How To Move to the United Kingdom (2024 Guide)
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Many people move to the United Kingdom for its stable economy, high-quality education system, and overall quality of life. It’s a popular place for expats, especially U.S. citizens, because of its common language. Before you make the move, however, you must secure a visa and pack up your house. If you’re ready to master driving on the left side of the road, keep reading to learn how to move to the United Kingdom.
Visas To Move to the United Kingdom
American citizens interested in moving to the United Kingdom (U.K.) must file for a visa. If you’re staying for six months or less, you can apply for a Standard Visitor visa. The U.K. government doesn’t allow Standard Visitors to work. You can apply for a short-stay visa and perform permitted activities like tourism, study, or volunteerism.
During the application process, you’ll apply for a specific type of visa according to the reason for your move. After applying online, you can book a biometric appointment and visit an Application Support Center to provide biometric information such as fingerprints.
We’ve listed the different types of visas and their qualifications below:
Family Visas
You can obtain a family visa if you have a spouse, partner, or family member who is a British citizen or settled in the United Kingdom. You may also join a family member who has a U.K. visa if you’re their spouse, partner, or child under 18 years of age, but you will need to file as a dependent instead of requesting your own visa.
We’ve listed the fees associated with a family visa below in Great British Pounds (GBP):
- Applying as a family member outside the U.K.: GBP 1,846
- Applying as a family member in the U.K.: GBP 1,048
- Applying as a dependent outside the U.K.: GBP 1,846
- Applying as a dependent in the U.K.: GBP 1,048
You may also need to pay for the health care surcharge. You’ll receive access to the National Healthcare Service (NHS) once you’ve received your visa and paid the surcharge.
Spouses and partners must be over 18 years of age to receive a visa, and one of you must be a British or Irish citizen or have settled in the United Kingdom. Children of parents who are British or Irish citizens or have settled in the United Kingdom must be under 18 years old, and they can’t be married. You’ll need to submit the following items to apply for a family visa:
- Application
- Birth certificate if joining your parent
- Marriage or partner certificate if joining your spouse or partner
- Proof of finances
- Valid passport
Innovator Founder Visa
You can file for an Innovator Founder and Scale-up visa if your business introduces a new product or service to the market. You must be 18 years or older and prove your business is unique, viable, and scalable, meaning you must show it will grow and create jobs in the United Kingdom. An endorsing body must approve your business or business idea before you apply. The innovator visa costs GBP 1,191 to cover you and an additional GBP 1,191 per person if you bring your partner or children with you.
Study Visas
You can live in the United Kingdom on a study visa, including a Student visa. Student visas require you to meet the following criteria:
- A licensed student sponsor must offer you placement in a course.
- You must be 16 years or older. You’ll need consent from your guardians if you are 16 or 17 years old.
- You must have financial means to support yourself while in the United Kingdom.
You can apply for a Graduate visa after you’ve completed your studies under a Student visa. A Graduate visa allows you to stay in the United Kingdom for two years after you’ve completed your coursework.
The last study visa is a Child Student visa. You must be between 4 and 17 years old and plan to study at an independent school. You must meet the following criteria to apply:
- You have access to enough financial support.
- You have parental consent.
- You possess an unconditional offer on a course placement.
Temporary Work Visas
Temporary work visas allow short-term visits for individuals who want to work in the United Kingdom. Each visa has different conditions and fees, but you’ll have to pay the healthcare surcharge under every visa. The following list includes the different temporary work visas available:
- Charity Worker visa: for those who want to perform unpaid charity work
- Creative Worker visa: must work in the creative field, such as dance, acting, or film
- Government Authorised Exchange visa: for individuals interested in attending an overseas language program or research fellowship
- International Agreement visa: if you work in international law
- Religious Worker visa: if you want to do religious work in a nonpastoral role or religious order
- Seasonal Worker visa: if you’re performing agricultural work
Work Visas
You must obtain a visa to work in the United Kingdom. The two most popular work visas are Health and Care Worker visas and Skilled Worker visas.
The Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to work with the National Health Service (NHS), with an NHS supplier, or in social care. The standard application fee costs GBP 284 for a visa for up to three years and GBP 551 for more than three years. The visa lasts five years before you need to renew it. You must already have a job offer before applying for this visa, and you have to meet the following requirements to qualify:
- The Home Office must have approved your U.K. employer.
- You have to possess a certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
- You must be a doctor, health care professional, nurse, or social care worker.
- You must receive a minimum salary.
- Your job must be in an eligible health or social care role.
The Skilled Worker visa allows you to stay in the U.K. as you perform a job. This application fee costs between GBP 719 and GBP 1,500, and the healthcare surcharge is approximately GBP 624. You must meet the following requirements to qualify:
- The Home Office must have approved your U.K. employer.
- The job must be an eligible occupation.
- You must have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
- You must receive a minimum salary based on the type of work you’ll be doing.
Cost To Relocate to the United Kingdom
Moving costs can get expensive, especially if you’re moving across the pond. According to International Van Lines, the estimated cost to move from the United States to the United Kingdom ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. The average cost varies based on the destination country, with England having the lowest moving cost range and Northern Ireland having the highest. Below is a list of the different costs associated with this type of move:
- Airline tickets: The average cost of an international airline ticket is $1,400.
- Car transportation: It costs between $1,000 and $5,000 to ship your car. It will cost more if you ship it via air compared to by sea.
- Pets: It costs around $300 to travel with your small dog or cat in the plane cabin with you. However, it could cost up to $1,000 to transport your pet in the cargo hold.
- Visas: Visas differ in price, but applicants spend an average of $500 on visa and immigration fees.
The United States’ cost of living may be comparable to the United Kingdom’s, depending on where you live. In February 2024, Zoopla reported the average rent in the U.K. is GBP 1,220, while London is the most expensive city to rent a place to live, at an average of GBP 2,119.
Cost data in this section was sourced from Angi unless otherwise noted.
Opening a Bank Account in the U.K.
Opening a bank account isn’t required for the visa application process, but it can make your transition easier. Moving your finances to a U.K. bank will help avoid currency exchange fees.
It’s a straightforward process, especially if you open the account when you’re in the United Kingdom. Take the following steps to set up your U.K. bank account:
- Choose a bank and account type.
- Log onto the bank’s app or website.
- Upload your passport or photo ID, proof of address, and other required documents.
- Share your proof of employment, work contract, or school acceptance letter if you’re a student.
Some U.K. banks offer their clients international banking so you can set up your account before your arrival. Processes vary by bank but keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks for them to verify your account.
Moving to the United Kingdom With Pets
It wouldn’t feel like home if you didn’t bring your pet with you. The following rules apply to moving pets to Great Britain, which includes England, Scotland, and Wales. Your dog, cat, or ferret can enter the country if they have the following:
- Health passport
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccine
- Tapeworm treatment (if your pet is a dog)
Pets in Northern Ireland follow European Union (EU) guidelines, which include the following:
- A dog must have a tapeworm treatment.
- Pets need to have microchips.
- You can’t move your pet until 21 days after your vet gives it a primary vaccine.
- You have to present an EU Animal Health Certificate.
- Your pet needs a rabies vaccine.
The following dog breeds are banned in the United Kingdom:
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Pit bull terrier
U.K. Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Moving to another country and making it your permanent home requires careful planning. We cover the paths to permanent residency and U.K. citizenship below.
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) allows you to settle in the United Kingdom. You have the right to stay and work in the United Kingdom and may receive benefits if you’re eligible under ILR. You qualify for ILR if you meet the following criteria:
- You have lived in the U.K. for 10 years: You must have lived in the region legally and meet certain criteria, such as continuous residence.
- You have family in the U.K.: Your spouse, partner, or child must be a British citizen or have ILR. You qualify even if your spouse or partner has passed away or if your relationship has ended due to domestic abuse.
- You’re returning to the U.K. after having ILR: You may requalify for settlement depending on your circumstances.
- You work in the U.K.: You must have a work visa and have lived and worked in the region for five years or less, depending on your visa type.
The right to abode means you may live and work in the region without immigration restrictions. All British and Commonwealth citizens have the right to abode.
The government recognizes that you have the right to abode as a Commonwealth citizen if one of your parents was born in the United Kingdom and was a British citizen when you were born or if you were a Commonwealth citizen and have been since 1983. You also qualify by marriage if you’re a female Commonwealth citizen and married to someone who has had the right to abode since before 1983.
You’re a British citizen if you were born in the United Kingdom and meet certain guidelines. You can obtain British citizenship in a few ways. You must request permission to remain in the region after you’ve applied. The following paths lead to citizenship:
- You have a British parent, a type of British nationality, or a parent with British overseas territories citizenship.
- You have ILR.
- You’re married or are in a civil partnership with a British citizen. You must already have indefinite leave to remain to attain citizenship.
- You’re stateless, or you previously renounced your British citizenship.
Before becoming a citizen, you must prove your knowledge of the English language and take the Life in the UK Test. Book this exam at least three days in advance. It costs GBP 50.
Factors To Consider When Moving to the United Kingdom
Applying for visas and opening a U.K. bank account aren’t the only things you need to consider when moving to the region. You’ll also have to take the following steps:
Our Conclusion
Moving to the United Kingdom is an intimidating but exciting adventure. You’ll have a smoother transition if you hire a reputable international mover and file for the right visa. We recommend completing must-do tasks for moving abroad, requesting and comparing quotes from at least three moving companies, and creating a budget to manage your finances effectively once you’ve settled in.
FAQ About Moving to the United Kingdom
Is it worth moving to the U.K. from the U.S.?
It’s worth moving to the U.K. from the U.S. if you’re looking for proximity to European countries, a stronger health care system, and a better work-life balance.
What are the disadvantages of moving to the U.K.?
Some of the disadvantages of moving to the U.K. are the high cost of living and competitive job market. Its exit from the European Union in 2020 has also led to increased uncertainty for some expats living in the United Kingdom.
How much money do you need to move to the U.K.?
Most visa types require that you show proof of financial stability to demonstrate that you can support yourself after moving to the U.K. You should also budget for the fees associated with your visa application and up to $7,000 for moving costs.
What jobs are high in demand in the U.K.?
The jobs that are high in demand in the U.K. are in the health care, technology, and retail industries.
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