Moving back to the UK from the USA requires a step-by-step guide; there are a lot of factors to consider.
Relocating to the UK from the USA requires an appropriate understanding of immigration rules and proper planning.
Find Employment: Usually, a job is necessary to survive in the United Kingdom. So it is essential that before moving to the UK you must find a suitable job for yourself. If work is the purpose of your relocation, then you could apply for the UK Skilled worker visa route. Other than that, you can apply for jobs if you qualify for a valid UK visa. For Skilled worker visa applicants, obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their UK employer is necessary.
Find the Correct Visa Route: The United Kingdom offers a variety of visa options to individuals immigrating to the UK from the US. If you are immigrating for work, apply for a Skilled worker visa. To reunite with your British spouse, apply for a Spouse visa. Apply for a health & care worker visa if you are moving to the UK as a health or care professional. Students can apply for a student visa for temporary study in the UK. Business owners who envision expanding or establishing their own business in the UK can opt for the self-sponsorship route.
Apply for the Visa: The application process for every UK visa can be a challenging and time-consuming process for new applicants. It includes various steps: go to the UK government website and apply online. Pay the application fee; it may differ depending on the type of visa. Once you have completed your online application, you will be required to book a biometric appointment at the application support centre. After obtaining your appointment confirmation letter from ASC, you must mail the application form and required documents to the UKVI.
Get An Indefinite Leave to Remain: If you are relocating to the UK from the US to obtain an ILR or permanent residency, you will be required to fulfil certain eligibility requirements. For ILR, it is essential to legally stay in the UK for at least five years on a qualifying visa route. You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK during any 12 consecutive months. You can get an Indefinite leave to remain after staying in the United Kingdom on some specific types of visas. Selecting a Skilled Worker Visa, Spouse visa, and Self-sponsorship route can streamline your path to ILR.
Moving back to the UK from the USA can be an exciting yet challenging journey.
Pros:
Cons:
Can I Move to the UK Without a Job?
Yes, you can move to the UK without a job. You can undoubtedly relocate to the UK from the USA without a job offer through a valid family, business and student visa route.
Moving to the UK to Join Family Members
You can choose the UK family visa route to reunite or join your family members in the UK. However, several eligibility criteria and requirements must be fulfilled before applying for a family visa.
How Hard Is It to Move to The UK?
Due to the complex UK immigration rules and regulations, it can be difficult for US citizens to relocate from the US to the UK. However, you can overcome this challenge with the help of experienced and knowledgeable immigration solicitors.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to The UK?
Moving to England from the US can be expensive, depending on your visa type. Applicants need to pay the visa application fee, health surcharge fee, shipping, accommodation, logistics, and other relevant costs. You can calculate all the expenses and prepare for your relocation as per your requirements.
Cost of Living in the UK
The UK has been declared the 7th most expensive country in Europe and 14th most expensive in the world. Using public transportation, suitable accommodation, and earning your daily meals can be expensive. It’s evident that the cost of living in the UK is higher than in most US cities.
Do You Get Free Healthcare If You Move to the UK?
You can avail free healthcare in the UK once you become a permanent resident or obtain an indefinite leave to remain. Apart from that, you can get free healthcare if you have already paid a health surcharge.
Moving to the UK With Pets
Relocating to the UK from the USA with your pet is allowed if it has been microchipped, has a pet passport or health certificate, and has been vaccinated for rabies. By following these steps, you can certainly move to the United Kingdom with pets.
How Do I Get UK Citizenship?
To get UK citizenship, you need to legally stay in the United Kingdom for at least five years under a valid visa route. Skilled work visas and Family visas allow one to live in the UK for a more extended period. After this period of time, you can apply for ILR. If you successfully hold the ILR for 12 months, you can apply for naturalisation as a UK citizen.
What is a Self-Sponsored Route?
With the Self-Sponsorship route, you can apply to work in the United Kingdom for your own company without needing a UK Sponsor. Moreover, if you plan to settle in the UK, this could lead to permanent residency and British citizenship for you and your dependent family members. The Self-Sponsorship route is suited for businesses looking to expand their business in the United Kingdom and have the capital for it. If you are a successful businessperson who has identified a business opportunity in the United Kingdom, or if you have a brilliant business concept and want to explore it in the United Kingdom, you should definitely take up this path.
Eligibility Criteria For Self-Sponsorship
Application Process for Self-Sponsorship
You must first apply for a Skilled visa route to apply for this route. It is a combination of a Skilled visa and a sponsor licence. Visit the official website of the UK government and apply for the Skilled worker visa. Prepare all the necessary documents, such as a copy of your passport, bank statements, a detailed business plan and an endorsement letter from your company’s key personnel. Attach all your original documents and application and re-check twice to avoid errors. You must pay the application fee before you submit your application.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with work visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or at contact us today. We’re here to help!