Approximately 200,000 Americans live in the UK, and according to statistics, almost half of these call London home. Reasons for crossing the Atlantic vary; many young Americans travel to the UK to study at a prestigious university, while older Americans might be drawn over by a lucrative career opportunity. Regardless of your reason for being here, this article is your ultimate guide to London for American emigrants.
Visas and Immigration
The first hurdle you’ll need to overcome is the UK immigration system. Firstly, it’s important to know that Americans can come and live in the UK for up to six months without a visa, but you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is now a requirement for non-visa nationals.
However, if you are planning on moving to the UK for longer than six months. There are a number of routes you can go down depending on your personal circumstances and your reason for being here.
However, if you are planning on moving to the UK for longer than six months, there are a number of routes you can go down depending on your personal circumstances and your reason for being here. Before you pack your life into boxes, using an interactive packing list & planning hub can help you stay organized during the visa application process.
Some of the most common visa routes include:
Skilled Worker Visa: A skilled worker visa is best for Americans who are coming to the UK to work. The position must meet the required skill level and is valid for up to 5 years.
Global Talent Visa: A global talent visa is for individuals who are considered leaders in academia, arts or technology. Endorsement must come from an official body, but applicants don’t necessarily need a job offer.
Student Visa: As the name suggests, a student visa is best for US citizens who plan to live in the UK while studying at a UK institution.
Family Visa: A family visa, or spouse visa, is a route into the UK created for non-British citizens who are married to a British citizen.
Ancestry Visa: Americans may qualify for a UK ancestry visa if they have a British parent or grandparent. Note that this is typically for Commonwealth citizens; most Americans will not qualify unless they hold dual citizenship with a Commonwealth country.
Finding a Place to Live
While London is the largest city in the UK, chances are you won’t find it overwhelming coming from the US. That’s not to say choosing where to live isn’t a tough decision; however, the different London boroughs all offer a unique experience in their own way.
The beauty of London is that it offers something for everyone. Affluent neighborhoods such as Kensington, Chelsea, and Mayfair are considered the most prestigious, and this is where you’ll find the best luxury shopping options and most expensive properties. The likes of Shoreditch and Camden are popular with young Londoners and might be more suitable if you’re looking for quirky cocktail bars and thriving markets.
Cost of Living
There’s no getting away from the fact that London is the UK’s most expensive city to live in. Those moving to London from cities like New York or Los Angeles can probably expect a similar cost of living.
The biggest impact on your cost of living is undoubtedly where you choose to live. As a general rule, the closer you are to Central London, the more you can expect to pay.
When budgeting, consider the following factors too:
- Commuting Distance: Being able to travel to work by public transport can significantly reduce costs
- Groceries: The price of UK groceries can vary quite significantly, with high-end supermarkets like Waitrose and M&S competing with cheaper alternatives like Aldi and Lidl
- Healthcare: Most healthcare services are free in the UK, although private services do also exist. Be aware that public health services often come with long waiting times, which is why more UK residents are turning to the private sector
- For safety and peace of mind during your first few weeks, it is a good idea to carry an offline emergency card with your local contact info and medical details.
- Lifestyle: From nightlife to family-friendly activities, everything costs more in London. Consider this if you intend on eating out regularly, joining a gym, taking kids to attractions, etc.
Working in London
When it comes to workplace culture in the UK, it does differ slightly from what you’re likely used to in the States. You may find that more attention is paid to work-life balance, helped by more generous laws around annual leave; full-time workers are entitled to 28 days of paid annual leave per year, although many employers choose to offer more than this.
The UK is also more favorable regarding the dismissal process, so jobs are generally seen as more secure. Unlike the US, a UK company must go through a strict process if they wish to terminate a worker’s contract.
Cultural Differences
Coming from an English-speaking country, don’t expect to experience any language barriers other than the slight differences in terminology. For example, the trunk of your car will be referred to as the boot and your trash can will be referred to as a bin. (Find a full list of differences here).
Tipping culture is very different in the UK. Some hospitality will add an optional service fee onto the bill. If not, 10-15% is the expected tipping range, although tips aren’t quite as expected as they are in the US.
You may also need to embrace ‘the pub’, arguably the central point of UK culture. The closest US equivalent would be a tavern, although pubs are more community-focused and are a popular choice for Brits to take in major sporting events or enjoy a Sunday roast.
Final Thoughts
There’s obviously so much to consider if you’re making the move across the pond, but the above should give you everything you need to get started. If your heart is set on London, you’ve made a great choice. While London is the UK’s most expensive city to live in, there’s a good reason for this, and the city’s history and diversity will make for the perfect new home.
