Can I study in UK and work in US?

Asked by: Lulu Gislason  |  Last update: December 18, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (32 votes)

Students, recent graduates and professionals can apply for the J-1 visa, allowing temporary work in the USA. This includes an internship programme that can last up to 12 months and a trainee programme that can last up to 18 months in some industries.

Is an UK degree valid in the USA?

Is a UK Master's recognised in the US? For university appointments and research positions in US universities, the answer is yes. A UK master's will be highly regarded and very much respected for the work and research involved. Companies in the US respect UK master's degrees.

Can I get a job in the USA with an UK degree?

The degree itself holds the same validity as it would for a US citizen holding the identical degree from the same institution -- but that won't get you a job. You need to have a work visa to work in the US.

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

You will need a non-immigrant work visa, which is based on a specific offer of employment. If you are not a UK national, contact the American embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Embassy of the United States in the UK.

Is a 3 year UK degree accepted in the USA?

US universities generally accept 3-year bachelor's degrees from the UK, as the UK education system is similar to that of the US.

Don't go to the UK to study if…

23 related questions found

Is a UK degree equivalent to a US degree?

Please note that in the UK, most undergraduate degrees are three years long whilst in the US, they're usually four years long, however, they're considered equal qualifications. Some degrees (in both the UK and the US) have different lengths entirely, like Medicine for example.

Can a UK student go to college in America?

For entry onto a Bachelors degree you'll need at least five GCSE passes and two A-levels. To ensure that your chosen university recognises your qualifications you'll need to contact the admissions office. Be aware that some subjects, such as medicine and law are not available at undergraduate level in the USA.

Can I work in US with UK visa?

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)

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.

How to get a job in the US as an UK graduate?

Students, recent graduates and professionals can apply for the J-1 visa, allowing temporary work in the USA. This includes an internship programme that can last up to 12 months and a trainee programme that can last up to 18 months in some industries.

How to move to America from the UK permanently?

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.

Can US citizens study in UK?

You must obtain a student visa as an international student coming from the US to attend university in the UK for over six months. Follow these five steps when applying for one: Step 1: Apply to your chosen university and receive an unconditional offer.

Can a UK citizen legally work in USA?

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.

Is a UK or US degree better?

The UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities that rank higher than US institutions. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, three of the top five universities in the world - Imperial College London, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge - were from the UK!

How many years is college in the UK?

It'll typically take three years if you're studying full-time. Some courses, such as those with a year abroad or with a placement year, can take four years. Some subjects – like Medicine, Dentistry or Vet Science – can take up to five or six years.

What UK universities are recognised in the USA?

Amongst the general US public, they are:
  • Oxford.
  • Cambridge.
  • KCL.
  • UCL.
  • LSE.
  • Edinburgh.
  • Imperial.
  • University of the Arts London.

Is it cheaper to live in the US or UK?

According to a Numbeo analysis from 2021, the UK has a 7.73% lower cost of living index than the US. This difference is attributed to lower healthcare and transportation costs, and overall lower living expenses in the UK. This blog will provide you with a comparison of living costs in both countries.

How to get a Green Card USA from UK?

Apply for a Green Card through consular processing
  1. Determining what Green Card category you might be eligible for.
  2. Filing your immigrant petition.
  3. Finding which forms and documents you will need.
  4. Preparing for in-person appointments you may have with the consular office.
  5. Estimating when you will receive your Green Card.

Is it better to stay in UK or USA?

The UK is often considered a cheaper place to live. The cost of living in both countries is not the same and can vary depending on where people choose to live. It's also important to note that the average salary for someone in the US is significantly higher than what it would be in the UK due to taxes.

How to work in the USA from the UK?

If you wish to work in the United States for a temporary period you will require a nonimmigrant work visa. You cannot work on a visitor or business visa, or under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Unlike some countries, the United States government does not issue work visas for casual employment.

What is the fastest work visa for USA?

Most temporary work visas, such as H-1B or L-1, have a processing time between 5 to 7 months, while employment-based green cards can take from 6 to 33 months.

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 a British citizen study in USA?

Can I study in the USA coming from the UK? There are over a million international students in the US¹, including many UK nationals. If you're considering moving to the USA to study, you'll need to apply for a student visa. The most common type is the F-1 non-immigrant visa.

Which course is best to study in the USA?

Top Undergraduate Courses To Study In USA 2025
  • Computer Science and Information Technology. ...
  • Business Administration. ...
  • Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Chemical) ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Nursing. ...
  • Economics. ...
  • Political Science and International Relations. ...
  • Environmental Science.

How to move to America from the UK?

The most common routes include employment-based visas, family sponsorship, or the Green Card lottery. Employment-based visas, such as the H-1B for skilled workers or the L1 for intracompany transfers, require a job offer from a US employer.