Moving to United States

US H-1B work visa

H-1B Specialty Occupation (cap-subject)

Degree holders with a US employer willing to sponsor them; places are drawn in an annual wage-weighted lottery, and a USD 100,000 payment for some new petitions is extended to 2027 but blocked by courts.

What you need

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specific specialty related to the job.
• US employer registers you in the annual lottery (USD 215 registration fee), then files a petition if selected.
• From FY2027, selection is weighted by wage level: a Level 4 wage gets four times the chance of a Level 1 wage.

Not for

• People without a sponsoring employer
• Self-employed people

Where you apply

From home, at a consulate. Employer petitions USCIS; UK citizens then get the visa at a US consulate. Canadians do not need a visa stamp and present the approval at the border.

How long it takes

Annual cycle: registration in March, earliest start 1 October.

First permit

Up to 3 years.

Renewal

Extendable to a usual maximum of 6 years.

Family

Spouse and children can come on H-4 status.

US E-2 investor visa

E-2 Treaty Investor

UK and Canadian citizens investing a substantial amount (no fixed minimum) in a US business they own at least 50% of and will run themselves.

What you need

• National of a treaty country. The UK and Canada are E-2 treaty countries (State Department treaty list).
• A substantial amount of capital committed (or being committed) to a bona fide US enterprise. No legal minimum; the business must not be marginal (it should generate more than a minimal living, or be able to within five years).
• At least 50% ownership or operational control, and entering solely to develop and direct the enterprise.

Not for

• Passive investors
• Investors seeking a direct green card (E-2 is non-immigrant)
• Very small investments that only support the investor's own living

Where you apply

From home, at a consulate. Apply for the E-2 visa at a US embassy or consulate (UK citizens usually London; Canadians also need an E visa from a US consulate, unlike TN). Change of status inside the US is possible through USCIS.

How long it takes

Not checked in this pass.

First permit

Admission for up to 2 years at a time.

Renewal

Extensions in increments of up to 2 years, with no limit on the number.

Family

Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany; spouses in E-2 status are work-authorised incident to status.

Your passport

Requires UK or Canadian nationality (treaty nationality), not just residence.

US EB-5 investor green card

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Investors who can put USD 800,000 (targeted employment area or infrastructure) or USD 1,050,000 at risk in a US business that creates 10 full-time jobs; leads to a green card.

What you need

• USD 1,050,000 standard minimum, or USD 800,000 in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project (EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022). Amounts are due to rise with inflation on 1 January 2027; filings before then are expected to keep current amounts. (USD 1,050,000)
• Reduced minimum in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project. (USD 800,000)
• Create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified US workers.
• Lawful source of the invested funds.

Not for

• Investors who need guaranteed returns or quick access to capital

Where you apply

From home or inside the country. File Form I-526E (regional center) or I-526 with USCIS; then a consular immigrant visa or adjustment of status in the US.

How long it takes

Not checked in this pass.

First permit

Conditional green card for 2 years, then petition to remove conditions.

Renewal

Permanent after conditions are removed.

Longer term

0Citizenship after about 5 years.

Family

Spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive green cards as derivatives.

US student visa

F-1 Student

Students admitted to a SEVP-certified US school who can show funds for at least the first year, as set by the school on Form I-20.

What you need

• Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school.
• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs as stated on the I-20; no fixed national figure.

Not for

• People who mainly want to work

Where you apply

From home, at a consulate. UK citizens apply for the F-1 visa at a US consulate. Canadian citizens do not need a visa stamp and present the I-20 at the border (not re-checked in this pass).

How long it takes

Not checked in this pass.

First permit

Duration of status while enrolled.

Renewal

Continues while you maintain enrolment.

Family

Spouse and children can come on F-2 status (no work).

Only the SEVIS fee was confirmed on an official page. Visa fees, the new visa integrity fee and work rules were not checked in this pass.

US TN visa (for Canadians)

TN USMCA Professional

Canadian citizens with a pre-arranged US job in one of the USMCA professions; status is granted at the border, up to 3 years at a time.

What you need

• Canadian citizenship.
• Pre-arranged job with a US employer in a profession covered by USMCA, plus an employer letter describing the role, length of stay and your qualifications.
• Qualified to practise the profession (degree or credentials as required); credentials evaluation if applicable.

Not for

• UK citizens
• Self-employment
• Occupations outside the USMCA list

Where you apply

From home or inside the country. No consular visa needed: present documents to CBP at a designated port of entry or pre-clearance station, or the employer files Form I-129 with USCIS first.

How long it takes

Usually decided at the port of entry; I-129 Premium Processing available.

First permit

Up to 3 years.

Renewal

Extend via Form I-129 inside the US, or leave and reapply at the border.

Family

Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get TD status; they may study but cannot work.

Your passport

Canadian citizens only.