Can a UK citizen legally work in USA?

Asked by: Jadyn Abernathy  |  Last update: March 23, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (36 votes)

British citizens can pursue permanent residency in the USA through employment-based visas (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3), family-sponsored visas, or the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. Employment-based visas require sponsorship from a US.

Can I work in the USA as a British citizen?

If you plan on working in the US then you must make sure that you hold the right visa, you will need a visa that grants you the right to both live and work in the US. UK nationals can only work in the USA if they have one of the following: An employment-based immigrant visa. A nonimmigrant work visa.

Can I get a job in the USA from the UK?

Finding a job with an organisation in your home country, which has offices in the USA and opportunities to transfer, may be the easiest way for international workers to gain employment in America. If this is not a possibility, due to strict visa requirements you'll need to apply for jobs before entering the USA.

How long can a British citizen live in the USA?

British citizens can enter the United States and stay for 90 days without needing a visa. This is because the United Kingdom is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from 39 countries to travel visa-free to the US for business or tourism purposes.

How do I get a work permit for USA from UK?

US Working Visa Application Guide
  1. Complete the US visa application form. The first stage will be to complete the online application form for nonimmigrant visas, DS 160. ...
  2. Compile supporting documents. Ahead of your visa interview, you will need to gather all necessary supporting documents. ...
  3. Attend the US visa interview.

How to Immigrate from the UK to the USA

35 related questions found

What is the easiest way to get a work permit for USA?

How to get a work permit (EAD) To apply for your work permit (EAD), file an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765), review the instructions, and pay the filing fee. Depending on your immigration category, your EAD work permit will be good for 1 or 2 years.

How long does it take to get a U.S. work visa from the UK?

If a visa is approved, the average processing time is currently approximately 10 working days from the date the application has been received. This includes applications submitted via courier. If you have upcoming travel plans, please plan accordingly.

Is it easy for UK citizens to move to the US?

Moving to America from the UK is possible, but you must tick a number of boxes before being granted entry. Anyone aged over 18 will need to obtain a suitable visa before leaving the UK. To do this, you will need to consider how you will support yourself and your family once you are there.

How long does it take for an UK citizen to get a US green card?

A green card is an identification document (permanent resident card) that proves you have the right to live permanently in the U.S. Your green card application may be processed between 7 to 33 months.

Will I lose my British citizenship if I become an American citizen?

British citizens who naturalize in the United States may keep their British citizenship. (See more info about dual citizenship in the USA and the U.K.) Salvadoran citizens who naturalize in the United States may keep their Salvadoran citizenship only if they were born in El Salvador.

Can an UK citizen work remotely in the US?

Can I work remotely in the US from another country? As the United States does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa category, and undertaking paid employment is prohibited as a visitor under US immigration laws, it is not possible to work remotely in the US from another country.

Is it worth moving to the USA from the UK?

Conclusion. Moving to the USA from the UK can be a rewarding experience, offering financial growth, cultural diversity, and new opportunities. However, it's essential to weigh these benefits against the challenges, such as healthcare costs, visa requirements, and adapting to a different way of life.

Am I legally authorized to work in the US?

Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements

While citizens automatically have work authorization in the U.S., non-citizens must have the correct immigration status to work there legally. Like citizens, lawful permanent residents/green card holders are eligible to work in the United States.

Where can British citizens live permanently?

Live Visa Free in The Common Travel Area

Individuals with a British passport can move quickly between the UK, Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man. British citizenship holders can also live and work in these regions visa-free or without any permission from the regulatory authorities.

Can you move to America from the UK without a job?

In short, in most cases, you cannot. To apply for a work visa in the USA, you must secure a job offer, which is a crucial step. If you don't secure a specific job offer (and therefore an employer to sponsor you), the only option for a work-based visa is to apply for one that allows for a self-petition.

Can a UK citizen apply for a Green Card lottery?

Last year was the first time since the program's inception that UK-born persons were eligible to register for the US Diversity Visa Lottery. UK born citizens are eligible again this year for the DV-2026 Program. For fiscal year 2026, up to 55,000 diversity visas will be available.

Can I work in the USA as an UK citizen?

Working in the USA

You are only allowed to work in the US if you hold one of the following: employment-based immigrant visa. temporary employment visa. green card (permanent resident card)

What is the fastest way to get Green Card in USA?

What is the fastest way to get a green card?
  1. Immigration through Family Reunification: 9 months to 5 years.
  2. Immigration through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: around 10 months.
  3. Immigration of a Political Asylum to the USA: within 1 year.
  4. Immigration of Extraordinary Ability Individuals: 1 to 2 years.

How long can an UK citizen stay in the USA?

If you travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, you may remain for up to 90 days. This period cannot be extended.

Can an UK citizen retire in the USA?

Can a UK citizen retire to the US? If you're considering retiring to America from the UK, it's helpful to know that the US doesn't have a dedicated 'retirement visa. ' But there are ways to make it work. The B-2 tourist visa is a popular option for retirees, letting you stay up to six months at a time.

Can I stay in the US if I marry a U.S. citizen?

For more information, see Fiancé(e) Visas. After being admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant and marrying the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days, the alien spouse can then apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States (get a Green Card).

How hard is it for a UK citizen to become a U.S. citizen?

What are the basic requirements to become a US citizen from the UK? To become a US citizen, you must first have a Green Card, meet residency requirements, and pass the naturalization process which includes a background check, interview, and tests on English and US civics.

How can a British citizen settle in the USA?

To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate generally must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or prospective U.S. employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa.

What disqualifies you from getting a US visa?

These include persons who have been afflicted with a disease of public health significance, a mental disorder which is associated with a display of harmful behavior, drug addicts/abusers, and those with criminal records.