How to Get Employed in the USA as a British Citizen

In terms of employment, the US offers higher salaries, diverse opportunities, and more potential for growth. Though many argue that the cost of living in the USA is high, even after accounting for purchasing power parity (PPP), US workers are paid more. In the USA, the average net salary after taxes is 35% higher than in the UK. Furthermore, housing in the USA is 40% cheaper than in the UK. 

In addition, the growing industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare offer excellent job opportunities in the USA. This leads to many seeking job opportunities in the USA, and, thus, knowing the visa requirements for UK citizens to the USA is essential.

Understanding USA Work Visa Requirements

UK citizens need not get a visa for their visit to the USA if it is for tourism or business, and the stay is less than 90 days. However, to work in the USA, people either have to hold a work visa (H1B) or a Green Card.

While a work visa is a temporary permit that allows you to work in the USA, the Green Card offers permanent residency in the country. 

Further, the eligibility criteria given below are key in terms of work visa requirements for the USA:

• A job offer.
• The right qualifications, skills, and work experience for the job.
• A passport with a validity of 6 months more than your duration of stay.
• A Department of Labor certificate.
• A petition approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• Proof of finances.
• Proof of ties to your country of residence.
• A medical certificate.

Types of U.S. Work Visas for British Citizens

To work in the United States of America, UK citizens can apply for one of the below types of visa:

H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)

People who wish to apply for an H1-B visa need to have specific knowledge in a given field and hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a US university (or equivalent). To apply, people have to submit proof of education, an offer letter, and a sponsorship letter from a company based out of the USA.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services poses an annual cap of 65,000 new H1-B visas. However, an additional 20,000 applications filed by employers are exempt from this. 

Some common professional fields that call for H1-B visas are:

• Engineering
• Healthcare
• IT
• Business
• Education
• Science
• Architecture
• Social Sciences

L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)

For intracompany transfers from a foreign country to the USA, the person in question needs to go for an L-1 visa. Among these, the L-1A visa is meant for those in managerial positions, while the L-1B is for other employees. 

With the L-1 visa, employees can enjoy an initial 3-year stay in the US with the option of getting subsequent 2-year renewals. However, to be eligible for the L-1 visa, the employee must complete a year of employment with a foreign branch of the company.

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

This visa category is meant for people who possess exceptional ability in the sciences, business, arts, education, athletics, or motion picture industry. With a valid O-1 visa, people can enjoy a 3-year stay in the USA initially, with 1-year extensions.

To add, any person accompanying the O-1 visa holder to assist in their activities will have to file an O-2 visa. Further, the family of those holding an O-1 visa can apply for an O-3 visa to accompany them. In the event of a change of employment, these people will have to file Form I-129 with the USCIS.

Green Card Options (Permanent Employment-Based Visas)

Other than getting a work permit or work visa in the USA, people can also apply for a Green Card that offers them permanent residence. Under this, there are three categories available:

EB-1 for priority workers and those of exceptional ability

This permanent visa option is open to those with exceptional skills, professors, multinational executives, and managers. These people can petition directly; employer sponsorship is not needed.

EB-2 for people with advanced degrees

To avail of this option, applicants need to have a certification from the Department of Labor and a sponsorship from their employer in the USA. If the person holds a National Interest Waiver (NIW), then he/she may apply without the labor certification.

EB-3 for skilled workers and professionals

These workers require a labor certification and job offer to apply. Further, the employer must file a petition on their behalf.

Finding a Job in the U.S.

Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the like are good options when it comes to job hunting. Further, you can also review the career pages of the companies you want to work for. Further, you may get headhunted for a job in the US based on your present job experience.

The healthcare, technology, and engineering sectors absorb a high volume of foreign workers. With the right qualifications and experience, getting a spot in the US job market can be easier than you think. 

However, to work there, your employer needs to sponsor you to meet the work visa requirements for UK citizens to the USA. Thus, it might be a good idea to cross-check this with the companies you are interviewing with.

Securing Employer Sponsorship

An essential part of work visa requirements for the USA, employer sponsorship proves that hiring you does not harm the local labor market. Plus, it states that you are uniquely qualified for the role you are being hired in. 

Thus, to secure employer sponsorship, you need to understand the work visa requirements for UK citizens to the USA, i.e., which visa type aligns with your situation. Research extensively to know which companies will sponsor your visa and apply accordingly. Highlight your key skills to make your profile attractive to employers. 

Be sure to bring up the employer sponsorship during your interview to get clarity on whether the company will provide the same.

Applying for a Work Visa

Once you have a job offer in hand, it is time to apply for a US Visa. Go through the work visa requirements for UK citizens to the USA and gather the necessary documents.

A key part of the work visa requirements for the USA is an approved petition from the USCIS via Form I-129. On approval, your employer will receive a notification from the USCIS. Then you can kick off the visa application process. 

As an applicant for a work permit, you will need the following:

• A valid passport.
• An approval from the USCIS.
• Your list of qualifications along with a letter of sponsorship (to be provided by the employer).
• Proof of finances, income tax returns, past salary slips, and similar documents.
• Past employment records and feedback.
• A Labor Condition Application if you are going for an immigrant visa. 

Once your visa application processing starts, you will have to attend an interview at your closest US Consulate.

Moving to the US and Starting Work

On successful approval of your US work visa application, it is time to prepare for your move to the USA. Look for housing near your workplace for an easy commute. Some companies provide accommodation for their employees.

Further, after you reach the USA, apply for an account with a bank based out of the USA and insurance for your healthcare. You have to get a Social Security Number (SSN) and meet the tax obligations. 

Alternative Ways of Getting Employment in the U.S. as a Foreign National

Other than directly applying for a job in the USA and getting the H-1B visa, you may also get a transfer to a US-based branch and thus go for the L-1 visa. Further, you may also explore investment opportunities in the US with the E-2 visa. To add, many who pursue their education in the USA can transition from their F-1 visa to the H-1B visa.

Getting Hired by Companies in the USA

While the requirements and work environment in the USA differ from that in the UK, many feel that the USA has a better job market with more scope for growth. Having the right qualifications and job experience is extremely useful when applying for a job in the USA. 

Understand the work visa requirements for UK citizens to the USA and get started on your application.