making everything political.

As you weigh your options, you might be asking about how hard it is to immigrate to the US from the UK, really. As you might expect, the answers to that question vary based on what you’re going to be doing in the United States, what you might be bringing with you, and what you might already have in place—but all of your concerns can be navigated with some thoughtful preparation.

As with anything, the best way to plan for a successful move is to make sure you’ve done your research and developed the best action plan to ensure the most efficient and enjoyable process.

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How hard is it to immigrate to the US from the UK?

Moving from one country to another has some challenges, but there are some obvious benefits of moving to the USA from the UK. First, there may be some minor language differences connected to word use (be sure to ask for clarification if someone asks you to put something in a bin), but the dominant language spoken and used in both places is indeed English, so adapting to your new home will be that much easier.

You likely already know that there are some bigger concerns, like which side of the road you will need to check as you cross the street, and then there are some smaller details about daily life—like what it means when someone says they’re going to a football game.

And there are some other interesting cultural differences that might take a bit of getting used to, as well, like tipping your bartender, what it means if you order a “regular” coffee, or getting used to what might seem like excessive daily patriotism in the form of a whole lot of American flag-flying. However, the culture is still similar enough that most of those things will feel quirky at most, but not unsettling.

Yes, patriotism has worked its way into many aspects of American life.

Despite the similarities, there are some exceptions to the parallels, of course. For example, there could be some significant sticker shock after moving to the USA from the UK when it comes time for your first encounter with the costs of American health care and the expected prices for prescription drugs in the US, especially after being part of the National Health Service.

But these are all things to navigate after your arrival. Truthfully, if you’re wondering how to move to the USA from the UK, the biggest challenges to the process will be what to do before you get there (and how to ship all your stuff!). There are all kinds of tips from UK expats who have already gone through the process, and there are even government-sponsored website guides to make it easier.

Whatever your current state of preparation, the list below should help you check your readiness to move to the US from the UK and become a resident of the Red, White, and Blue!

How can I move to the US from the UK?

1. Do your research on international travel safety

The very best place to start when you’re considering moving to the USA from the UK is with an acknowledgement of the current concerns around international travel. Before you make your plans, be sure to check the most recent information and review the UK’s government website for travel advice to the US and the information provided by the US Embassy in the United Kingdom regarding current requirements. This way, you can be sure your info is current.

2. Tidy-up your affairs in the UK first

We know you’re excited, but don’t forget all the fine details involved with moving abroad!

Before you move abroad, if you’re a UK resident, moving to the USA from the UK will require you do a few things like providing your local council with notice and a forwarding address, notify the benefits or pension authorities (if this applies), contact the organizations that manage your student loans (if you have them), and notify the tax authorities. There is a complete list available through the UK government website to cover moving abroad, so be sure to follow up on that!

3. Get the right kind of visa for your plans

There are three types of visas that you can get when you are moving to the USA from the UK. If you’re moving to the USA from the UK for an offer of work, the easiest option is a sponsored employment visa. If you possess skills that are in-demand, you can apply for a working visa. And if you have relatives in the US, the family visa is likely right for you. Just remember that the visa application process can take time—so make sure you think this through.

4. Consider more permanent options

If you know that you’re planning on making the move from the UK to the USA a more permanent one, you will want to investigate green card options and follow up on those suggestions about transferring your benefits and handling your various accounts.

If that is your plan, just remember you will want to keep your passport current and maintain your UK records until you make the permanent switch official, especially if you choose to keep dual citizenship.

5. Think about your transportation

Your UK driving license will not convert in the US, so if you’re thinking about how to move to the US from the UK as a driver, you will need to plan to take a test in whatever state you establish residency, as there are no national licenses in the USA and each state has different traffic rules.

And, if you plan to bring your car, make sure you go with a reputable company, like Autoshippers, who can handle all the details so that you can focus on your move.

6. Don't forget about your four-legged family

No one ever said animals don’t enjoy an adventure as much as we do.

If you’re moving to the US from the UK, you can’t do it without your precious pet. The requirements typically include having your pet microchipped, proof of all vaccinations (including rabies), and a clean bill of health and fitness to fly from a local veterinarian.

And whether you’re planning to bring Fluffy, Fido, or your fish, you’ll find all of the specific requirements, including prohibitions and quarantine information, on the CDC website.

7. Get the necessary health and insurance coverage

Whether it’s medical travel insurance for the trip or the legality of your drugs and prescriptions that you hope to bring with you as you move to the USA from the UK, make sure that the foreign travel insurance you have is adequate for the location and length of your stay.

As previously mentioned, the health insurance coverage in the US is very different from what you’re used to with the NHS, and it’s very important that you plan accordingly.

8. Find the right home for you

There are so many different places you could choose to call home when you move to the USA from the UK. You might rent, purchase, or lease to own. There are some markets where meager square footage can cost thousands—and others in which entire houses can be rented for much, much less than that. If you choose to purchase a home in the US, there are useful resources for you. Just remember that within each and every community, as with any other concern, research is key.

9. Think strategically about moving all your stuff

If you’re moving your entire life to a different country, you’ll want reliable help!

Once you’re ready to start packing, and you’re going over the details of how to move to the US from the UK, it’s time to move your stuff. Once you know exactly where you’re going to settle down and call home sweet home, you need someone you can trust to get your belongings to you safely. Companies like 1st Move International are experts and will be able to build custom pallets for all of your items so that you can enjoy the process with minimal stress and concern.

10. Don’t forget all the other details

Whether it’s getting a bank account, meeting new people, figuring out issues with tax, or voting back in the UK while you are abroad, as you’re moving from to the US from the UK, you will want to keep a checklist of the super important (even if transitional) connections to your personal and professional life that require your attention. The opportunities that await you in the USA will be that much richer, sweeter, and more rewarding if you continue to plan ahead.

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Is moving to the USA from the UK the next step for you?

While only you can decide what’s best for you, if you’re looking to start a new chapter or pursue some additional opportunities without straying too far from the things you know, then moving to the USA from the UK could be the perfect solution for you. Whether you’re following a job, or just grabbing a map and picking a location to try, your next adventure awaits!

Explore Travel Resources on GoAbroad.com for Help with Planning Your Next Trip

This article was written with help from 1st Move International. 1st Move International can help simplify the process of shipping your belongings from the UK all the way to the USA!

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