Almost 200,000 US expats are living in the UK right now. Americans travel to the United Kingdom for various reasons; the most popular is joining a spouse or finding a job.
The UK attracts expats since it is close to other European nations. It provides free health care to all inhabitants, and there are numerous career opportunities. Still, moving to a new country is difficult, which is why it’s essential to understand a few things.
So, before you dive into a life of fish and chips, Shakespeare, and football (not soccer), make sure to read through this post.
1. UK Visa
Contrary to popular assumptions, you will require a visa to enter the UK if you are an American citizen. The sole exception is that if you are visiting without a long-term plan, you can stay in the UK for six months without a visa — but you cannot work during that time.
Americans who wish to relocate to the United Kingdom must follow a more structured procedure and get a visa. UK work visas and family visas are the most prevalent types of visas. If neither of these conditions applies to you, migrating to the UK from the United States will be tough.
However, if you have your spouse in the UK, getting a fiancé visa first can make it easier. Then, you can apply for a UK spouse visa for permanent citizenship.
Since the United Kingdom offers a variety of immigration alternatives, you’ll need to do some study to determine which one is ideal for you.
Also, the visa application process differs differently for Americans. You need an immigration lawyer to help you with the process of getting your UK citizenship.
2. Healthcare is Free
The British government established the National Healthcare Service (NHS) in 1948 to assist the populace amid a postwar economy. The NHS, which is currently supported by income tax, continues to provide care to the people of the United Kingdom.
We know what you’re thinking: free healthcare? Isn’t that too good to be true? In a way, yes. While most NHS services are free, you must pay for most medicines and specialized care.
3. The Public Holiday Differs
Compared to the US, the United Kingdom has fewer public holidays, or as the Brits call them, ‘Bank Holidays.’ Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and, of course, July 4th are not observed.
The exact calendar dates vary by country, but England and Wales generally have eight bank holidays, Scotland has nine, and Northern Ireland has ten.
4. Continuity in Your Us Taxes
That’s right; you read that correctly. The United States residents who live in the United Kingdom will still file US taxes. Thankfully, there are a few restrictions in place to prevent double taxation, so you can be confident that you’ll have enough money to enjoy the expat lifestyle – but the process is more complicated than filing a standard tax return.
Before migrating to the UK, it’s good to get financial counsel to understand the process better. If you’re migrating to the UK with the help of an American corporation, be sure you know who is responsible for paying taxes: you or the employer.
5. Accommodation
It’s vital to know that to rent a home in the UK, you’ll need to show your “Right to Abode.” As a result, you must present your current passport and proof that you are legally residing in the United Kingdom, either temporarily or permanently. In addition, you can submit your BRP or a legitimate Home Office certificate proving your legal status in the UK.
Before you move, do some research to get an idea of how much renting or buying a home in the UK will cost. Most expatriates recommend visiting the UK and viewing the sights in person, and as US citizens are allowed to stay in the country for up to six months without a visa, this shouldn’t be a problem.
6. Londoners Aren’t Too Friendly
Given that London is the capital of the United Kingdom, a country known for saying “sorry” for practically everything, locals can be cranky. In fact, according to CEOWORLD Magazine, London ranked 2nd on the list of the rudest cities in Europe.
Although the capital is jam-packed with excitement, adventure around every corner, and amazing people, there’s a time and a place for making friends, and the subway during rush hour appears to be neither.
In London, strangers rarely make eye contact, and a stranger’s smile is equally rare. However, after only a few weeks in the city, you’ll find yourself mechanically doing the same thing to other immigrants.
7. Language Difference
British and American English are nearly the same, but there are a few points of contention regarding specific terms and phrases. For instance, the British usually refer to soccer as football. Besides, college is the same as a university in the UK. But some schools that teach 11th and 12th grade are also called colleges in the UK.
Moreover, you’ll certainly run into several unfamiliar slang and phrases too. However, you will get used to them after a couple of months in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Moving to the UK is a fantastic decision. The United Kingdom will give you superb healthcare, education, and entertainment. However, be willing to learn new things every day, and tread softly. Then, you can enjoy everything the UK has to offer.
