A plain-English guide to US visas for UK citizens
The US immigration system is notoriously complex. There are over 180 visa categories, and the rules change regularly. This guide cuts through the jargon to explain the routes that actually matter for UK citizens.
Work visas
H-1B — Specialty Occupation
The most common work visa for professionals. Requires a US employer sponsor and a job that needs at least a bachelor's degree.
The catch: There is an annual lottery. In 2025, over 470,000 people registered for 85,000 slots. Your odds are roughly 1 in 5.
Processing time: 3-6 months after winning the lottery (October start date) Cost: $2,805 in government fees plus $3,000-8,000 in attorney fees (paid by employer) Duration: 3 years, extendable to 6
L-1 — Intracompany Transfer
For employees of multinational companies transferring to a US office. No lottery required.
Requirements: Employed by the company for at least 1 year in a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge role Processing time: 2-6 months Duration: L-1A (managers): 7 years maximum. L-1B (specialised knowledge): 5 years maximum
O-1 — Extraordinary Ability
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The bar is high but not as unreachable as people think.
Requirements: Evidence of sustained national or international acclaim Processing time: 2-4 months Duration: 3 years, extendable
E-2 — Treaty Investor
For UK citizens investing a substantial amount in a US business. The UK-US bilateral investment treaty makes this available.
Requirements: Substantial investment (typically $100,000-200,000 minimum), active management of the business Processing time: 2-4 months Duration: 2 years, renewable indefinitely
Green Card (Permanent Residency)
Employment-based
EB-1 (priority workers), EB-2 (advanced degree professionals), EB-3 (skilled workers). Processing varies from 1-5+ years depending on category and country of birth. UK citizens generally have shorter waits than many nationalities.
Family-based
If you have a US citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or sibling, family-sponsored green cards are available. Immediate relatives of US citizens have no annual cap.
Diversity Visa Lottery
UK citizens are generally eligible for the annual DV lottery — 55,000 green cards awarded randomly. Free to enter, but the odds are very low.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering the US on a tourist visa with intent to work (visa fraud)
- Overstaying any visa, even by one day (triggers bars on re-entry)
- Not understanding the difference between non-immigrant and immigrant intent
- Assuming your UK qualifications automatically transfer
- Filing without professional help on complex cases
How WestConnect helps
WestConnect matches you with vetted US immigration attorneys who specialise in UK-to-USA moves. Compare providers, understand your options, and choose with confidence.
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