Moving to the United States is an experience desired by many. However, moving to the United States can be not so easy. Administrative procedures, applying for a visa, finding a job and finding accommodation, are some of the items to solve. Moreover, the formalities for moving to the USA are many, so it is better to be well prepared. Read more in this complete guide to move to the USA from the UK.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Table of Contents
What is the Cost of Moving to the USA?
While the USA is a long way from the UK in distance, you may be surprised to know that cheap international shipping does exist. The average cost of a USA move is in fact between £1,600 and £4,000. The United States of America is protective of its immigration and organizing a removal requires several procedures and regulations to be followed.
Price Overseas Removals USA
The table below shows the estimated costs for shipping containers of 20 ft and 40 ft to the most popular cities when moving to the United States. Also, see our article on rates for an international move for more details.
| Destination Port | 20ft Shipping Container | 40ft Shipping Container |
|---|---|---|
| New York | £1,650 – £1,824 | £3,135 – £3,466 |
| Chicago | £2,200 – £2,560 | £3,050 – £3,250 |
| Los Angeles | £1,745 – £2,228 | £3,350 – £3,750 |
| San Francisco | £2,000 – £2,350 | £2,998 – £3,200 |
| Miami | £1,538 – £1,750 | £1,893 – £2,120 |
| Houston | £1,169 – £1,450 | £1,806 – £2,115 |
Save on your American Dream
Get up to 6 free removal quotes
Sea Shipping: the most cost-effective mode of transport
Having your personal goods transported by sea container is the optimal solution for the first phase of the journey, from the port of departure in the UK to the port of destination close to your new city in the USA.
To further transport your furniture and all your belongings to the final city of destination, you can opt for rail transport or moving truck. Your international mover expert will make sure to help you choose the best solution available at the best price.
The size of the shipping container
Depending on the size of the cargo, you can decide to share a container or choose a container dedicated solely to transporting your belongings. Generally, an apartment with 2-3 bedrooms will fit into a 20-ft container. While a larger house will have to get a 40 ft container.
Customs Formalities when Moving to America
You must comply with all the customs formalities to relocate to the USA. Your moving company is going to help you fulfil these regulations. In fact, not all items and products are accepted in the USA, in particular food.
Moving to America Checklist
Find below the first essential steps to facilitate your USA move and settle:
1 – Obtain your Visa
UK citizens who want to enter the country of the United States must first obtain legal permission. The type of permission depends on how long you plan on staying and the reason for your move. For example, if you wish to live permanently or to work in America. Below are some of the main ways Brits can legally relocate to the USA.
Gain sponsorship via a family member:
If you plan to reunite or move with a family member who is a U.S. citizen, then you can request a Green Card by filling out the correct Form, depending on your situation, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. To give you an idea of the costs: the filing fee for the I-130 form, petition for an Alien relative, is $625 – $675 depending on an online or paper application.
Have an employer sponsor you:
A work permit is the easiest way to move to the U.S. Your employer can begin the process by filing a Form I-140 petition h with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services on your behalf.
Other ways:
You can do a visa application to move to the U.S. through a student visa, or non-immigrant visa, among others.
List of visas and resident permits to live in the United States of America:
| Visa types | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship by a US citizen | In order to submit a green card request for certain family members |
| K-3 | Family reunification and spouse reunification |
| F and M | Permit to study in the United States or the pursuit of extra-curricular and professional studies |
| J | Internship and exchange program |
| H1B (3 years maximum) | For all work visas, it is imperative to have a signed job offer beforehand |
| Diversity lottery | Prize draw providing 55,000 permanent resident visas (subject however to geographic and selection conditions) |
2 – Get your SSN
Similar to our social security number in the UK, the SSN is essential to complete all administrative procedures in the United States (banks, housing, schools, etc.). Apply for a social security number online for free.
3 – Open a bank account
The process is simple and similar to any bank in the UK. Bring your passport, proof of address and your SSN. The main American banks regularly offer advantages for new registrations. Take your time to find the best offer and more details about your new bank account. Credit cards are more usually common in the USA.
4 – Buy a car
In the USA it’s almost impossible to get around without a car. However, some regions or cities have good public transportation systems (such as New York, San Francisco, and Chicago).
Credit score
Depending on your Credit score, it is sometimes not possible to consider leasing a car at the start of your stay in the USA. You can also rely on car rental companies, but this is a more expensive solution. Remember to apply for an international driver’s license before leaving.
5 – Health Insurance
The cost of healthcare in the United States is much higher than in the UK. The United States has no single nationwide system of health insurance. Instead, health insurance is purchased privately or provided by the government based on certain criteria. You can, however, choose to continue to adhere to independent British social security insurance for British citizens living abroad.
Moving to the USA with a pet?
If you are considering moving to the US with a cat or a dog, there are a few things you need to know first:
- Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies 30 days before they enter into the US territory. The puppies less than 3 months old are considered rabies-free.
- You must also require a health certificate for your pet before flying, from a veterinarian, within 10 days before leaving the UK.
A Few Facts and Figures about the USA
Check out these important facts and figures about the USA. While you may be wrapping up things in the UK, new experiences are waiting to be uncovered in your new home. Below is a table with the essential information you want to be aware of before immigrating to the USA.
Living in the USA
However, this is not to say that life will be the same as that in the UK. There are plenty of cultural differences between the UK and the USA, such as healthcare, work-life balance, and education system, among others.
For example, note that Americans only have 2 weeks of vacation per year. On average, an American works 40-45 hours per week. There is no law limiting the number of working hours in companies.
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Currency | US Dollar |
| Population | 325 + million people |
| Capital | Washington, D.C. |
| Language | English is the primary language spoken among others, such as Spanish, Chinese, French, Tagalog, and Vietnamese |
| Government Type | Constitution-based federal republic |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.0% (as of June 2018) |
| Country Code | +1 |
| Religions | Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other or unspecified 2.5% |
Accommodation and Rental in the USA
Rental prices vary widely from city to city, of course, New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco are among the most expensive American cities. To find accommodation, you will first need an SSN. Similarly, learn about Credit Score, which determines your financial profile and will be examined in multiple applications in the United States.
Popular Cities on the West Coast
Seattle
This city is green, livable, and the weather allows for many outdoor activities for sailing, hiking, camping, gardening, etc. The tech, art, environmental, and nonprofit industries are always booming.
San Francisco
There are many reasons why this city attracts so many people. The San Francisco Bay area boasts more Fortune 500 companies than any other area in the entire country. Life in the city is bustling with more than 3,500 restaurants and 400 bars. San Francisco is generally very safe with a very diverse population of intelligent, environmentally conscious and progressive people.
Los Angeles
The City of Angels is the very definition of California living. Boardwalks by the coast, glamorous Hollywood streets, and palm trees as far as the eye can see make L.A. a top choice.
Popular Cities on the East Coast
Chicago
If you are seeking life to be an adventure full of dining experiences, shopping, arts, culture and history, then the Windy City is the perfect city to point to. This city has a steady job market, festivals, world-class dining, and nightlife.
New York
The city that never sleeps, offers everything you can think of to the 120,000 British people who currently live there. From getting a burger delivered at 3 am to partying until the small hours of the morning, there’s something here for everyone.
The State of Florida
There are multiple cities in Florida that attract British expats, such as Sarasota and Kissimmee. The climate is enviable throughout the state, properties are generally affordable, and the lifestyles are laid back – what else could you ask for?
Austin
This city is the perfect mix between urban cool, suburban tranquility, and idyllic countryside. It is hustling and bustling with arts, events, and a tad of weirdness. It is also the nation’s fastest-growing city! Little wonder the Brits decide to make this city their home.
