International Removals: UK to USA - Guide

International Removals: Moving from UK to USA – Guide

Moving from the UK to the USA is a significant life change that requires careful planning, from immigration to settling into a new community. This guide provides detailed insights to help you navigate this transition, ensuring a smoother adaptation to your new life.

Immigration and Visas

The cornerstone of moving permanently to the USA is obtaining a green card, which grants lawful permanent resident status. The process can be complex, with two primary pathways: family-based and employment-based visas.

Family-based Visas: These are available for close relatives of US citizens or green card holders, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings. For instance, a US citizen can sponsor their spouse, and the process involves filing Form I-130 with USCIS. The number of immediate relative visas is unlimited, but preference categories, like for siblings, have annual caps, leading to potential wait times.
Employment-based Visas: These require a job offer from a US employer, who must sponsor the visa. Categories include EB-1 for individuals with extraordinary abilities, EB-2 for those with advanced degrees, and EB-3 for skilled workers. The employer often needs to obtain labor certification from the Department of Labor, adding to the complexity. The USA allocates approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas annually, with wait times varying by category.
Diversity Visas: Also known as the Green Card Lottery, this program offers up to 55,000 visas yearly to natives of countries with historically low immigration rates to the US. However, the UK is typically ineligible due to high immigration rates, though exceptions exist for dual nationals or those with parents from eligible countries.

Given the intricacies, consulting immigration experts and checking US Department of State for updates is recommended, especially considering current processing times and policy changes as of March 2025.

Legal and Documentation

Once you have your green card, several legal and documentation steps are necessary to establish residency:

Social Security Number (SSN): Essential for employment, taxes, and banking, you can apply for an SSN at a local Social Security Administration office with your green card and proof of identity. It’s required for most financial transactions in the USA.
Driver’s License: Each state has its own requirements, but generally, you’ll need to pass a written and driving test, provide your green card, proof of residency (like a utility bill), and sometimes your SSN. For example, in California, you can apply at the DMV with these documents. Check your state’s DMV website, for specifics.
Health Insurance: Unlike the UK’s NHS, the USA has a privatised system. Permanent residents can enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, potentially qualifying for premium tax credits based on income. Employer-sponsored plans are another option, especially for those with jobs.
Tax Identification: As a permanent resident, you’re taxed on worldwide income and must file annual returns with the IRS. You may also need to file in the UK, potentially facing double taxation, mitigated by the US-UK tax treaty. Consulting a tax professional is advisable for navigating this, especially given the complexity of cross-border taxation.
Green Card Obligations: Carry your green card at all times, as it’s required for identity verification by authorities. Be mindful that staying outside the USA for over a year may risk abandoning permanent resident status, so consider applying for a reentry permit if planning extended travel.

Housing and Cost of Living

The cost of living in the USA varies significantly by region, often higher in urban areas compared to rural ones, and can be a notable difference from the UK. Research suggests the average cost in the USA is about 7% higher than the UK, but this varies by city. For example, New York is more expensive than London, while Mississippi offers lower costs.

Housing Options: You can rent or buy, with renting being a common initial choice to explore areas. Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, and amenities. Websites like Zillow and Apartments.com are useful for finding properties.
Cost Comparisons: Renting a three-bedroom apartment in the USA averages $2,485 monthly, compared to $1,379 in the UK, though exchange rates affect comparisons. Utilities, including electricity and internet, may be higher in the UK due to energy import reliance.
Affordable Areas: States like Mississippi, with average home prices around $173,634, contrast with expensive cities like New York.

Healthcare

A significant difference is the USA’s privatised healthcare system, unlike the UK’s NHS. Permanent residents must secure their own insurance, as they’re not automatically eligible for government programs like Medicaid without a five-year wait, except for certain exceptions like refugees.

Insurance Options: You can purchase plans through the Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, where income-based subsidies may reduce costs. Employer-sponsored insurance is common, especially for those with jobs. Private plans from insurers like Anthem offer coverage, with costs varying by plan and location.
Costs and Access: Healthcare can be expensive without insurance, with routine visits costing hundreds without coverage. Preventive care, like check-ups, is often free with insurance, emphasizing the need for coverage to manage financial risks.

Education

If you have children, understanding the US education system is crucial. It’s decentralised, with public schools funded by local taxes and varying in quality by district.

School Structure: Typically, education is divided into elementary (ages 5-11), middle (ages 11-14), and high school (ages 14-18), with compulsory attendance until 16-19, depending on the state. Public schools are free, but may charge for books and activities.
Enrollment: To enroll, provide proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, and immunization records. Some districts may ask for your SSN for statistics, but not immigration status, ensuring accessibility for expats.
Private and International Schools: Private schools, like the French-American International School in San Francisco, offer alternatives with higher fees. International schools cater to expat families, often following curricula like IB, appealing for continuity.
Higher Education: For college, the USA offers diverse options, from community colleges to Ivy League universities, with costs varying. Financial aid is available, but international students may face higher tuition.

Culture and Social Norms

Cultural differences can impact daily life, with the USA often more individualistic and direct compared to the UK’s more reserved approach.

Communication: Americans tend to be louder and more expressive, with small talk common in social and work settings, contrasting with the UK’s weather-focused conversations.
Social Etiquette: Tipping is standard in the USA (15-20% in restaurants), unlike the UK, and patriotism is more visible, with flag displays common. Humor differs, with American humor often more slapstick, potentially surprising for Brits.
Diversity and Integration: The USA’s diverse population means encountering various cultures, which can be enriching but requires openness.

Employment and Finance

Finding work and managing finances are key to settling in. As a permanent resident, you can work without additional visas, offering flexibility.

Job Search: Use platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and company websites. Tailor your resume to US standards, emphasizing achievements, and network through local events. The competitive job market requires enthusiasm and preparation.
Tax System: You’re taxed on worldwide income, filing annually with the IRS. The US-UK tax treaty helps avoid double taxation, but consulting a tax professional is advisable, especially for complex cross-border situations.
Social Security: Eligible for benefits after working and paying into the system, apply for an SSN at the Social Security Administration with your green card. It’s crucial for employment and benefits.
Banking: Open an account with major banks like Bank of America or Chase, requiring your SSN. Checking and savings accounts are common, with online banking options.

Transportation

Transportation often requires a car, especially outside cities, with public transit less extensive than in the UK.

Driver’s License: As a permanent resident, apply at your state’s DMV, with your green card, proof of residency, and passing written and driving tests. Each state has specific requirements, so check locally.
Public Transit: Available in cities like New York and Chicago, but less comprehensive than London’s Tube. Consider apps like Google Maps for transit options, and note the USA uses miles and gallons, a shift from kilometers and liters.

Safety and Crime

Safety varies by location, with the USA having higher crime rates in some urban areas compared to the UK, but this is often exaggerated by media.

Crime Rates: Research suggests violent crime is more common in city centers, with suburban and rural areas safer.
Safety Tips: Be aware of surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas, and don’t display valuables. Gun ownership is more prevalent, so be cautious in situations involving firearms.

Settling In

To feel at home, proactive engagement with your community is key:

Community Involvement: Join local clubs, volunteer at organizations, and attend events like farmers’ markets.
Building Connections: Get to know neighbors, participate in block parties, and explore local shops to support the economy. Regular park visits with kids or pets can foster friendships.
Cultural Adaptation: Be open to learning local customs, like celebrating holidays differently. It can take six months to feel part of the community, so patience is key.

This guide covers the essentials for moving from the UK to the USA, providing a foundation for a successful move. For detailed, state-specific information, always refer to official government websites and seek professional advice where needed.

International Removals: Moving UK to USA – Guide