Do I Need a Visa to Move to England From the USA?

Maybe! Let’s break down 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?

If you are visiting England as a tourist or on a Standard Visitor Visa, you are generally not allowed to work. Working, even remotely for a foreign employer, is typically not permitted.

According to the UK government website, you can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:

for tourism, for example, on a holiday or vacation
to see your family or friends
to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
to pass through the UK to another country
for certain business activities, for example, attending a meeting or interview (Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Visit on business – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
to take part in a school exchange program
to do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example, a dance course

You cannot:

do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
claim benefits
live in the UK for long periods through successive visits
marry or register a civil partnership

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?

The ability to become a British citizen through your parents depends on various factors, such as your date of birth, the citizenship status of your parents, and the specific circumstances surrounding your birth. Here are some common scenarios:

Born in the UK to British Citizen Parents: If you were born in the UK to at least one British citizen parent, you are likely to be a British citizen by birth.
Born Outside the UK to British Citizen Parents: If you were born outside the UK to at least one British citizen parent, you may be eligible for British citizenship, but the rules can be complex and may depend on factors such as when you were born and the citizenship status of your parents.
Born in the UK to Non-British Citizen Parents: If you were born in the UK to parents who are not British citizens, your citizenship status may differ. In some cases, you may be eligible to register as a British citizen based on your residency and other factors.

Can I just start applying for any job in England?

To work in the UK, you will need to obtain a Skilled Worker visa. To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office
have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer
be employed in a field on the list of eligible occupations
be paid a minimum salary

You will also need to demonstrate that you are proficient in English.

A Skilled Worker visa can last for up to 5 years, although it can be extended. After 5 years on this visa, you may be able to apply permanently to live in the UK, giving you the right to live, work, and study in the UK for as long as you like.

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?

You may be able to obtain a student visa and study in the UK. To apply, you must be over 16, have been offered a course placement by a licensed student sponsor, have enough money to support yourself, and be proficient in English.

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: You would need to obtain a work visa to live and work in the UK. The specific visa category would depend on your qualifications, the nature of your job, and the sponsoring employer. Common work visas include the Skilled Worker and the Health and Care Worker visa.
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 may be eligible to join them in the UK.

To apply for a family visa, you must meet specific financial, accommodation, and relationship requirements. Additionally, you must prove the “genuine and subsisting nature of your relationship.”

The financial requirement involves demonstrating that you and your spouse have an income above a certain threshold. From April 11, 2024, the minimum income requirement to be a dependent spouse in the UK will increase to £29,000.

It’s important to note the government intends to raise the minimum income requirement further, leading to a minimum income requirement of £38,700. The dates for these increases have not been announced.

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?

With the Brexit transition period ending on December 31, 2020, freedom of movement between the UK and the EU ended. EU citizens no longer have an automatic right to live and work in the UK.

EU citizens may still be eligible to move to the UK, but the must apply for a visa through the UK government.

I’m an Irish citizen. Can I move to England?

Yes! Irish citizens have a special status in the UK due to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, which has been in place since 1922.

The CTA allows for the free movement of people between the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Irish citizens have the right to live, work, and study in the UK without obtaining a visa or residence permit. They have access to the same public services, such as healthcare and education, as UK citizens. They can also vote in UK general elections!

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.