Complete Guide to Move from the USA to the UK

Thousands of Americans relocate to Britain each year for work, family, study or business. If you plan to move from the USA to the UK, your visa decides almost everything else: how long you can stay, whether you can work, and when you can settle.

A short trip is simple. Since 25 February 2026, US citizens must hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. The fee is £20. A long-term move needs a proper visa. This guide sets out the routes, the steps, and the costs to plan for.

Which visa route fits a personal move?

Most people who move from the USA to the UK use one of the routes below. Each row shows who it suits and whether it leads to settlement.

If you already have a job offer, our guide on how to apply for a UK work visa from the USA walks through the US application centres step by step.

Which route fits a business move?

Some Americans come to start a company, expand a US business, or run a UK branch. These routes cover founders and firms sending staff over.

Moving to the UK from the USA: your checklist

Once you know your route, work through these steps in order. Some take weeks, so start early.

1. Choose your visa. Confirm which route fits your plans and check you meet every requirement.
2. Apply online. Complete the GOV.UK form, pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, then attend a biometric appointment at a visa centre in the US.
3. Gather your documents. You need a valid US passport and the evidence your route asks for. Americans do not need an English test or a tuberculosis test.
4. Plan your shipping. List what you will take, compare international movers, and check UK customs rules on restricted items.
5. Find a home. Landlords in England must check your Right to Rent. You prove your status with your eVisa share code.
6. Open a bank account. Banks ask for proof of identity and a UK address. Your immigration status can affect which banks accept you.
7. Register with a GP. Once you have paid the health surcharge, you can register with a local doctor.

Can you move to the UK without a job?

Yes. A job offer is only needed for the sponsored work routes. You can move from the USA to the UK without one through a family visa, a Student visa, the Global Talent route, or the Innovator Founder visa. You cannot live or work in the UK on an ETA.

What does the move cost?

The total depends on your route and family size. Budget for these items:

• Visa fee: set by the Home Office and different for each route. See our fees page.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: paid upfront for each year of your visa, for each family member.
• Moving costs: shipping, flights, temporary housing and a rental deposit.
• Living costs: rent and transport are high, especially in London, and homes are often smaller than in the US.

For a wider view, read our guide to the cost of living in the UK.

How long until you can settle and become British?

Under the current rules, most work and family routes lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years. You must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. You also need to pass the Life in the UK test.

The government has proposed an "earned settlement" model with a longer, 10-year baseline for most routes. At the time of writing, it is a proposal and not yet in the Immigration Rules. Your application is assessed under the rules in force on the date you apply, so check the position before you plan.

Most people can apply for British citizenship 12 months after getting ILR. If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply as soon as you have ILR.

Frequently asked questions

Do US citizens need a visa to visit the UK?

No, not for visits of up to six months. You must have an approved ETA before you travel. It costs £20 and lasts two years or until your passport expires.

Can I work in the UK while visiting on an ETA?

No. An ETA covers holidays, family visits and business meetings only. To work, you need a work visa such as the Skilled Worker visa.

Do Americans need to take an English language test?

No. The US counts as a majority English-speaking country, so US nationals meet the English requirement on their passport.

Do I get free NHS healthcare after I move?

Once you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge with your visa, you can use the NHS on the same basis as UK residents. Some costs, such as prescriptions in England, still apply.

Can I bring my pet from the USA?

Yes. Your dog, cat or ferret must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, and you must wait 21 days after the vaccine before travel. You also need a pet health certificate.

Ready to plan your move?

The right visa makes a move from the USA to the UK far smoother. A wrong choice can cost you months and a second set of fees. Planning early gives you the most options.

AY&J Solicitors is SRA-regulated and ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We have guided US clients through work, family and business moves to Britain. To find the route that fits you, book a free discovery call with our visa experts.

Written and legally reviewed by Sunny Sandhu, Head of Legal Operations, AY&J Solicitors. SRA regulated, Legal 500, Chambers and Partners. Last reviewed: 22 October 2026.