All guides
Guides to moving to the USA
Each guide covers one subject, with a 30-second summary and links to official sources. 12 guides so far.
Research
Open this step →Is it right for us?
Is the USA right for you?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWhat people wish they’d known
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWhich US laws catch Brits out?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWork and pay
How do I get a job in the USA?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWill my UK qualifications be recognised?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWhat’s it like to work in the USA?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonIs my US job offer a good one?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWhat are my rights at work?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHome, family and health
How much does it cost to live in the USA?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWhich US city is right for us?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do schools work in the USA?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWhich US visa do I need?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do US healthcare and health insurance work?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonMaking the move
Open this step →Before you fly
Do I still pay UK tax?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonShould I rent out or sell my UK home?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWhat happens to my UK pension?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonCan I bring my medicines?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do I move money from the UK?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do I bring my dog or cat?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do I ship my things to the USA?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonYour first 30 days
Your first 30 days in the USA
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do I get a Social Security number, and how much tax will I pay?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do I open a US bank account?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do I find a place to rent?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonIs this rental listing genuine?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do deposits and leases work?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonCan I drive on my UK licence?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonCan I live in the USA without a car?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do I get a SIM, internet and call home?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonYour first weeks
The partner at home
Whether your visa lets you work, how spouse work permits work, getting your skills recognised, and building a life of your own.What is a 401(k), and how does US retirement saving work?
Workplace 401(k) plans, the employer match, IRAs, Social Security, and what happens to your UK pension and ISAs.How do I build a US credit score?
Why you start from zero, how US credit scores work, and how to build a record quickly and safely.Your first day at work
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonFood shopping and eating out
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do I make friends in the USA?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonLiving here
Open this step →Make the most of it
How do we make the most of an American summer?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do we get through, and enjoy, winter?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do public holidays and school holidays work?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWhere can we go for a weekend away?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWork and money
How do I change jobs in the USA?
Notice, final pay and holiday payout, health cover between jobs, non-competes – and what changes on an H-1B, L-1 or E-2 visa.Can I freelance or start a side business?
Your visa first, then sole proprietor or LLC, self-employment tax, quarterly estimated tax, 1099s and insurance.Family and home
Should we renew our lease or move?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonCan we buy a home in the USA?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do we change schools?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do we find childcare and summer camps?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonHow do we hire a nanny, au pair or cleaner?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonProtect what you’ve built
How do we get a green card and US citizenship?
The main routes from a temporary visa to a green card, what it gives you, travel rules, and becoming a US citizen.What should we check when our health insurance renews?
Workplace open enrollment, the ACA marketplace dates for 2027, choosing a plan, HSAs and FSAs, and COBRA.Do we need a will in the USA?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonWhat should I check each year on UK tax, pensions and property?
We’re writing this guide now.Coming soonMoving on
Open this step →Plan your exit
How do I leave the USA, and in what order?
Notice at work, final pay, your lease and deposit, the car, your green card, tax clearance and belongings, in the order they need doing.What do I need to close before I leave the USA?
Which bank account to keep, your 401(k) and IRAs, your final dual-status tax return, state tax, utilities, phone and mail.How do I take my pet back to the UK?
The GB pet health certificate, USDA endorsement, tapeworm treatment and flying as cargo on an approved route.Back to the UK
How do we settle back into the UK?
The NHS, tax, National Insurance, your 401(k), Social Security and State Pension, schools, university fees, driving and renting.How do we find a home and a job back in the UK?
Renting with no recent UK history, buying and stamp duty, job hunting from the USA, FBI checks and qualifications.Get new guides first
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