Move to the USA from the UK with your career or company
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Immigration law is complex, and the best path depends on your individual circumstances. For guidance on your specific case, please consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney.
“Why move your startup to the U.S.? As one unicorn founder put it — “it’s just easier to be a startup in the U.S.: the market is bigger and capital flows more freely.”
For many UK founders and professionals, this is the appeal in one sentence. Relocation isn’t just about visas or paperwork, it’s about joining an environment built for scale, investment, and innovation. That’s why so many are looking across the Atlantic: to reach bigger markets, attract global investors, and put their businesses in the spotlight.
Why move to the USA?
The United States is the world’s largest economy, with a GDP of more than $30 trillion and a population of about 342 million. For companies, this means access to new customers, partners, and investors on a scale that is difficult to find anywhere else.
Key sectors attracting international talent include:
- Technology: artificial intelligence, fintech, software
- Healthcare & biotech: world-class research and funding
- Finance: New York as a global hub
- Startups: accelerators and venture capital fueling rapid growth especially in the Silicon Valley”
Relocating to the U.S. is not only about geography; it’s about entering an ecosystem where innovation and scale are built into the culture of business.
Diverse U.S. visa options for UK founders and professionals
Not every U.S. visa will fit the profile of a UK founder or professional. The ones most relevant are the O-1A, L-1, and E-2, each supporting entrepreneurs, executives, and skilled talent in different ways.
O-1 Non immigrant visa for extraordinary ability
Non-immigrant, work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in business, science, education, or athletics.
- Best fit: entrepreneurs, founders, or professionals who can show strong recognition in their field (e.g. awards, press, funding, patents, or leadership roles).
- Benefits: no annual cap or lottery, fast processing (as little as 15 calendar days with premium service), renewable, and often a springboard to the EB-1A or EB-2 NIW green card.
- Limitation: high evidence threshold; requires extensive documentation and a U.S. petitioner (employer or agent)You cannot self-petition, a U.S. based company, or an authorized agent must file on your behalf. However, you may be cofounder or shareholder of the petitioning U.S. company. Strong recognition, such as judging others’ work, press coverage, or industry awards, carries more weight than talent alone.
L-1 visa for company transfers
Designed for executives, managers, or professionals with specialized knowledge transferring from a foreign company to its U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
- Best fit: founders or key staff who have worked for a company abroad (e.g. in the UK) for at least one year in the past three.
- Benefits: quick processing with premium service, spouses can work under L-2 status, and it offers a clear path to the EB-1C green card.
- Limitation: requires proof that both the foreign and U.S. businesses are active and legitimate, which usually means showing office leases, payroll records, and contracts on both sides.
E-2 visa for investors
Available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S., including the United Kingdom. This means your passport, not your country of residence, decides eligibility.
- Best fit: entrepreneurs ready to make a substantial investment, with at least 50% ownership or control of the business.
- Benefits: renewable, relatively fast consular processing, and spouses can apply for work authorization.
- Limitation: the E-2 provides only temporary status and no direct path to a green card. The investment must be “substantial,” meaning funds are at risk and sufficient to grow the business, not just a minimal amount to keep it alive.
How to choose the right visa option?
Not every visa will match every situation. If you want a quick way to see which option might make sense for you, try this simple fit test:
- Strong recognition in your field (awards, media coverage, investors)? → Consider the O-1A.
- Expanding or transferring a UK company into the U.S.? → The L-1A is usually the natural choice.
- Planning to invest and actively run a business in the U.S.? → Look into the E-2.
These are only general pointers, but they give you a fast snapshot of which visa is often the closest match in similar situations.
Move to America: Key legal and business considerations
Visas are only one piece of the relocation puzzle. Once you arrive in the U.S., your business also needs to be set up and run in line with American rules. A few areas matter most:
- Entity & ownership. Many startups register as Delaware C-Corps, valued for their flexibility in raising capital and attractiveness to venture investors.
- Taxes. U.S. companies pay both federal and state taxes, and UK founders need to think about how this interacts with obligations back home.
- Hiring and compliance. Every employee must be authorized to work, payroll must be set up properly, and state labor laws followed.
- Contracts and intellectual property. Written agreements and IP protection are essential for operating safely in the U.S. market.
- Sector-specific regulations. Industries like finance, healthcare, and data services have extra compliance requirements that cannot be ignored.
Practical steps for a successful relocation to the USA from the UK
Start with a timeline that covers both your visa process and business setup, so you know what needs to happen when. Make sure to budget realistically, factoring in legal fees, company formation costs, health insurance, and everyday living expenses. At the same time, plan the logistics early: housing and schools can take longer to arrange than expected. Do not forget the cultural side. U.S. business culture values directness, punctuality, and networking, so it pays to adapt quickly. Finally, build your network by joining startup groups and professional associations, which can open doors and provide support as you settle in.
Living in the USA: Costs and financial planning
Relocation brings both business and personal expenses. On the business side, setup usually means incorporation, legal and accounting support, insurance, office space, and payroll with costs that vary depending on the city. On the personal side, housing, healthcare, and education can take up a large share of the budget, and prices differ widely across regions.
To ease the financial load, many founders look at funding options such as venture capital, angel investors, accelerators, or even bank loans. In most cases, a clear business plan and solid documentation improve the chances of securing support.
Final thoughts
Relocating from the UK to the U.S. is not a shortcut, but for many founders it has been the most practical way to take their companies to the next level. The question is not just if you can do it, but when you decide to take the leap. If you’re still deciding between a temporary stay, work authorization, or a long-term green card strategy, our Comprehensive Guide to U.S. Immigration for UK Citizens breaks down each route with clear steps and key requirements.
For tailored guidance on your own situation, always consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney.