Relocation Guide
Moving From Amerika Syarikat To United Kingdom
Americans moving to the UK usually come on a Skilled Worker visa through a sponsoring employer or on the Global Talent visa. What is different from the US: no TB test, an ETA for visits, the option to verify identity with the UK Immigration: ID Check app, and a lifetime of US tax filing alongside UK tax residence.
Updated 1 Oktober 2026
Quick answer
US citizens can move to the UK on the Skilled Worker visa (job offer from a licensed sponsor) or the Global Talent visa (endorsed leaders in research, arts or digital technology). No TB test is needed from the US. The Skilled Worker fee is £819 or £1,618 plus the £1,035 yearly health surcharge. The US–UK tax treaty and totalization agreement apply.
As of 1 Oktober 2026
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Short visits | Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for visitsSource · checked 2 Oktober 2026 |
| Visa appointments | We confirm this for your case |
| Documents | Apostille accepted: your country is in the Hague Apostille ConventionSource · checked 2 Oktober 2026 |
| TB test | Not neededSource · checked 2 Oktober 2026 |
| Double tax treaty | A comprehensive income tax treaty is in forceSource · checked 2 Oktober 2026 |
| Dual citizenship | We confirm this for your case |
What is different from Amerika Syarikat
Visits need an ETA
US citizens need an electronic travel authorisation for visits; it does not allow work, so interviews and scouting are fine but starting a job is not.
Identity by app
Many US passport holders can confirm identity with the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead of visiting a visa centre; we confirm if your application type allows it.
Taxes in both countries
The US taxes citizens abroad; the UK taxes residents. The 2025 UK foreign income and gains regime replaced the remittance basis for new arrivals, giving four years of relief on foreign income for qualifying people. Take cross-border advice.
Routes open to you
Figures are statutory minimums from official sources. Official fees are estimates and change; our own fees are quoted for your case.
Skilled Worker visa
People with a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence.
- Official fees
- Application fee (outside the UK): £819 up to 3 years; £1,618 over 3 years (a new fee table is due on 8 October 2026)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per adult per year
Global Talent visa
Leaders or potential leaders in research, arts and culture or digital technology, endorsed by a UK body.
- Official fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per adult per year
Not sure which route fits?
An adviser checks your eligibility from Amerika Syarikat and replies within one working day.
Step by step from Amerika Syarikat
Pick the route
Skilled Worker with a sponsor, or Global Talent with an endorsement.
Prepare evidence
Certificate of sponsorship or endorsement, passport, English evidence (US citizens are usually exempt as nationals of a majority English-speaking country).
Apply online
Complete the GOV.UK application and pay the fee and surcharge.
Confirm identity
Use the ID Check app if eligible, or a visa application centre.
Move
Access your eVisa through your UKVI account and travel.
Documents and legalisation
Get public documents (birth and marriage certificates, police certificate, degrees) apostilled in Amerika Syarikat, then have them translated by a sworn translator where the destination asks for it.
You will usually need a police certificate from Amerika Syarikat and from every other country you have lived in recently.
Where to apply
Apply online on GOV.UK, then give biometrics at a UK visa application centre in the country where you live (or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app where eligible).
Tax: what to check before you move
Double tax treaty: A comprehensive income tax treaty is in force
General information, not tax advice. Tax points on this page are awaiting review by a tax specialist.
Sources and review
Last updated 1 Oktober 2026
- GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa
- GOV.UK: electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
- GOV.UK: Immigration Health Surcharge
- IRS: US citizens and resident aliens abroad
- US Social Security: international agreements
- GOV.UK: tax treaties
Parts of this page are awaiting review by our legal team; we confirm every point for your case before you apply.
Speak to a senior adviser
Not Sure Which Programme to Choose?
Book a one to one video consultation. We look at your goals, family and budget, then set out which programmes fit you, with the costs, timelines and next steps.
- Confidential, covered by an NDA
- Led by a senior adviser
- Final price shown before you book
Programme Review
You review your booking and pay securely on the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Do Americans need a visa to work in the UK?
Yes. An ETA covers visits only; working needs a visa such as the Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa.
Do US citizens need an English test?
Usually not: nationals of majority English-speaking countries, including the US, meet the requirement by nationality.
Will I pay tax twice?
The US–UK treaty and US foreign tax credits are designed to prevent double tax, but you must still file US returns each year.
How long until settlement?
Currently five years on the Skilled Worker route and three or five on Global Talent; reforms are under consultation.
Which route suits me best?
It depends on your goal: living in the country, a second passport, tax planning or a base for your family. The routes on this page are ranked by fit for people moving from your country.
How long does it take to move?
Timelines depend on the route, the completeness of your file and government processing. Each programme page shows its published processing range.
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