UK visa options for US citizens

If you are a US citizen considering a move to the UK, understanding your visa options is essential. Most visas are linked to work, business or study opportunities, with many requiring English proficiency—a requirement US citizens automatically meet. Here’s an overview of the key UK visa categories that may be suitable to you:

1. Skilled Worker visa

This visa is ideal for those with a skilled job offer from a UK employer. Key requirements include:

• Sponsorship by an employer with a Home Office-issued sponsor licence.
• A job offer that meets salary thresholds (varies by role).
• English proficiency at level B1.
• Financial means to support yourself and your family during the first month in the UK.

Popular sectors include health, social care, technology and engineering. This visa provides a pathway to settlement after five years.

2. Global Talent visa

The Global Talent visa caters to individuals with exceptional talent or promise in fields such as engineering, digital technology, medicine, arts and sciences. Applicants must secure an endorsement from an approved body, such as the Royal Society or Arts Council England.

Endorsement pathways include:

• Prestigious fellowships.
• Appointments at research institutions.
• Peer reviews.

This visa is highly selective, but it offers the possibility of settlement within three to five years.

3. Innovator Founder visa

This visa is designed for entrepreneurs with innovative, viable and scalable business ideas. This route requires:

• A business plan endorsed by an approved body.
• Proof of skills to successfully run the business.
• English language proficiency (B1).

Successful applicants can achieve settlement after five years.

4. Student visa

This visa is for individuals enrolling in UK educational institutions. Key requirements include:

• A confirmed place on a course with a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Financial means to cover tuition and living expenses.

Although this visa doesn’t lead to settlement, it can transition into the Graduate Route, allowing two to three years to work or explore other visa options after graduation.

5. High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

The HPI visa is designed for graduates from top-ranked universities within the past five years. Applicants must:

• Hold qualifications equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree or higher.
• Meet English language and financial maintenance requirements.

This visa lasts two years (or three for PhDs) and allows for dependants to apply alongside you. However, this visa route does not lead to settlement.

6. Visitor visa

US citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to six months, but they cannot engage in most forms of work. Visitors are prohibited from:

• Working remotely, unless the activities fall under the permitted activities as a visitor.
• Using repeated short visits to live in the UK.

To apply for another visa, visitors usually need to leave the UK first.

Choosing the right visa

Your visa choice depends on your goals, be it employment, entrepreneurship or education. By understanding the requirements and planning ahead, you can maximise the potential of a successful move to the UK.

Updated: 11 December 2024

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2024

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