The 3 Most Important Tips for Americans Moving to the UK

Moving can be one of the most stressful situations to experience. Not only does it send your entire house up in the air, it can also affect other areas of your life, such as health, finances, and socializing. However, this can be made even worse when you’re not just moving city, you’ve chosen to move to a different country entirely.

According to Expat Tax Online, there are roughly 200,000 Americans living in the UK at the moment. The UK is a popular destination for US citizens seeking a new home, especially as English is the primary language and the way of life is relatively similar. But there are numerous things to consider when making this move, and it can be difficult to come across advice on what to do and what not to do.

Thankfully, this post has outlined three of the most important tips to remember when you, as a US citizen, decide to move to the United Kingdom.

Apply for the Relevant Visa

Although some believe you can move to the UK without a visa, this is not the case; a visa is required unless you plan to stay for less than six months. There are several different types of visa routes on offer for US citizens wishing to move to the United Kingdom. The visa you require will depend on the requirements and purpose for moving; the categories available include business, family, and work visas. Americans moving to the UK will need to select the correct visa before getting a residence permit.

Once you have selected what visa is right for you, you must gather the necessary documents to proceed through the process. There are numerous documents you must collect, including a valid passport with at least three months available before it expires, proof of finances and accommodation, biometric information, and health screenings, such as tuberculosis test results.

After selecting the type of visa route that you require, and gathering the required documents, you must begin the application process. This process will slightly differ for America citizens. You will need to fill in the application form through the UK Home Office and pay the required visa application fees. It is essential to make sure the details you input in this application are correct, otherwise the application will be rejected.

It could be useful to consult an immigration lawyer if you are unsure about aspects in this process.

Research Areas You Want to Live In

Choosing where you want to live when moving to the UK is an essential component to consider. One of the most popular areas to choose is London, as it has thousands of job opportunities and is filled with culture. It is often the top choice for business owners and their families. As exciting as this area is, it can also be incredibly expensive. This is why many people who work in London choose to live further afield and commute into the city as required.

However, there are other cities up and down the country that you might consider. These cities include Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, and Oxford. If you are thinking about these areas, you must consider different aspects of your life, too, such as your job industry, interests, and preferences. Some people will be happier living further north, where its cooler and has more countryside.

Either way, when you want to move to the UK, you should look at the cost of living in your preferred areas. This will include house prices as well as the cost of groceries, taxes and transportation. If you have a young family, you will also want to research the schools in those places to determine how suitable it is.

Consider Private Health Insurance

Ensuring you can receive adequate healthcare when moving from the US to the UK is another critical aspect to think about. This will include understanding the healthcare system in the UK and knowing how to access care when needed; both of these can be accomplished through a little bit of research. The healthcare system in the UK is funded by the taxpayers, allowing everyone permanently living in the country to access free care through the National Health Service (NHS).

If preferred, you can access a private healthcare system for quick, specialist appointments. Many people choose to do this by obtaining private health insurance in the UK. Some type of health insurance should be a priority before you move from your home country to another, including the United Kingdom.

Although you will be able to access the NHS if your visa is for more than six months, you might still need to pay a contribution for dental and eye care, and prescriptions. This can add up eventually if, for example, your prescription medications are needed monthly. A private health insurance plan will provide you with comprehensive coverage and let you access the best hospitals and doctors.

By following the advice outlined in this post, you will have a smoother experience moving from the US to the UK.