UK expat guides: USA
If you’re considering a move the U.S., there are lots of generalisations that apply no matter where you’re heading. Let’s take a look at what to expect as a UK expat in the USA.
Being a similar size to Europe, the USA covers 9.8 million sq. km. and has a population of around 320 million (half the size of Europe).
Though one country, there are fifty states, which each have their own taxes, laws, cultures, and climates. The United States is, therefore, remarkably diverse.
The advantages and disadvantages of living in the United States as an expat
Living in the US comes with a lot of positives and according to MoveHub’s Global Migration Report in 2016, the USA ranks second in the list of most popular destinations for British expats.
Let’s see what the advantages are to moving here.
The advantages
Here are some of the advantages of living in the USA:
The quality of life
A lot of places in the United States offer a similar (or even a higher) quality of live than the UK.
The culture
America is an English-speaking country that shares a lot of culture with the United Kingdom. Living there means you’ll be already familiar with the popular culture, entertainment and even business customs.
Lifestyle
In lots of ways, the United States can give UK expats everything they can get at home on a larger scale: the houses are bigger, there’s more space, the salaries are higher, and the climate is generally better.
The language
This is a no-brainer. Unlike emigrating to Spain or France, for example, you won’t have a language barrier at all in the US.
The disadvantages
Like all places, the United States does have some disadvantages too and you’d be naïve not to look into them before moving there.
Visa Application
Getting a working visa for the USA can be a drawn out and complicated process. This needs to be sorted out well in advance of moving there.
There are many different types of visas, including intra-company visas that are issued to employees that working in the same or a related company elsewhere. These are valid between one and three years but can be extended to last as long as seven years.
Lack of retirement options
There aren’t any official retirement options for emigrating from the UK to the USA. However, it is possible to circumnavigate residency rules by investing at least $500,000 and getting an EB-5 visa.
Gun Laws
The USA’s Second Amendment allows its citizens to bear arms. This is quite a concept for British people to grasp. Though many know about the laws that enable guns to be carried, many people are still alarmed by up to 50% doing so.
Distances between places
In the UK, road trips don’t take too long. From almost anywhere in the UK, you’ll be a few hours from the coast. However, in the states, road trips are much longer! It can even take you several hours just to leave your own state.
Healthcare
Healthcare in America is expensive. It’s largely run by private companies and the standards vary. You will need to purchase health insurance.
Expat tips on moving to the USA
If you’ve decided you’d like to move to the US, here are some ways to make your move easier:
- As soon as you’ve finalised your visa, get looking for health insurance. Though it isn’t compulsory to have health insurance, the costs without it are huge. Many American citizens without insurance end up bankrupt and in medical debt.
- Consider tax when negotiating a salary. There are six tax brackets ranging from 10% up to 37%. You won’t pay any tax on income under $10,275. People earning over $539,901 will pay 37%. There are increments of 12%, 22%, 24%, 32% and 35% in between.
Final thoughts
The United States of America has a lot to offer UK expats. You’ll be familiar with the culture and language and won’t have those additional barriers to overcome. The challenges are getting a visa and getting sorted with a decent health insurance policy – once they’re sorted, you’ll find things a lot easier!
Will is an Independent Financial Adviser with over a decade of experience helping expats make the most of their international status.