From NYC to London: How Hard Is It Really for an American to Move to England?: A Complete Guide
Living overseas is something that many Americans aspire towards due to the influence of period shows, the chance to live at a slower pace, or simply being able to be surrounded by a European culture. Moving to England with its long heritage, world-leading medical care, and easy access to other cultures would make the list of most Americans who wish to move. Nevertheless, while the romanticized idea of "fast-moving to England" might seem true, in reality, immigration regulations, costs, and adapting to a new culture stand between dreams and reality. How difficult is it really to move from America to England? Very difficult, yet achievable.
The First Hurdle: Visas Are Not Optional
As opposed to what many people mistakenly believe regarding Americans packing up and staying for half a year, you cannot come to work or live legally in England as a tourist. The country has a points-based immigration program and is known to be very picky about immigrants. The process for Americans typically includes acquiring a "Skilled Worker Visa," which entails being offered a job by an approved sponsor and receiving a satisfactory salary level. Other ways include a "Family Visa" for Americans married to a British national. While you are trying to get through all those formalities and red tape, think about real life concerns such as how you will arrange your arrival. For example, if you travel to London for a visa appointment or to look for housing, booking a at Luton airport taxi will solve the problem of finding your way around upon your arrival.
The Financial Reality Check
Besides the cost of visas, moving to England will require a substantial amount of money. You can expect to spend several thousand dollars on the costs associated with processing a visa application (over $2,000 per person), along with an obligatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which can be as much as another $3,000-$4,000 over five years. You will need to prove that you have sufficient funds available to maintain yourself financially during your stay in England. Additionally, Americans moving abroad still need to file US taxes each year, despite paying UK taxes.
Housing and The Banking Paradox
Housing is another "egg and chicken" problem. In general, landlords in both London and Manchester will ask for a credit record in the UK, and evidence of earnings in pounds sterling. However, to obtain a bank account in the UK, you have to show proof of address, but without a bank account, you will not be able to receive a rental contract. To get an apartment, US nationals are expected to pay up to six or twelve months' worth of rent in advance. Also, forget about your impeccable US credit record because it is not valued here, and everything will begin from scratch for you. This also applies to contracts with mobile phones and utilities.
Employment Challenges for the American Professional
Even if you have all the requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa, the labor market works differently. First, resumes (CVs) should have your picture and formatted in a different way. Second, the interview process takes more time and the formal qualifications carry more importance. Third, networking becomes more complicated compared to the American job search experience. Moreover, most companies tend to avoid sponsoring visas because of the cost involved. You need to be very specialized for a job – think about niche engineering, medical consultancy or software architect positions. As you get settled down with the first visa requirements, bear in mind that transport is crucial as well. In case you are hired to work in West London, and you fly to a big airport, you better book yourself a taxi from heathrow airport to pick up your luggage.
Cultural Nuances and The "Language Barrier"
You know English but don't know British. The cultural iceberg phenomenon exists. Phrases such as "pants" (underwear), "fanny pack" (considered offensive), and "thongs" (sandals) lead to many humorous or embarrassing situations. There's a greater level of formality in the business setting. Using one's boss' boss' first name straight away is rare in Britain. Service is always courteous yet never overly enthusiastic. The British stiff upper lip implies that forming close bonds takes much longer than in America. You'll miss American customer service, the all-day diner, and air-conditioning. But now you have bank holidays, pubs, and Sunday roasts.
Healthcare: The NHS vs. Your Private Insurance
But one of the major attractions would be the National Health Service (NHS). This means that through the International Health Service (IHS), you will get covered at no cost. But to many Americans, this must seem like heaven since you won’t have any deductible or co-pay for doctor consultations. But the downside to all this is time. It will take a while before you see a specialist while waiting times in the A&E are infamous. Most Americans prefer to have their own health insurance cover for quick access to health services. Also, dental treatment in Britain is private. Keep all your prescriptions from America.
The Pet Problem (And Other Logistics)
Moving to England while having pets requires six months of preparation due to microchipping, rabies titer testing, and strict airline shipping regulations. Compared to the EU, the UK is particular about not allowing any pets in the cabin for incoming flights from the US. Your pets should be flown through manifest cargo, which is expensive and distressing (
2,000−
2,000−5,000). Moving household goods requires passing customs examinations, where some new purchases would be taxed according to VAT. In addition, your American driver’s license must be relinquished within a year since you cannot exchange your license but must obtain a new one by passing the challenging UK driving test, which involves manual gear shift and treacherous roads.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Struggle?
There are very few words I could use to explain how difficult moving from America to England is. It is not only a lengthy process but also extremely challenging due to all of the bureaucratic nonsense, costs, and the emotional struggle involved. And yet, thousands of Americans move each year since the benefits are enormous – free healthcare (albeit somewhat imperfect), four weeks of annual mandatory paid vacation, an exciting culture, and a possibility of catching a train to Paris or plane to Rome on weekends. Moving is a challenge, not a mission impossible. What is important, however, is to be well-prepared – get your visa before packing any boxes, save twice as much money as you think you will have to spend, and be ready to make a fool out of yourself asking for "biscuits and gravy".
