Do You Need a Visa to Move to England From the United States? Let’s find out!
Here we’ll look at some of the some of the most common visas used to move to England from the USA.
Can’t I just move to England from the USA?
Many people wrongly assume that they can move to England and just start looking for a job, or that if their spouse is a British citizen that they automatically have the right to live there.
Not so.
Unless you are a British or Irish citizen, you will most likely need to apply for one of the visa options that are available through the Home Office. There are various routes depending on your nationality, skills, and qualifications, and not everyone will qualify for one.
Each visa involves different financial costs. Most require applicants to meet a minimum financial requirement to demonstrate their ability to support themselves and any dependents while in England.
You might be eligible one or more visas, or you may need to create a long-term plan to make your dream come true (such as applying to study in the UK).
My job outside of England is entirely remote. Can I be a digital nomad in the UK?
As of January 31, 2024, visitors to the UK on a visitor visa may now have the option to work remotely while staying in the country. This means you can continue working for an overseas employer while in the UK, as long as you’re not working for a UK-based employer.
However, this is not the same as a digital nomad visa, which is designed for remote workers who wish to live and work in a foreign country for extended periods. The UK does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, and the visitor visa is more limited in terms of duration (typically up to 6 months).
For longer stays, other visa options, such as a work visa, would be required. Here is a link for more information: Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
One of my parents is British. Can I apply for British citizenship?
Can you become a British citizen through your parents? It depends on a few key factors, like your date of birth, your parents’ citizenship status, and the circumstances of your birth. Let’s break down some common scenarios:
- Born in the UK to British Citizen Parents
If you were born in the UK and at least one of your parents was a British citizen at the time, you’re likely a British citizen by birth—simple and straightforward. - Born Outside the UK to British Citizen Parents
If you were born outside the UK to at least one British citizen parent, you may still be eligible for British citizenship. However, the rules depend on specific details, such as whether your parent was a citizen “by descent” or “otherwise than by descent.” Generally, if your parent gained citizenship by birth, naturalization, or registration in the UK, you might qualify. - Born in the UK to Non-British Citizen Parents
If your parents weren’t British citizens when you were born in the UK, your situation is a bit more complex. You might be eligible to register as a British citizen later, especially if you’ve lived in the UK for a certain number of years or if your parents became citizens or were granted settled status after your birth.
The rules can be tricky, with details like your parents’ immigration status or when you were born significantly impacting your eligibility. If you’re unsure about your status, it’s worth checking the UK government’s guidance or consulting an immigration expert to explore your options.
Can I just start applying for any job in England?
Not quite.To work in the UK, you’ll need a Skilled Worker visa, a requirement for most professionals seeking employment in the country. This visa is designed for roles in eligible fields and comes with specific criteria.
First, you must secure a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office—only these licensed sponsors can hire international workers legally. Once you have a job offer, your employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship, an essential document for your visa application.
To qualify, the role must also be on the UK’s list of eligible occupations, which typically focuses on areas experiencing skill shortages, such as healthcare, IT, and engineering. The job must meet the minimum salary requirement, usually £26,200 annually or £10.75 per hour, although this can vary depending on your circumstances. Additionally, you’ll need to prove your English language proficiency, either through a test or qualifications taught in English.
A Skilled Worker visa is valid for up to 5 years, and you can extend it if needed. After 5 years, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting you the right to live, work, and study in the UK permanently. While it’s not as simple as applying for any job, the Skilled
Worker visa is your gateway to building a career and a future in the UK. So, take the leap, do your research, and start planning for this exciting opportunity! To work in the UK, you will need to obtain a Skilled Worker visa. To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
For more information on the various types of work visas available, visit the UK government website at Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Can I go to college/university in England?
A student visa could be your ticket to world-class education and an unforgettable adventure! To qualify, you need to be at least 16, have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, and show you’ve got enough funds to cover your tuition and living expenses—yes, that includes all the tea and scones you’ll want to try.
You’ll also need to prove your English skills unless you’re from a majority English-speaking country or already have qualifications taught in English. Beyond hitting the books, your student visa lets you work part-time, so you can gain experience, make new friends, and maybe even fund a weekend trip to explore Europe.
Studying in the UK isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s a chance to dive into a vibrant culture and kickstart your global journey! For more information, go to my in-depth post on moving to the UK on a student visa!
Can I start a business in England?
The UK Innovator Visa is a route for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to establish an innovative business in the UK. The “innovative” aspect of the visa generally means that the business idea or concept proposed by the applicant involves something new and original.
It should demonstrate creativity and differentiation from existing companies in the market.
Innovative businesses often address specific challenges or problems in a novel way. They provide solutions that are more efficient, effective, or user-friendly compared to current options.
The business idea should have the potential to meet a significant market demand or create new demand altogether.
Increasingly, innovation is also associated with sustainability and social impact. Businesses that address environmental challenges, promote social responsibility, or contribute positively to communities may be considered innovative.
If I move to England, can I eventually become a British citizen?
Depending on your visa, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship after living in the UK. Here is a general overview:
- Initial Work Visa: To live and work in the UK, you’ll first need a valid work visa. The specific type of visa you apply for will depend on your qualifications, the nature of your job, and whether you have a sponsoring employer. Popular options include the Skilled Worker visa and the Health and Care Worker visa. These visas are your first step toward establishing yourself in the UK.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After residing in the UK for a continuous period under a work visa, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR is a form of permanent residency that allows you to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions.
- British Citizenship: Once you have held ILR for a specific period, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship. The requirements usually include a residence period in the UK, good character, and other conditions. The residence period may vary depending on how you qualify (for example, it could be five years for most applicants, or three years if you are married to a British citizen).
Some visas, such as a student visa, do not count towards that five years. You can find more information on the UK home office website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration.
My spouse/partner is a British citizen. Do I still need a visa to move to England?
If your spouse is a British citizen, you might be eligible to join them in the UK. To do so, you’ll need to apply for a family visa and meet some specific requirements, including financial, accommodation, and relationship criteria.
One of the main things you’ll need to prove is that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. This can include things like showing you’ve lived together, sharing finances, and having evidence of regular communication.
When it comes to finances, there’s a minimum income requirement you’ll need to meet. Starting April 11, 2024, the income threshold to sponsor a dependent spouse will increase to £29,000. This means you and your spouse will need to show that your combined income meets or exceeds this amount. The government also plans to raise the minimum income requirement even further to £38,700, although the exact timeline for this increase hasn’t been announced yet.
If you’re planning to apply for a family visa, it’s important to stay up to date on these changes and ensure you meet the financial and other requirements. You can find all of the requirements here: Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Apply as a partner or spouse – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
I’m an EU (European Union) citizen. Can I move to England?
Since the Brexit transition period ended on December 31, 2020, freedom of movement between the UK and the EU came to an end. This means that EU citizens no longer have the automatic right to live and work in the UK. If you’re an EU citizen, you can still move to England, but you’ll need to apply for a visa, just like citizens from non-EU countries.
While the days of automatic entry for EU citizens are behind us, moving to the UK is still very much possible—it just requires a bit more planning and paperwork now.
So, if you’re thinking about making the move, start researching your visa options and make sure you meet the criteria. The UK is still welcoming to EU citizens, but now it’s all about the right visa to make your move a reality. You can find more information on the Home Office website.
I’m an Irish citizen. Can I move to England?
Yes, you absolutely can! Irish citizens have a unique status in the UK thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA agreement, which has been in place since 1922. This agreement allows for the free movement of people between the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.
Thanks to the CTA, Irish citizens enjoy many of the same rights as UK citizens when it comes to living, working, and studying in England. You don’t need to apply for a visa or residence permit, and you have access to the same public services, including healthcare and education. Plus, you can vote in UK general elections—another perk of being an Irish citizen in the UK!
So, if you’re an Irish citizen looking to move to England, it’s much easier than navigating the usual visa processes. You have the freedom to live and work in the UK without the usual restrictions, making it a smooth transition for those seeking the opportunity to start a new life in the UK!
If you are dreaming of moving to England from the USA, do your research and learn about all of your options. Take it one step at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed. It may take some planning, but it will be worth it!
Important Disclaimer: I am not an attorney or visa specialist. I am not qualified to advise anyone regarding visas or whether you have the right to visit or move to the United Kingdom. If you have questions regarding visas, it’s it is strongly recommended that you speak with an immigration attorney who is qualified to answer those questions. I do include information taken directly from the UK government website, but this should not be misinterpreted as legal advice. Please check the UK immigration website for changes to immigration policy and consult with an attorney.
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