What to Know Before Moving to the USA from the UK

Updated: April 2026

The USA is consistently one of the top five destinations for UK nationals moving abroad, and the scale of the country means it absorbs an enormous range of reasons for relocating. Work transfers, family reunification, career changes, retirement, and starting a business. The process of actually getting your belongings there is well established and relatively predictable, but there are specific customs and documentation requirements that need to be understood before your removal date.

Getting the Right Visa

Before any removal planning begins, your visa needs to be confirmed. The visa type determines your timeline, your entry date, and in some cases your destination city and employer; all of which affect when and how your belongings are shipped.

The most common routes for UK nationals relocating to the USA:

H-1B Visa; employer-sponsored, for professionals in speciality occupations (technology, finance, engineering, medicine, law, and similar). Tied to the annual cap and lottery system, applications are typically filed in April for an October 1 start date. If your employer is sponsoring an H-1B, the timeline is largely fixed by the lottery schedule.

L-1 Visa; for intra-company transfers. If you are relocating from a UK office to a US office of the same employer, the L-1 is typically faster to process than the H-1B and is not subject to the annual cap.

O-1 Visa; for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field. No annual cap.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, for UK nationals investing in or establishing a US business. Requires a substantial investment and a genuine business plan.

Family-based Visa, for those joining a US citizen spouse or close family member. Processing times vary significantly.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa; for academic, research, and cultural exchange programmes.

Visa processing times vary by category. Start the process well before your intended move date; for most employment visas, a minimum of six months lead time is realistic, and longer for cap-subject visas tied to the lottery.

Shipping Your Belongings: Sea Freight, Groupage, and Air Freight

Sea freight is the standard method for full household moves from the UK to the USA. Your belongings are professionally packed, loaded into a container, and shipped across the Atlantic.

These figures cover packing, shipping, and standard customs clearance. They do not include any storage at the destination end, which is a separate cost if required.

Shared container (groupage) is the practical option for smaller volumes; you pay only for the space your belongings occupy. The trade-off is less control over departure date and slightly longer transit times, as the container moves when it is full.

Air freight is considerably faster, typically 1–2 weeks, but significantly more expensive per kilogram. Most people use air freight for a small consignment of essentials (work equipment, medication, items needed immediately on arrival) and ship the rest by sea.

US Customs: What Must Happen Before Your Shipment Leaves the UK

Two requirements apply to all household goods shipments entering the United States by sea:

Importer Security Filing (ISF)

The ISF; also called “10+2”; must be submitted to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at least 24 hours before your shipment is loaded onto the vessel in the UK. This is a legal requirement for all ocean freight entering the USA without exception. Gerson Moving Services files the ISF on your behalf, but it requires a complete, finalised packing inventory; your list of what is being shipped must be confirmed before loading.

CBP Form 3299; Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles

This is the declaration that qualifies your personal belongings for duty-free entry into the United States. To qualify:

• You must be returning to or establishing permanent US residence
• Items must have been owned and used by you for at least 12 months prior to import
• Items must be for personal use; not for sale or commercial purposes

Items that do not meet these criteria, new goods purchased in the UK specifically for the move, items intended for resale, and vehicles, require separate treatment and may attract import duty. Your move manager will advise on these before your collection date.

What You Cannot Ship to the USA

US CBP enforces restrictions on a range of items. Those most commonly relevant to household goods shipments:

• Firearms and ammunition (require specific ATF import permits; not standard household goods)
• Certain food items, plants, and agricultural products
• Items made from endangered species (ivory, certain animal products)
• Counterfeit goods
• Prescription drugs beyond a personal supply (generally 90 days)

If you are unsure about any item, raise it before it goes into a box.

What Your Move Manager Does

From the point your survey is confirmed, your dedicated move manager coordinates:

• Filing the ISF within the required 24-hour window before vessel loading
• Completing CBP Form 3299 with your details and inventory
• Coordinating with the US in-country partner for port handling and last-mile delivery
• Tracking your shipment through the Atlantic crossing and the US port arrival
• Communicating any customs queries immediately
•  Arranging destination-side storage if your accommodation is not yet ready

The USA is a large country; the specific port your shipment arrives at depends on your destination city. New York and New Jersey for the East Coast; Los Angeles or Long Beach for the West Coast; Houston for Texas and the South. Your move manager confirms the routing and in-country partner at the quote stage.

Adjusting to Life in the USA: What to Know in Advance

Healthcare: The US operates on a private insurance model. Medical costs without insurance are very high. Arrange comprehensive health coverage before you travel; if you are relocating for work, your employer’s benefits package typically includes this. If not, purchasing your own policy is essential.

Social Security Number: You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) to work, pay taxes, and open most financial accounts. Apply at your local Social Security Administration office after you arrive with your visa and passport.

Driving: US states recognise UK driving licences for a period (varies by state, typically 30–90 days). After that, you need a state-issued driving licence, which requires a written and practical test in most states. The test is not difficult, but it does take time to book.

Banking: Opening a US bank account often requires an SSN and a US address. Some challenger banks (Wise, Revolut) allow you to set up a USD account before arrival, which is useful for managing the transition period before your US account is established.

Tax: UK nationals working in the USA are subject to US federal tax, state tax, and Social Security and Medicare contributions. The UK and the USA have a double taxation agreement, but UK tax obligations may continue to apply depending on your residency status. Engaging an accountant familiar with US-UK expat tax affairs before you move is well worth the cost.

Schools: US public schools are allocated by residential address (school district). If you have children, research school districts before committing to an address; the quality of public schools varies significantly between districts, and this typically drives family suburb choices more than almost any other factor.