Migrating from the US to the UK – made simple

Over the past month, we have received an increasing number of enquiries from US nationals looking to relocate from the USA to the UK. While the visa application process may seem daunting, there are various options available if you are interested in moving to the UK from abroad. Fortunately, available UK visa routes cater to a variety of individuals. Below is a summary of some of the more popular routes.

1. Partner

This route may be an option to US nationals who are married, in a civil partnership or are unmarried partners of a British or Irish citizen or a person present and settled in the UK. Fiancé(e)s and proposed civil partners are also eligible to apply but will need to be prepared to marry within six months of the visa being issued. There is a minimum income threshold (currently £29,000 per annum), which can be met in several different ways. Successful applicants will receive an initial period of permission to enter the UK for two years and nine months, which is extendable and can lead to settlement after a period of five years residence in the UK as a partner.

2. Skilled worker

This route is an increasingly popular method of relocation for individuals who have a confirmed job offer in the UK. To offer visa sponsorship, the UK employer must hold a skilled worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. Furthermore, the job must be on a list of eligible occupations, and you must be paid in line with minimum salary thresholds set by the Home Office. This visa is tied to a particular employer, but it is possible to change jobs provided the new employer is willing to offer visa sponsorship and a new skilled worker visa is approved before starting the new role. As with the partner route, it can also lead to settlement after a continuous five-year period of residence in the UK as a skilled worker.

3. Global talent

This route is available to exceptionally talented individuals in the fields of academia or research, arts and culture or digital technology. For those with relevant experience in an eligible field, this route offers great flexibility. It is not tied to any particular employer or employment and self-employment is permitted and there is no need to meet a minimum income threshold. It is a two-stage application process, with the first stage requiring an individual to apply for an endorsement from a Home Office approved endorsing body as a leader or potential leader in their field. If the endorsement application is successful, an applicant can then rely on their endorsement to apply for a UK visa. This visa is a route to settlement in as little as three years, depending on your endorsement.

4. Student

If you are looking to study in the UK and have been offered a place on a course by a licenced student sponsor, this is the route for you. However, unlike the family and work routes above, it is not a route to settlement. That said, it is often a stepping stone to other routes, such as the graduate route, or the skilled worker route. For those considering this route it is worth noting that since January 2024, most students are no longer able to be joined by their dependent family members. If you plan to relocate with your family, you should check your eligibility to bring dependants before embarking on this route.

5. Graduate

For those US nationals currently in the UK on student visas, the graduate route is a great post-study option. Applications must be made in the UK and applicants must have successfully completed their studies on an eligible course to apply. With this visa, you can extend your stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD students) and are permitted to work.

6. High potential individual

This route is very similar to the graduate route, but instead of being aimed at UK graduates, it is for international graduates from a top 50 ranked international university. US institutions feature heavily in the ranking tables and therefore this route may be an option for those graduating from an eligible university within the last five years. A list of eligible institutions is published on an annual basis and the institution needs to appear on the list on the date the applicant was awarded their degree qualification. As with the graduate route, this visa offers a two-year (or three-year for PhD holders) UK visa, with work permitted.

7. British citizenship

Although not a ‘route’ per se, you may wish to consider whether you qualify for citizenship, either as an automatic right or through the process of registration. Eligibility will normally depend on the citizenship of your parents, although in some cases, your grandparents’ citizenship may be a determining factor.

If you are interested in applying for a visa or British citizenship and require assistance with the application process, our team are here to help.