USCIS / INA Section 101(a)(15) / US Embassy London
UK Citizen Moving to US Visa Guide
An exhaustive legal guide for British citizens, entrepreneurs, corporate transferees, and investors evaluating immigration pathways to the United States.
Statutory Framework (Immigration and Nationality Act)
US Immigration System & Treaty Rights
Immigration to the United States is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State.
Because the UK maintains historic Bilateral Treaties of Commerce and Navigation with the US, British passport holders enjoy access to the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, offering a renewable 5-year work residency without requiring rigid Green Card sponsorship.
Key Visa Statutory Categories:
| E-2 Investor | INA s101(a)(15)(E) |
| L-1 Transfer | INA s101(a)(15)(L) |
| O-1 Talent | INA s101(a)(15)(O) |
| EB-5 Green Card | $800,000 TEA Threshold |
| Spousal Work | Incident to Status (E-2S/L-2S) |
US Visa Pathway Selector
US Visa Selector
Select your move objective to explore applicable INA statutory immigration visas for UK citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. The UK is an E-2 treaty country under historical treaties of commerce and navigation. British citizens who own at least 50% of a US business and make a substantial commercial investment (typically $100,000+) qualify for E-2 visas.
Yes. Under USCIS policy updates, E-2 spouses (E-2S) and L-2 spouses (L-2S) receive employment authorization incident to status, allowing them to work for any US employer without applying for a separate EAD card.
Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, the minimum investment is $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA - rural or high unemployment) or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA.