Migration · United States
Thinking of emigrating to the USA? From work visas and investor routes to green cards and family sponsorship, GIEC Global helps British citizens understand their options, prepare documents and plan the move with confidence.
Identify whether you qualify through work, investment, family or extraordinary ability.
Find a US employer to petition, or prepare an E-2 or EB-5 investment.
Collect qualifications, references, business plans or proof of achievements.
Your employer, family member or attorney files with USCIS where required.
Complete the DS-160 or DS-260, pay fees and attend your interview.
Enter on your visa and follow its conditions.
Many temporary visas can lead to a green card, then US citizenship.
| ESTA (visits under the Visa Waiver Program) | $40.27 |
|---|---|
| Visa integrity fee (most nonimmigrant visas) | $250 |
| Nonimmigrant visa application (MRV) fee | Set by the US Department of State – varies by visa type |
| Gold Card | $1 million plus $15,000 DHS processing fee |
| EB-5 investment | Minimum investment set by law (lower in targeted employment areas) |
| USCIS petition fees | Vary by form and category |
| Medical exam, police certificates and attorney fees | Paid separately |
| GIEC Global consultation | Contact us for a quote |
Fees change. Check the official source before you pay.
Quick answer: British citizens usually emigrate to the USA through one of four routes:
There is no points test, and natives of Great Britain cannot enter the Diversity Visa lottery. Most people need a US sponsor, a significant investment or a qualifying family member.
| Visa | Who it suits | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B | Graduates in specialty occupations | Needs a US employer and an annual lottery. A proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B workers was struck down by US courts in 2026, but litigation continues |
| L-1 | Managers and specialists at multinational companies | Transfer from a UK office to a related US office after 1 year with the company |
| O-1 | People with extraordinary ability (science, arts, business, sport) | Strong evidence of national or international recognition |
| E-2 | British entrepreneurs and investors | Substantial investment in a US business you direct. Renewable while the business operates |
| J-1 | Interns, trainees, camp staff and exchange visitors | Temporary programmes through approved sponsors |
Unlike Australia and Canada, the US has no general working holiday visa for UK citizens. Short exchange programmes run through J-1 sponsors instead.
People born in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) are generally not eligible for the Diversity Visa (green card) lottery, because the UK sends high numbers of immigrants to the US. People born in Northern Ireland have historically been eligible. The DV programme has also faced pauses and changes since late 2025, so check travel.state.gov for the current position. Never pay a website that claims to “guarantee” a lottery win.
Both the United States and the United Kingdom allow dual citizenship. A British citizen who naturalises as a US citizen does not lose British citizenship, although US citizens must use a US passport to enter and leave the US. Many other countries also allow dual citizenship, but rules vary, so check each country you hold citizenship in.
British citizens can usually visit the US for up to 90 days with an ESTA, but they cannot work on it. Some criminal convictions, including many drug offences and certain other crimes, can make you ineligible for an ESTA. You would then need to apply for a visa at the US Embassy in London. You may also need a waiver.
Many Americans also search for how to immigrate to the UK from the USA. Common routes include the Skilled Worker visa, the Global Talent visa, family visas and student visas. US citizens cannot use the UK Ancestry visa, because it is only for Commonwealth citizens. See our Migrate to UK page.
If you do not have a US sponsor or large investment funds, points-based countries may be easier. Compare Canada Express Entry, Australia, New Zealand PR and Europe. See all destinations on our migration services hub.
GIEC Global, based in South Harrow, London, helps British citizens:
US immigration petitions and legal representation are handled by US-licensed immigration attorneys or accredited representatives. Always check your representative’s credentials.
Reviewed by the GIEC Global migration team. Information reflects the ESTA fee from 1 January 2026, the visa integrity fee from 1 October 2025, the Gold Card programme opened in December 2025, and H-1B fee litigation as at 1 October 2026. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. US immigration policy is changing rapidly – always check travel.state.gov and uscis.gov and seek advice from a US-licensed immigration attorney before applying.
Usually through an employer-sponsored work visa, an investor visa, a family relationship or an employment-based green card.
No. Most US routes need a sponsor, investment or family tie.
Natives of Great Britain are not eligible, though people born in Northern Ireland have been eligible.
It depends on your situation. L-1 transfers, E-2 investment and family routes are common for Brits.
Yes. The UK is an E-2 treaty country, so British investors can apply with a substantial US business investment.
A visa for people with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business or athletics.
A proposed fee for new H-1B workers that US courts struck down in 2026, though litigation continues.
A green card route requiring a $1 million contribution plus a $15,000 fee, with applications from December 2025.
$40.27 from 1 January 2026.
A $250 fee for most nonimmigrant visas issued from 1 October 2025.
No. ESTA is for visits only, and you need a work visa to work.
Yes. Both countries allow dual citizenship.
Possibly through investment, family, O-1 self-petitions or EB-2 NIW, but most routes need a sponsor.
No general one, but J-1 exchange programmes offer short-term work and training.
It depends on the offence. Some convictions make you ineligible for ESTA and require a visa and possibly a waiver.
From a few months for some work visas to several years for some green card categories.
Yes, through Skilled Worker, Global Talent, family or student visas.
At the US Embassy in London, after completing the online application.
For most petitions and green cards, a US-licensed immigration attorney is strongly recommended.
We help you understand options, compare countries and prepare documents with clear, honest guidance.
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Usually through an employer-sponsored work visa, an investor visa, a family relationship or an employment-based green card.
No. Most US routes need a sponsor, investment or family tie.
Natives of Great Britain are not eligible, though people born in Northern Ireland have been eligible.
It depends on your situation. L-1 transfers, E-2 investment and family routes are common for Brits.
Yes. The UK is an E-2 treaty country, so British investors can apply with a substantial US business investment.
A visa for people with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business or athletics.
A proposed fee for new H-1B workers that US courts struck down in 2026, though litigation continues.
A green card route requiring a $1 million contribution plus a $15,000 fee, with applications from December 2025.
$40.27 from 1 January 2026.
A $250 fee for most nonimmigrant visas issued from 1 October 2025.
No. ESTA is for visits only, and you need a work visa to work.
Yes. Both countries allow dual citizenship.
Possibly through investment, family, O-1 self-petitions or EB-2 NIW, but most routes need a sponsor.
No general one, but J-1 exchange programmes offer short-term work and training.
It depends on the offence. Some convictions make you ineligible for ESTA and require a visa and possibly a waiver.
From a few months for some work visas to several years for some green card categories.
Yes, through Skilled Worker, Global Talent, family or student visas.
At the US Embassy in London, after completing the online application.
For most petitions and green cards, a US-licensed immigration attorney is strongly recommended.
We help you understand options, compare countries and prepare documents with clear, honest guidance.
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