You’re thinking about (or you’ve already decided on) a move from the United States to the UK. And yes — visas, US and UK taxes, NHS registration and finding a place to live are the items that keep circling your thoughts. This is a straight‑talk 90‑day roadmap that tells you what to do first, what can wait, and where to get reliable help.

At ExpatsUK we’ve pulled together nationality‑specific checklists and community support so you don’t have to guess what to do first. Read on and you’ll be able to choose the right visa route for a US citizen, understand when the UK will tax you, register for healthcare, budget for housing, open a bank account, and follow a clear, prioritised 90‑day plan. Always confirm legal and tax steps on gov.uk and consult qualified immigration or tax professionals for personalised advice.

1. Choose the right visa: a decision‑first comparison for US citizens

Start by answering one question: what are you planning to do in the UK? If you have a UK job offer you’ll probably go by Skilled Worker; joining a partner means the Family/Spouse route; going to university is the Student visa; exceptional professionals look at Global Talent; Ancestry only applies when you hold qualifying Commonwealth status. Short visits don’t let you work — and the Youth Mobility scheme isn’t generally open to US passport‑holders.

Skilled Worker

Eligibility: a job offer from a Home Office‑licensed sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship and the required salary (changes by role). English language requirements often don’t bite for US nationals but check the new rules. Typical fees and timing: expect several hundred to low‑thousand pounds (fee bands vary with job and duration) plus the Immigration Health Surcharge; standard processing from outside the UK is about three weeks with priority options available. Key documents: passport, Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, proof of maintenance (unless certified by employer), and any professional qualifications.

Family / Spouse

Eligibility: genuine relationship with a UK‑based partner who is a British citizen or settled in the UK. Financial and accommodation thresholds apply (as a guide, the partner route commonly references ~£18,600 minimum income for a spouse — add more for children). Timing and fees: applications from overseas can take several weeks to a few months; fees are higher than basic visitor routes and the IHS applies. Typical pitfalls: insufficient evidence of income, unclear proof of adequate accommodation and weak relationship documentary evidence.

Student

Eligibility: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor; proof of maintenance funds (London costs are higher than elsewhere) and visa fees plus IHS. Processing: usually rapid (a few weeks from outside the UK). Documents: CAS, passport, bank statements showing maintenance funds, and evidence of English language where required.

Global Talent

Eligibility: endorsement from a designated body in your field (academia, science, arts, tech); no job offer needed; fastest route to settlement if you qualify as a recognised leader. Fees and timing vary by endorsement body; prepare evidence of awards, publications or impact and allow time for endorsement before the visa application.

Ancestry and other routes

Ancestry visas are for Commonwealth citizens with a UK‑born grandparent — most US‑only passport holders won’t qualify unless they also hold Commonwealth status. There are also short‑term work, volunteer and specialist routes; check gov.uk visas for full details.

What to watch for: English test requirement changes coming into effect for new applicants (check timing), the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) you’ll pay during application, biometric residence permits (BRPs), and optional priority services that shorten processing time. Always check current fees and timelines on the official visa pages such as the Skilled Worker page and the Family visa pages.

• Visa mini‑checklist — immediate next steps:

• Gather passport, recent bank statements and certified qualifications.

• If you have a sponsor, ask for a Certificate of Sponsorship and employer support for maintenance.

• Book biometrics as soon as your online application allows; plan visa timing around that slot.

2. When does the UK start taxing you? The Statutory Residence Test, simply

The Statutory Residence Test (SRT) decides whether the UK treats you as a tax resident for a given tax year (6 April–5 April). It runs in order: automatic UK tests, automatic overseas tests, then the sufficient‑ties test if neither automatic test applies. The simplest rule people remember is 183 days — if you spend 183 days or more in the UK in a tax year you will usually be UK tax resident. But several other tests (the “home” test and full‑time work test) can also make you resident.

Crucially, if neither automatic test applies the SRT counts the number of days you spend in the UK and how many UK “ties” you have: family tie, accommodation tie, work tie (40+ work days), 90‑day tie (recent years), and whether the UK is the country where you spend the most days. The more ties you have, the fewer days you need to become resident.

Two short examples help make it concrete. Example A: you arrive in August and stay 200 days — you’re UK resident that tax year. Example B: you spend 40 days in the UK but have a spouse and a home here; that’s two ties and could tip you into residency depending on your prior‑year status — track your days carefully.

Split‑year treatment can apportion the tax year if you move mid‑year; in that case only the resident portion may be taxed on worldwide income. UK income is taxable from the first day of UK residency; National Insurance contributions generally start when you begin working in the UK (employees pay Class 1 NI via payroll).

Action items right away: keep a travel log with stamps and flight records, use a simple spreadsheet or an app to tally days, and decide early whether you’ll need to register for Self Assessment. HMRC’s SRT guidance is the official reference: HMRC Statutory Residence Test (RDR1). For a practical cross‑border summary see our UK taxes for expats guide.

3. Your US filing obligations and how FEIE, FTC and the treaty actually work

US citizens must keep filing Form 1040 to report worldwide income, even when living in the UK. That means FBAR (FinCEN 114) if your foreign accounts’ aggregate highest balance exceeds $10,000 at any time, and FATCA Form 8938 if your foreign assets exceed the FATCA thresholds for expats (which are higher than FBAR’s). Common reliefs are the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE, Form 2555) and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC, Form 1116); you generally use the FEIE for lower‑tax earned income and the FTC if UK tax is higher or for unearned income.

The US‑UK tax treaty prevents double taxation in many situations and the Totalization Agreement protects you from double social‑security charges. But the treaty doesn’t remove the US filing obligation.

Requirement	Key threshold or note
FBAR (FinCEN 114)	Aggregate foreign accounts >$10,000 at any time in the year
FATCA (Form 8938)	For expats: ~$200,000 at year‑end or ~$300,000 at any time (single filer) — check IRS for current figures
FEIE (Form 2555)	Excludes a capped amount of foreign earned income if you meet the physical presence or bona fide residence test — amounts indexed annually

Deadlines matter: the US gives an automatic extension to June 15 for overseas filers (with a further extension to October 15 available by request), while UK Self Assessment online returns are due by 31 January following the tax year. If you intend to claim FTC, syncing your UK return and US filing makes the computation and credit documentation straightforward.

Practical scenarios: if you’re an employee earning the UK equivalent of £50,000 in London, the FTC often makes more sense because UK tax rates will usually exceed the FEIE’s effective benefit. If you’re a contractor who can use the FEIE’s physical presence test (330 days abroad) and earn just enough to fit under the FEIE cap, FEIE might be attractive. For most first‑year moves, hire a cross‑border tax adviser to avoid costly mistakes and to ensure FBAR/FATCA compliance.

4. Healthcare: NHS access, the IHS and private insurance choices

Most visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their online application to access the NHS. IHS rates change over time; check the official page at gov.uk — Immigration Health Surcharge. As of early 2026, the common adult IHS rate is around £1,035/year for many visa types, while students and some younger applicants may see lower rates; always confirm before paying. Do not travel expecting NHS access until the IHS is paid and your visa allows it.

Once you’ve paid the IHS and arrived, register with a local GP surgery to obtain an NHS number and primary care. Bring photo ID, proof of address and your visa/BRP when registering. GP practices vary in wait times for new patient registrations — some take days, others a couple of weeks.

The NHS covers GP visits, hospital care, emergency treatment and maternity care for eligible visa holders who’ve paid the IHS. It does not fully cover routine dental and optical care or some elective treatments; many expats buy private insurance for faster specialist access, elective dentistry, private maternity or international repatriation cover. If you need immediate specialist care on arrival, consider short‑term private cover for the first month.

Action checklist: pay IHS during your visa application, find and register with a GP on arrival (use the NHS practice finder), keep your BRP handy when registering, and consider private insurance only if you want guaranteed fast access or additional coverage not provided by the NHS.

5. Where to live and how much it’ll cost

Rental markets vary widely. A one‑bedroom flat in London typically ranges broadly (examples in early 2026: roughly £1,600–£2,865 per month depending on location), while Manchester sits around £900–£1,200, Birmingham £800–£1,100 and Edinburgh £1,000–£1,400. Use Rightmove and Zoopla for live listings: Rightmove, Zoopla.

Sample realistic monthly budgets (single person, mid‑range lifestyle): London ≈ £2,800–£3,800 total including rent and essentials; Manchester ≈ £1,600–£1,900; Birmingham ≈ £1,700–£1,900; Edinburgh ≈ £2,100. These totals exclude income tax and pension contributions.

Upfront move costs you should budget for: a holding deposit (usually one week’s rent), the first month’s rent, a security deposit typically equal to 4–6 weeks’ rent (protected in a tenancy deposit scheme), and basic furniture if renting unfurnished. Also expect small set‑up costs for broadband, council tax registration and utility start‑up balances.

Renting tips that save time and money: take a short‑term furnished let or serviced apartment for the first 2–6 weeks so you can view neighbourhoods in person; check that deposits are protected under the Tenancy Deposit Scheme; inspect the inventory closely at check‑in and photograph condition notes. Use ExpatsUK local groups for neighbourhood intel and trusted agent recommendations — local knowledge can cut weeks off your search.

6. Banking, getting paid and moving money between the US and UK

Opening a UK bank account: typical documents are passport, visa/BRP and proof of UK address (tenancy agreement, utility bill or a letter from your employer or university if you don’t yet have an address). Some banks accept an employer letter to open a basic account while you wait for permanent proof of address.

Decide between high‑street banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds — good for branch access and complex needs) and challenger banks (Monzo, Starling, Revolut — fast sign‑up, excellent mobile tools and cheap international transfers). For salary payments, employers usually run PAYE and will require your bank details and NI number when available.

Moving money from the US: services like Wise and Revolut typically offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional bank transfers. Avoid exchanging large lumps of cash at poor rates; plan your initial transfers with a low‑cost provider and keep records for FBAR/FATCA reporting. If you maintain US accounts, be mindful of FBAR thresholds and potential bank friction for non‑resident accounts.

Action steps: decide whether you need a UK current account or a multi‑currency solution, prepare documents ahead of arrival, open an account in week one or two (or at least begin the process), and use a specialist transfer service for your initial move to avoid high fees and poor FX.

7. Everyday admin: BRP, NI, driving, schools, council tax and utilities

Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) at the designated post office or collection point shown on your visa decision letter — you’ll typically have 10 days from arrival to collect. BRP is essential for proving your immigration status when opening accounts or taking tenancy agreements.

National Insurance (NI) number: if your employer can operate PAYE without your NI number they may do so temporarily, but apply for an NI number as soon as you settle (phone or online application routes exist). NI determines your entitlement to state pensions and access to certain benefits, and contributions are deducted through payroll.

Driving: many US licences can be used for a short period after arrival; to exchange a licence or apply for a UK licence check the DVLA guidance at gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence. Rules vary by US state so verify specifics early if you plan to drive.

Schools and childcare: contact the local council for school place applications and understand catchment areas if you’re moving with children. If arriving during term time, arrange temporary childcare or school admission promptly — councils publish admission timelines on their websites.

Council tax, utilities and TV licence: your landlord or the council will advise on council tax banding; set up direct debits for gas, electricity, water and broadband and shop for competitive deals. For TV and streaming, a TV licence is required for live broadcasts.

Arrival‑week admin — quick checklist

• Collect your BRP and check details match your passport.

• Register with a GP and start IHS/NHS registration steps.

• Open a bank account or begin the application with employer letter.

• Confirm temporary accommodation and begin housing viewings.

• Notify employer/uni and provide bank details for payroll.

• Apply for NI number or start the employer’s temporary payroll process.

For a focused initial plan see our First 30 Days in the UK: A Complete Expat Checklist.

8. The 90‑day action plan — what to do before departure, in week one, month one and by day 90

Pre‑departure (do this before you fly): finalise your visa and biometrics, pay the IHS during application, buy short‑term travel/health cover if you want immediate private access, arrange temporary accommodation for arrival, begin housing searches on Rightmove/Zoopla and gather US tax documents, bank statements, payslips and any documents your UK employer needs. Also review our 30 Things You Must Do 90 Days Before an International Move to prioritise tasks.

Arrival week (days 0–7): collect your BRP; register with a GP; open or start your bank account application; secure longer‑term housing or extend your temporary stay; confirm payroll setup with your employer and register for PAYE deductions where needed. For a week‑by‑week approach see our Your First Month in the UK as Expat: A Week‑by‑Week Checklist.

Weeks 2–6: apply for an NI number if not already done; register for council tax and set up utilities; exchange your driving licence if needed or book provisional tests; if you have children, complete school admission paperwork and follow up with the local authority.

Month 2–3 (by day 90): finalise a long‑term tenancy or begin mortgage‑ready steps if buying; set up broadband, utilities and household services; update your US tax adviser with UK payroll facts so FEIE or FTC claims can be coordinated; enrol in workplace pension and benefits. If you’re planning to buy, see our UK Expat Mortgages: A Practical Guide to Apply Abroad for lender expectations and required documents.

When to hire professional help: if you have complex immigration history, significant cross‑border investments, company directorships, a large estate, or unusual tax residency facts, hire an immigration solicitor and a cross‑border tax adviser during the first 60 days. For simple employee moves, a one‑time tax check and an immigration lawyer review of your visa documents is often enough.

Where to get help: start with the official sources — gov.uk visas, the HMRC SRT guidance at HMRC SRT (see above), the NHS registration page at NHS register with a GP, and Rightmove/Zoopla for property searches. For US filing, see the FBAR info at FinCEN BSA E‑Filing and the IRS FEIE guidance at IRS — Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

And if you want practical, nationality‑aware checklists and peer advice, sign up for the ExpatsUK email checklist to download our editable 90‑day plan and join local ExpatsUK groups when message boards go live — they’re designed to help you swap neighbourhood tips and trusted suppliers with other Americans in Britain.

Conclusion — steady steps, clearer first 90 days

If you follow this roadmap you’ll have chosen the right visa route, know when UK and US taxes apply, be registered with a GP, have a realistic housing budget and an account to receive salary. Your first priorities are simple: confirm your visa and biometrics, pay the IHS where required, book temporary accommodation and start bank and GP registrations in week one.

Sign up for the ExpatsUK email checklist to claim the editable 90‑day planner and join local groups as they go live. And above all: confirm specifics on gov.uk and consult an immigration lawyer or cross‑border tax adviser for bespoke advice.

Appendix — short cheat sheet

Glossary (fast): BRP = Biometric Residence Permit; IHS = Immigration Health Surcharge; SRT = Statutory Residence Test; FEIE = Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555); FTC = Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116); FBAR = FinCEN Form 114 (report foreign bank accounts).

Quick scenarios: Single professional with a UK job: ask employer for Certificate of Sponsorship, apply Skilled Worker, open bank account in week one, pay IHS, register with GP and apply for NI. Family joining a partner: gather relationship evidence and sponsor pay slips, apply for Family/Spouse visa, plan schooling and housing before arrival, and file cross‑border tax check in first 3 months. Student arriving for a course: rely on CAS for the Student visa, pay IHS where required, arrange temporary housing for term start and register with a GP upon arrival.

Useful links: UK visa fees, visa processing times, HMRC Self Assessment, open a bank account, and National Insurance.