If you’re planning to move from the UK to the U.S., you’re in the right place. Understanding the visa process is the first step in making your dream a reality. Immigration to the U.S. can seem complicated, but with the right help, you can navigate it easily. Whether you’re coming for work, family, or to join a spouse, this guide will give you all the information you need to start your immigration journey.
Law and Visas is here to make the process smoother for you. We specialize in helping people like you move from the UK to the U.S. with personalized support every step of the way. Over the past decade, we’ve helped over 70,000 families, including 400 families from the UK last year alone.
How to Find the Right Visa for You
The type of visa you apply for depends on your individual situation. Here are some of the most common visas for British citizens looking to move to the U.S.:
K-1 Fiancé Visa
If you’re engaged to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for a K-1 Fiancé Visa. This visa allows you to come to the U.S. to marry your fiancé within 90 days of arrival. Once married, you can apply for a green card (permanent residency).
Here’s the general process for applying for a K-1 visa:
- Your U.S. citizen fiancé must submit Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé).
- After approval, the U.S. embassy in London will schedule an interview.
- Once approved, you can enter the U.S., marry within 90 days, and apply for a green card.
For more detailed information on the wait times, costs, and requirements, check out Law and Visas’ K-1 visa guide.
Timeline for British applicants:
The timeline for the K-1 visa process depends on the case, but it generally takes several months for processing.
Costs for British applicants:
The cost can vary, but typical fees include the filing fee for Form I-129F and medical examination fees. Law and Visas can help you understand all the costs associated with this process.
Marriage-Based Green Cards
If you’re already married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible for a Marriage-Based Green Card. This process allows you to become a permanent resident (green card holder) in the U.S.
The steps for applying are as follows:
- Your spouse submits Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
- You will attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in London.
- After approval, you’ll be granted permanent residency in the U.S.
The costs and wait times for marriage-based green cards depend on your individual situation. You can find more details about costs and timelines in Law and Visas’ marriage-based green card guide.
Timeline for British applicants:
Wait times for marriage-based green cards vary depending on your specific circumstances, such as whether your spouse is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Costs for British applicants:
The fees for a marriage-based green card can include the petition filing fee, medical exams, and the green card application fee.
Immigrating with Children
If you have children who will be moving with you, there are visa options available to include them in your application:
K-2 Visa
If you’re applying for a K-1 Fiancé Visa and have unmarried children under 21, they can be included in your visa application with a K-2 Visa. This allows your children to enter the U.S. at the same time you do.
Law and Visas can help you include your children on your K-1 visa application for no extra charge. We make the process easier for families.
IR-2 Child Visa
If you’re a U.S. citizen and your children are living in the UK, you may be able to sponsor them for a green card through the IR-2 Child Visa. This process helps you bring your children to the U.S. to live permanently.
You can include your children in your green card application for an additional fee. Learn more about the IR-2 visa process on Law and Visas’ guide.
U.S. Embassy in the UK
All immigrant visa applications for UK citizens are processed at the U.S. Embassy in London. Here’s the contact information for the embassy:
U.S. Embassy London
33 Nine Elms Lane
London, SW11 7US
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7499-9000
For K-1 fiancé and spousal visa interview scheduling, you must use the Visa Appointment Service website. Be sure to follow all the instructions carefully. You can also check out the interview preparation guide on the embassy’s website to help you get ready.
Special Considerations for Immigrant Visa Applications
Once your immigrant visa is approved, you will receive your visa and passport via an embassy-approved courier service. It’s important to register with the courier when you schedule your visa interview to ensure there are no delays with delivery. You’ll receive tracking information once your visa is ready for delivery.
Work Visa Option
If you are interested in working in the U.S., there are several different types of work visas you can apply for. Some work visas provide a path to permanent residency (green card), while others are designed for temporary stays.
Each work visa has specific eligibility requirements and application processes. Law and Visas provides detailed information on the different types of work visas so you can find the right one for your needs.
Visa Waiver Program
If you’re traveling to the U.S. for a short visit, you may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). UK citizens can enter the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes under the VWP. To use the VWP, you must apply for travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before you enter the U.S.
Learn more about the ESTA application process and whether you’re eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
Get Expert Help with Your U.S. Immigration Process
At Law and Visas, we understand that navigating the U.S. immigration process can be overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for a fiancé visa, marriage-based green card, work visa, or any other type of visa, we’re here to support you.
We offer personalized services to make sure your application is complete and filed correctly. From the first step to the final approval, our team is with you every step of the way.
Contact us today to start your U.S. immigration journey! Let us help you move to the U.S. with ease and confidence.
