Moving to the UK from USA is about three things: the right visa, enough money to sleep and eat while you sort housing and work, and sensible timing.

This is not theory. This is a plan you can run. Read it, pick a path, and move forward.

ExpatsUK has printable checklists and active local groups to answer the small questions nobody warns you about. Use them. They shorten the learning curve.

What you’ll get here: a simple visa decision rule, realistic cost ranges, exact first‑30‑day tasks, and a runnable checklist you can follow without guessing.

Choose the right visa when moving to the UK from USA

There’s one practical question to answer first: do you have a sponsor, a family tie, a confirmed offer to study, or exceptional talent?

Answer that and most of the work becomes obvious. If you don’t, then the visitor route won’t help — it’s short stay only.

Quick rules of thumb:

• Job offer + licensed sponsor → Skilled Worker.

• Partner or parent in the UK → Family route (partner, spouse, or parent visa).

• University place with CAS → Student visa.

• Recognised exceptional skill in arts, science or tech → Global Talent (requires endorsement).

• Youth Mobility → Not generally available to US citizens (check GOV.UK for exceptions).

• Ancestry → Only if you hold qualifying Commonwealth citizenship and meet ancestry rules; US citizenship alone rarely qualifies.

Practical tip: pick the visa first. Everything else — flights, deposits, shipping — follows from that.

How to read this section

For each route below I’ll state who it’s for, the key documents, where you apply, the basic sequence, and ballpark costs and timing. All numbers are approximate. Check GOV.UK for the current requirements and fees before you spend money.

Skilled Worker (work sponsorship)

Who it’s for: Americans with a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that’s licensed to sponsor workers.

Key eligibility points and documents:

• Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.

• The job must meet the required skill level and the going rate for the occupation.

• Proof of English (in most cases this is straightforward for US citizens but confirm your route).

• Proof of maintenance funds (unless your sponsor certifies maintenance) — commonly a set amount held for 28 days.

Where to apply and sequence:

1. Your employer issues a CoS and confirms the job details.

1. You apply online via GOV.UK from outside the UK (or from inside if switching status).

1. Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the application.

1. Attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre if required.

1. Wait for the decision and then travel.

Ballpark fee & timeline: visa fees vary by length and specifics. Expect several hundred to a couple thousand pounds for fees plus the IHS (see below). Typical decisions often fall in the 3–12 week window when applying from abroad; priority services may be available. Always check GOV.UK.

Family route (partner, spouse, parent)

Who it’s for: partners, spouses or dependent family members of someone settled or legally present in the UK.

Key eligibility points and documents:

• Proof of genuine relationship (marriage/civil partnership, long‑term cohabitation evidence).

• Financial requirement — a minimum income threshold is required to sponsor a partner (check GOV.UK for the current figure).

• Evidence of suitable accommodation and other standard identity documents.

Where to apply and sequence: apply online with relationship evidence, pay fees and IHS, provide biometrics if required. Processing times vary; family visas commonly take longer than straightforward work visas.

Ballpark fee & timeline: family visas are usually several hundred to over a thousand pounds in fees plus IHS; processing can be several weeks to a few months. Check GOV.UK for exact thresholds and current timelines.

Student visa

Who it’s for: students with an unconditional offer and a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a licensed sponsor (university or college).

Key eligibility points and documents:

• CAS from your education provider.

• Proof of funds to cover course fees and living costs (unless covered by a sponsor).

• English language evidence if required by the course.

Where to apply and sequence: obtain your CAS, apply online, pay visa fee and IHS (students often pay the discounted IHS rate), attend biometrics appointment as directed, then travel.

Ballpark fee & timeline: student visa fees and the student IHS rate are lower than typical work routes. Processing commonly takes a few weeks from abroad. Confirm deadlines with your university and GOV.UK.

Global Talent

Who it’s for: people recognised as leaders or emerging leaders in science, medicine, engineering, humanities, digital technology, or the arts.

Key eligibility points and documents:

• An endorsement from an approved UK body (research councils, recognised arts organisations, Tech Nation-like bodies).

• Evidence of achievement, awards, publications, or an employer reference may be needed.

Where to apply and sequence: usually a two-step process — secure endorsement first, then apply for the visa using that endorsement. Fees and timings depend on whether you are endorsed.

Ballpark fee & timeline: decisions for endorsed applicants often land in a few weeks; fees vary. Check GOV.UK for the current endorsement bodies, fees and processing windows.

Youth Mobility

Short note: the Youth Mobility Scheme is generally not available to US citizens. If you were hoping for an easy working holiday, check GOV.UK first — few exceptions exist.

Ancestry

Who it’s for: Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent who meet residency and work‑intention requirements.

Short note: pure US citizenship without a Commonwealth or qualifying ancestry route rarely qualifies. Verify your status on GOV.UK before planning this path.

Final visa tip: treat GOV.UK as the source of truth. Use The Ultimate Guide to Moving to the UK as an Expat to choose your lane, then confirm every number and required document on the official site.

Budgeting for moving to the UK from USA — realistic costs & examples

Money is boring but decisive. Get realistic numbers and you remove panic.

Big ticket items (ballpark):

• International shipping (household goods): ocean freight $3,000–$4,500; air freight $700–$940.

• One‑way flights: $500–$1,000 per person.

• Visa and IHS: variable — budget several hundred to a few thousand GBP per person. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is roughly £1,035 per adult per year as a guide; student/young categories often have a lower rate. Verify GOV.UK for current figures.

• Short‑term housing while you search: £100–£200/night for hotels/Airbnb; budget £1,000–£3,000 for the first few weeks.

• First month rent + deposit: usually first month upfront plus 1–2 months’ deposit or a capped equivalent (4–6 weeks common). Expect to pay multiple thousands up front.

• London 1‑bed average: around £1,600–£2,000+ per month; other major cities often cost half to two‑thirds of London.

Sample totals (ballpark):

• Lean single move (minimal shipping, short stay, modest set‑up): $6,000–$8,000.

• Typical full relocation (furniture, 1‑bed, deposit, flights, visas, initial living costs): $12,000–$15,000.

First‑month essentials (excluding rent): estimate £1,500–2,500 in London, less elsewhere.

First‑year non‑rent costs: roughly £15,000–25,000 depending on city and lifestyle choices.

Money tips — in the plain style

• Don’t ship everything. Fix: ship essentials only; buy the rest locally.

• Rent short‑term first. Spend two weeks exploring neighbourhoods before signing a long lease.

• Ask your employer for relocation help. Many companies offer it and it can cover a third of the cost or more.

Pre‑departure checklist (8–0 weeks out)

Start with paperwork. Then the logistics. Then the small things that make life easier on day one.

Documents to gather

• Passport (check expiry — many visas require 6+ months validity).

• Birth and marriage certificates (certified copies where practical).

• Academic transcripts and professional qualifications.

• Employment offer letters, references, and CoS if applicable.

• Medical records, prescriptions with UK generic names, vaccination records.

• Copies of previous tax returns or bank statements for financial evidence.

Financial prep

• Notify US banks of your move; set up online access.

• Keep 3 months of bank statements handy for tenancy and visa proofs.

• ConsiderBanking for Expats Living in the UK— fund a UK account before arrival or have a plan to open one on day 1.

Visa tasks

• Apply early once you have the necessary documents. Don’t wait for the last minute.

• Pay the IHS when required and save the reference number.

• Save all confirmation emails, receipts and appointment details.

Moving logistics

• Get quotes from multiple shippers. Compare door‑to‑door vs port‑to‑port.

• Ocean shipping from the east coast typically takes 4–6 weeks; from the west coast expect longer.

• Decide whether to ship key furniture or buy locally — often the latter is smarter.

Small but vital

• Bring prescriptions with the generic drug names and a letter from your doctor.

• Arrange pet paperwork very early — it’s fiddly and time‑sensitive.

• Pack travel adapters and a short list of essential apps to download (banking, transport, maps).

Arrival: the first 72 hours (what actually matters)

Keep it small. Do these things first and the rest fits into place.

• Get local cash — a small amount of GBP and a card that works overseas.

• Confirm your temporary accommodation details and check Wi‑Fi access.

• Get a UK SIM and set up mobile banking apps if you can.

• Download public transport apps and set up contactless or an Oyster account in London.

• Register briefly with your localExpatsUKgroup. Ask about the nearest GP, decent letting agents, and where the nearest supermarket is.

First 30 days — the must‑do list

A short list, but non‑negotiable. Do these in the first month.

Register with a GP

Use the NHS ‘Find a GP‘ service and register. Most practices will accept new patients without proof, though they might ask later. Registering is quick and frees you from worry about routine care.

Tenancy and right‑to‑rent

• Provide the required documents for right‑to‑rent checks: passport and evidence of recent entry or a visa/BRP/share code.

• Expect identity and affordability checks, references, and a deposit. Deposits must be protected in a government‑approved scheme.

• Agents commonly expect combined income roughly 30x monthly rent or a UK guarantor. Prepare documents in advance.

Open a UK bank account

Options include high‑street banks and challenger banks (Monzo, Starling). Bring your passport and proof of address or tenancy agreement. Some banks accept an employer letter as interim proof.

Apply for a National Insurance number (NINO)

Apply early if you will work. You can often start work with a provisional code, but get the NINO sorted within the first month.

Set up utilities and internet

Use the tenancy start date. Compare suppliers and set direct debits where needed. Arrange council tax registration with your local council.

Two‑factor and phone

Set up a UK phone number for banking two‑factor authentication. It makes many admin tasks simpler.

Housing: how renting works and what landlords will ask

Renting in the UK is procedural. If you prepare the documents, it’s straightforward. If not, it can take weeks.

Right‑to‑rent basics for Americans

In England, Americans normally prove a time‑limited right to rent with a valid US passport plus recent UK entry evidence (entry stamp or boarding pass) or with visa/BRP/share code evidence. Landlords must check and keep copies.

Typical landlord requirements

• Photo ID (passport) and proof of address (tenancy agreement, recent utility bill).

• Proof of income (last 3 payslips) or employer reference or contract.

• Bank statements showing financial stability (often 3 months).

• References from previous landlords where available.

• A UK guarantor is commonly requested if you lack UK credit or earnings.

• Deposit protected in a government scheme; sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).

Practical rental tips

• Start searches early onRightmove, Zoopla, local agents and ExpatsUK threads.

• At viewings check the inventory, meter readings, council tax band and heating type.

• Negotiate move‑in dates to match your visa entry date and avoid overlap costs.

Healthcare: NHS registration, IHS and immediate steps

Healthcare is one less thing to worry about if you pay the IHS when required and register with a GP quickly.

IHS: most visa applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the visa application. It gives you access to NHS services (note: prescriptions, dental and optical care may still have charges). The adult IHS rate is roughly £1,035 per year as a guide; student and younger categories often pay a lower rate. Save the IHS reference as proof.

Register with a GP immediately via NHS ‘Find a GP’. Many practices will let you register without proof at first. If you need urgent care, use A&E or walk‑in centres. For non-urgent but timely appointments, a registered GP is essential.

Dental and optician care are often private first. Private insurance is optional and useful if you want faster elective procedures, but it isn’t required if you have IHS entitlements.

Taxes, residency and money basics

Taxes are the part where mistakes get expensive. Understand residency early.

Residency

The Statutory Residence Test (SRT) determines if you’re UK tax resident. The simple trigger is 183 days, but the test is more nuanced. If you’re resident, you’re generally taxed on worldwide income.

UK obligations

• Pay UK income tax and National Insurance if you live and work here.

• National Insurance contributes toward benefits and state pension.

US obligations

US citizens must continue to file US tax returns. The US taxes based on citizenship, not residence.

Avoid double taxation

• Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) may exclude some income from US tax if you meet the tests.

• Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) gives credit for UK tax paid.

Reporting: FBAR if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 combined at any point. FATCA rules also apply. If your finances are simple, you can manage with careful calendars and software. If complex, hire a cross‑border tax accountant.

Driving, schooling, pets and other moving details

Driving

Your US licence usually works for the first 12 months. After that you may need to exchange it or get a UK driving licence. Some US states have reciprocal exchange agreements. Check GOV.UK early.

Schools

State school applications go through the local council and are often based on catchment areas. Deadlines matter. Private schools have separate admissions processes and fees. Start applications early if you have school‑age children.

Pets

Pet import rules are strict. Book vet appointments and transport slots early. Microchips, rabies vaccinations and specific paperwork are commonly required; delays can be costly.

Phones and utilities

Decide on a SIM‑only or pay‑monthly plan based on your phone usage. Many essential services (banks, two‑factor auth) work better with a UK number.

Sample timelines — a simple schedule you can follow

• 3 months before: choose visa pathway, start paperwork and gather documents, request CoS or CAS if needed.

• 6–8 weeks before: book flights, secure short‑term housing, get shipping quotes, cancel or update subscriptions.

• 2 weeks before: finalise bank notifications, pack essentials and prescriptions, print important documents.

• Arrival week: register with GP, open a bank account, start tenancy searches, apply for NINO if working.

• 30–90 days: finalize long‑term housing, sort council tax and utilities, register children for school if needed.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Shipping everything. Fix: ship essentials only; buy the rest locally.

• Assuming US credit or income is sufficient. Fix: prepare a guarantor or three months of bank statements; inform agents ahead of time.

• Skipping GP registration. Fix: register in week one — it’s fast and removes friction.

• Ignoring US tax obligations. Fix: set calendar reminders and consult a cross‑border accountant if needed.

The one‑page checklist

First 48 hours

• Local cash and working card.

• UK SIM and transport apps set up.

• Confirm temporary accommodation and Wi‑Fi.

• Post a quick “I’ve arrived” in your ExpatsUK city group for immediate local tips.

First 30 days

• Register with a GP.

• Open a UK bank account.

• Complete right‑to‑rent checks and sign tenancy or secure temporary housing.

• Apply for NINO if you’ll work.

• Set up utilities and council tax.

First 6 months

• Review tax residency status (SRT) and file necessary returns.

• Exchange driving licence if needed.

• Register children at school if applicable.

• Build UK credit history and consider a long‑term mortgage or rental plan if staying.

How ExpatsUK helps

• Free, pragmatic checklists you can print — including the “First 30 Days in the UK: A Complete Expat Checklist”.

• Local groups to ask: “Which estate agent in X is actually helpful?”

• Message boards with real experiences on waiting times, letting agents and schools.

Join your city group and download the “First 30 days” checklist from ExpatsUK to get practical, on‑the‑ground answers faster.

Sources and where to check numbers (must‑visit links)

Always confirm numbers and eligibility on official pages:

• GOV.UK — visas, right‑to‑rent, driving licence rules and fees.

• NHS — registering with a GP and guidance on NHS services.

• HMRC — residency and tax guidance.

• Rightmove, Zoopla — current rental market data.

• ExpatsUK forums — real, recent experiences from people in your city.

All numerical figures in this article are ballpark estimates intended to help planning. Official guidance on GOV.UK, HMRC and NHS is the final word for rules and exact fees.

Closing — small, clear, and useful

Pick the visa first. Budget for deposit plus two months of living costs. Register with a GP in your first week. Join your ExpatsUK city group and download the “First 30 days” checklist.

If you do those things, you’ll be settled faster than you think.