Moving from the UK to America may seem a daunting experience at first, but with our expert international moving services, your new life over the pond awaits you.
No matter whether you are moving to Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando or any other destination in the USA, Bishop’s Move is here to help and advise you so that you can plan every stage of your US relocation.
Moving to the USA from the UK is an exciting step, but it’s not quite as simple as booking a flight and packing your bags. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a lifestyle change, there are essential steps for a smooth transition.
From obtaining the correct visa to shipping your possessions across the Atlantic, this guide breaks down how exactly you can move to the USA from the UK – legally, smoothly, and stress-free.
Am I Allowed to Move to the US?
With the correct visa, UK citizens are able to visit the USA for a range of time periods. As long as you have done your research about the best kind of visa for you, you should have no issues gaining entry to the USA.
Types of US Visas
Your reasons for relocating will play a large part in the process of procuring a visa, Green Card, and eventually, U.S. citizenship. Common visa options for UK citizens moving across the pond include:
Sponsored Employment Visa: For individuals who have found employment under a U.S. company, an employment visa is one way to secure a Green Card. Once your employer has received approval for your employment from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you will be required to attend an interview at the US Embassy as part of your visa application.
Family Immigration Visa: You can also obtain a visa if your family members already have U.S. citizenship. The process and amount of time that this will take depend on whether you have an immediate or extended family link.
Retirement Visa: If you’re thinking about retiring to the USA, visa options are unlike many other countries in that there is no specific retirement visa. Pensioners typically take the family sponsorship or extended tourist visa option in order to spend more time in America.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Under the visa waiver program, UK passport holders can visit the USA on an ESTA for up to 90 days. This is ideal for when you visit America to get a feel for where you might like to live, but it is not equivalent to an immigrant visa and will not allow you to work or reside in the country.
Gaining U.S. citizenship will require a longer period spent in the country. Lucky for UK citizens, the US allows dual citizenship, meaning you can have two passports at once.
Where to Live in the USA
The sheer size and variety of possible destinations across the United States can make it seem impossible to settle in one place. Your preference for a location can be dependent on a million things, depending on your circumstances, such as office location, schools, or transport links. Cities can provide a more international environment, one where you’re more likely to meet those in a similar situation to you, whereas more rural places might feature some of America’s gorgeous landscapes.
Not to mention, your choice of place will come with repercussions for your climate, which will vary much more than in the UK. Wherever you choose, Bishop’s Move will be there to assist you in transporting your life across the globe.
As the fourth most populous city in the country, you’ll be moving to one of the most social cities in the world. Dining out and seeing a show in Houston’s infamous theatre district will keep you more than busy.
LA tops wishlists across the globe, boasting sunshine, beaches, and glamorous lifestyles. Choose from an array of gorgeous neighbourhoods and exciting career opportunities.
The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps. New York City boasts high salaries, more people than any other city in the world, and a huge range of career and entertainment opportunities. It’s not hard to see why NYC is an incredibly popular choice for expats.
Moving your household effects to the USA
Personal and household effects can be imported duty and tax-free, provided they have been owned and used by the client for at least one year before their arrival in the USA.
You must have arrived in the country prior to the arrival of your effects in order to prove your eligibility for duty-free exemption and finalise the clearance. If duty-free exemption is not required, you do not have to be in the country when they arrive.
In either case, all customs forms must be completed in the UK, ready for presentation to U.S. customs at the time of consignment arrival.
Most personal effects shipments entering the USA are subject to examination by US customs. Checks can range from a container x-ray to a full physical exam. All checks made by customs incur costs which cannot be prepaid in the UK.
These include, but are not limited to: x-ray; handling and re-stowing of effects; demurrage; storage; and extra haulage. If a full examination is required, the costs could range into the thousands of dollars.
Required documentation for household goods only:
US customs form 3299
Treasury department 3299 supplemental declaration
Power of attorney
Copy of passport photo and details pages
Copy of entry Visa
Shipping your motor vehicle to the USA
It is extremely difficult and costly to ship vehicles to the USA.
In general, only vehicles originally manufactured in the USA will be allowed for import entry. If you want to ship your vehicle, it is recommended to contact the U.S. Department of Transportation well before your move, and shipping should be completely separate from your household effects.
Required documentation:
Proof of ownership
Copy of US title
Vehicle registration
Letter from the manufacturer to show the vehicle meets US emissions standards.
Checklist for Moving to the USA
Ready to make the move? Here’s a handy checklist that you can use to ensure your move to America from England goes smoothly.
1. Do your visa research
Despite being an incredibly popular destination for people from all over the world, the US is also a notoriously difficult country to move to. That’s why it’s critical to choose the correct entry path for your time in the States. For those hoping to move temporarily, a non-immigrant visa is necessary, but for prospective permanent residents, you’ll need an immigrant visa.
What’s more, the purpose of your visit will determine the type of visa you must apply for, whether it’s for work, study, or to join your family. You can begin the application process and find out the full extent of US visa categories on the US Embassy website.
2. Consider transport within the US
One thing to think about your situation in the US will be how you plan to get around. If you are hoping to reside in one of the USA’s vibrant cities, public transport can be your best friend.
However, if moving more into the countryside, you might need to decide whether you’ll be bringing your personal vehicle during your move. If so, you’ll need to perform additional research and follow all vehicle paperwork requirements.
3. Get health insurance in order
With a move as far away as the USA, you’ll want to make sure your health is looked after. When it comes to daily life, you might already know that medical care over the pond works a little differently from what we’re used to. There is no equivalent to our NHS, so ensure you invest in health insurance that will cover any ailments or possible accidents during your time in the USA. Health insurance is an important factor to consider when assessing the cost of living in the USA.
4. Find accommodation in the US
Much like the UK, accommodation can vary dramatically across the United States. You can choose to rent or purchase property, but it’s worth doing your research while in temporary accommodation to see what your options are.
Cities like New York will be trickier and you may have to compromise more than if you were to look to more suburban areas. Exploring the options within your budget while fulfilling your geographical and personal requirements can be a challenge.
5. Gain an understanding of the U.S. education system
If you are moving to America with young children or planning to start a family when you get there, you’ll need to consider education in the USA. School is compulsory in most states until the age of 16-18, and there are public and private schools to choose from. If schooling is a priority when you move to America, you’ll want to research local school ratings before deciding on where you want to live.
Why Move to the US?
Thousands of Britons move across the pond every single year, and it’s not difficult to see why it’s so popular for UK residents. The variety between states, and even within them, combined with the lack of cultural or language barriers, means that Britons can create the life they want with ease. A country with the sheer size of the US encompasses just about every climate and environment you could want, from vibrant cities to rolling mountain ranges.
Alongside the stunning environments and climates on offer, the USA also provides one of the highest standards of living on the globe. Career opportunities are, in most cases, high for a range of skill levels and the lifestyle here is something many can only dream about.
Moving to the USA with Bishop’s Move
We are one of the few UK removals and storage companies that can offer a complete ‘door-to-door’ relocation service to the US. Once your custom removal to the USA quote has been approved and accepted by you, you can rest assured that all your requirements will be taken care of. From day one to the day you set foot on U.S. soil, Bishop’s Move will be by your side at every stage.
On your big moving day, our experienced international team will professionally pack and wrap your possessions for shipping and delivery in the United States. For added convenience, we also offer short or long-term storage solutions both in the UK and in the US, so you can take every step at your own pace.
Get your no-obligation quote or get in touch with us today.
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Moving to America FAQs
Moving to the USA from the UK can be challenging due to strict visa requirements, long processing times and the complexity of immigration rules. Typically, you’ll need to have obtained a job offer, made a significant immigrant investment in the country, or have a familial connection in the USA to qualify for a visa. However, with the right planning and support in place, the process is manageable.
Whilst it is possible to move to America without a job, it can make it more difficult to obtain a visa. You’ll need another qualifying reason that doesn’t rely on employment, such as family sponsorship or significant investment. You cannot use a tourist visa to move to the USA.
The amount of money required to move to the USA depends greatly on your visa type, lifestyle, and where you plan to live. Considerations when planning your finances include shipping costs, visa/legal fees, healthcare expenses and initial living expenses. The visa you obtain may also have proof of funds or income requirements.
Securing somewhere to live before you arrive in the USA can be tricky, but with careful planning, it is definitely possible. For many people moving to America from the UK, short-term accommodation is the first step to finding accommodation. Selecting a temporary option allows you to ensure you have chosen the right area and means that there is less of a rush to commit to something more permanent.
You won’t typically be required to pay customs duties when moving your used household items to the USA, provided they are for personal use and have been owned by you for at least one year.
When moving to the USA, there are a number of items that are prohibited or heavily restricted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Shipping any banned items within your belongings can lead to long delays, confiscation of your belongings and even fines, so it is important to do your research. Prohibited items include illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, obscene material and endangered wildlife products, among other things. Restricted items with conditions attached include alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications and meat, dairy and fresh food.
Working with a specialist removals company like Bishop’s Move means that you can rely on expertise around what’s safe and legal to pack.
In order to pay taxes in the USA, you’ll need a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), depending on your long-term visa or Green Card. You will then be required to complete and file an annual tax return in the USA, declaring your worldwide income, including earnings, pensions, rental income and bank interest.
WHEN ASKED HOW WE CAN IMPROVE OUR SERVICE, OUR CUSTOMERS SAID:
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Mr Desveaux, London
We would like to underline the professionalism of the team, very efficient. Amazing job.
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Rosamund Leeder, Cambridge
Bishop’s Move, in my experience, is made up of a team who are genuinely interested in their work and giving a good service. Thank you.
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Mr Douglas Anthony Attard,
Nothing, my overall experience was spot on and everything was collected and delivered in a timely manner.
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Ms Nikki Taylor, Exeter
The experience we had with your staff was excellent and we have recommended you.
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Mr and Mrs McDonald
The move was completed with remarkable efficiency. Nothing has been broken or lost. The men were all friendly and polite and willing to go out of their way to be helpful.
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Mr Mike Charlton
We had a fantastic experience when you moved us into Storage. The Foreman was excellent and crew worked hard on a very hot day.
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Mr Ian Virrels
Not much – very please again. Thank you very much
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Maj Edward Pretsell, Catterick
Nothing at all – the service was fantastic
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Sgt Gray, Edith Weston
Overall very impressed I’ve used bishops several times and it’s always a pleasant experience the crew were very good very professional. A real pleasure.
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Sgt Edgar
We did not require any post move assistance, the removal team were efficient and polite. First time we have used a removal company, and we were very impressed.
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Rev Mark Williams
Nothing comes to mind – the crew were outstanding.
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Ms McKenzie
Nothing, excellent service 😊
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Ms Judi Tomlinson, Harpenden
All the staff members I had contact with were lovely – helpful and supportive. They got me through a challenging time, so I’m very grateful to all of them
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Ms Anne Quinn
Thanks for the great service. Crew where fantastic
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Mr Tony Streeter
Everything was very satisfactory.
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Mrs Fone, Twickenham
Our experience of using Bishop’s Move has been consistent over the 40 years we have used their services! This time topped our other moves. Adam and Frankie, then Adi and Seb for the bigger days, gave excellent service; Adam was so well organised, and Frankie and the team were professional, hardworking and good humoured. We can recommend them for your most prestige clients!! Well done boys 👍
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Mr Nigel Hudson
Just to confirm that the shipment arrived yesterday in good order and delivered by a couple of nice guys who shared a socially distanced cup of tea in our garden. Thank you to all involved, very efficient ( including the guy in Perth who did a great job with the wrapping and packing ) all very professional.
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Mrs Snelling
I was very satisfied with your service, Steve and Mike the removal team were just fantastic in every way, the care and attention was second to none, they gave me the confidence that I could trust them with any of my most precious belongings.
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