Work visas and jobs in America for Brits
Finding the right work visa for the USA as a UK citizen is the hardest part of moving to America. There is no general work visa: each route depends on your employer, your skills, your investment or your family. This guide explains the main options for 2026, including the major changes to the H-1B visa, and gives you practical tips for finding a job in the USA.
| $100,000 new H-1B fee for many petitions from abroad |
$215 H-1B registration fee |
E-2 open to UK citizens |
5 to 9 weeks sea freight to the USA |
Checked October 2026. Visa rules and fees below were checked against USCIS and the U.S. Department of State in October 2026. US immigration policy is changing quickly, so always confirm the current position with official sources or an immigration attorney.
Work visa USA for UK citizens: the main routes
| Visa | Who it suits | Employer needed? | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B | Graduate professionals in specialty occupations | Yes, sponsor | Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 |
| L-1 | Staff transferring within a multinational company | Yes, same company group | L-1A up to 7 years; L-1B up to 5 |
| E-2 | Investors running a US business | No, you own it | Up to 5 years per visa, renewable |
| O-1 | People with extraordinary ability | Yes, or a US agent | Up to 3 years, extendable |
| Green card | Permanent residence through work or family | Usually | Permanent |
H-1B visa: the 2026 changes
The H-1B is the main US visa for professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. Numbers are capped at 85,000 new visas a year, including 20,000 for US master’s graduates. Employers register candidates each March, and USCIS selects registrations for the following October start.
Two major changes apply now:
- Weighted selection: for the FY 2027 cap (registration in March 2026), USCIS replaced the purely random lottery with a weighted system. Registrations at higher wage levels have a better chance of selection.
- $100,000 fee: a presidential proclamation in September 2025 added a $100,000 payment for many new H-1B petitions, mainly where the worker is outside the USA. Workers already in the USA who change status may not be affected.
The registration fee is $215 per candidate, and the employer pays the petition fees. In practice, the new fee means employers are far more selective about sponsoring candidates from abroad. Check USCIS for the latest guidance on who pays the fee.
L-1 intracompany transfer
If you work for a company with offices in both the UK and the USA, the L-1 is often the easiest route. You must have worked for the company group outside the USA for at least one continuous year in the last three years.
- L-1A: for managers and executives. It can lead to a green card through the EB-1C category.
- L-1B: for staff with specialised knowledge of the company’s products or processes.
There is no annual cap and no lottery, which makes the L-1 a strong option if your employer can move you.
E-2 treaty investor visa
The UK is an E-2 treaty country, so British citizens can apply. The E-2 lets you live in the USA while you develop and direct a business in which you have invested a substantial amount of capital.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Nationality | You and the business must be at least 50% UK owned |
| Investment | Substantial in relation to the business; often $100,000 or more in practice |
| Active business | A real operating business, not passive investment |
| Application | Usually made at the US Embassy in London |
Your spouse can apply for work authorisation and your children under 21 can study in the USA. The E-2 does not lead directly to a green card.
O-1 extraordinary ability visa
The O-1 is for people with sustained national or international recognition in science, education, business, athletics, the arts or film and television. Evidence can include awards, publications, high salary, press coverage and leading roles. There is no cap, and many UK professionals in tech, research and creative industries use it.
How long the process takes
Timelines depend on the route and on consular appointment waits at the US Embassy in London.
| Route | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| H-1B (cap) | Registration in March, selection by around April, earliest start date 1 October |
| L-1 (individual petition) | Around 2 to 6 months, faster with premium processing |
| E-2 | Around 2 to 4 months to prepare the case, then an embassy interview |
| O-1 | Around 2 to 4 months including evidence gathering; premium processing available |
| Employment green card | Often 1 to 3 years or longer, depending on category and priority date |
Premium processing with USCIS speeds up the petition decision for many categories, but it does not shorten embassy appointment waits. Start your shipping plans once you have a firm start date, as sea freight to the USA needs around 4 to 8 weeks of notice.
Why the TN visa is not an option
The TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the USA under the USMCA trade agreement. It is not available to UK citizens. If you hold Canadian citizenship as well as British, you may be eligible through your Canadian passport.
Green card routes
| Route | Summary |
|---|---|
| EB-1 | Extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, multinational managers |
| EB-2 | Advanced degree professionals; the National Interest Waiver needs no job offer |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers and professionals with a job offer and labour certification |
| EB-5 | Investment of $800,000 or $1,050,000 depending on location |
| Family | Spouse, parent or sibling of a US citizen, or spouse of a green card holder |
| Diversity Visa lottery | Most people born in Great Britain are not eligible; check the State Department’s annual list |
Green cards are handled by USCIS within the USA and by the State Department abroad. This is general guidance and not legal advice. Always use the official USCIS and travel.state.gov websites, and speak to a qualified US immigration attorney before you apply.
In-demand jobs and salaries
Employers sponsor visas most often in fields with skills shortages. Typical 2026 salaries based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data:
| Role | Typical US salary | Common visa route |
|---|---|---|
| Software developer | $120,000 to $160,000 | H-1B, L-1, O-1 |
| Registered nurse | $80,000 to $110,000 | EB-3 green card |
| Physician | $230,000+ | H-1B, EB-2 |
| Data scientist | $110,000 to $150,000 | H-1B, O-1 |
| Engineer (civil or mechanical) | $90,000 to $120,000 | H-1B |
| Financial analyst | $90,000 to $120,000 | H-1B, L-1 |
Start with the visa route, then the job search: the right route decides which employers can realistically hire you.
Pros and cons of working in the USA
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher salaries in most skilled roles | Visas are limited, expensive and slow |
| Large job market across many industries | Health insurance is tied to your employer |
| Clear routes from some visas to a green card | Less paid leave than in the UK |
Ten job search tips for Brits
- Target UK companies with US offices for an L-1 transfer.
- Search for employers with a history of sponsoring visas.
- Rewrite your CV as a one or two page US style resume without a photo.
- Use US job titles and convert your qualifications.
- Build your LinkedIn network in your target city.
- Consider an O-1 if you have strong evidence of recognition.
- Explore the E-2 if you plan to start or buy a business.
- Check licensing rules for regulated jobs such as nursing.
- Budget for health insurance when comparing offers.
- Plan your move and shipping once your visa is approved.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can UK citizens work in the USA?
Yes, but only with a work visa or green card. The ESTA visa waiver does not allow you to work.
2. What is the easiest US work visa for UK citizens?
The L-1 is often the most straightforward if your UK employer has a US office. The E-2 suits people investing in their own business.
3. How does the H-1B lottery work now?
USCIS now uses weighted selection, giving higher wage registrations a better chance. Registration runs in March each year.
4. What is the $100,000 H-1B fee?
A September 2025 proclamation added a $100,000 payment for many new H-1B petitions, mainly for workers outside the USA. Check USCIS for current details.
5. Can British citizens get an E-2 visa?
Yes. The UK is an E-2 treaty country, so British citizens can apply if they invest substantially in a US business.
6. Can UK citizens get a TN visa?
No. The TN visa is only for Canadian and Mexican citizens.
7. Can I get a green card through work?
Yes, through the EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 or EB-5 categories, depending on your skills, job offer or investment.
8. Can I enter the Diversity Visa lottery?
Most people born in Great Britain are not eligible. Check the U.S. Department of State’s current eligibility list.
9. Which jobs are most in demand in the USA?
Software, data, healthcare, engineering and finance roles are among the most sponsored.
10. Where can I check official US visa information?
Use USCIS for petitions and green cards, and the U.S. Department of State and US Embassy London for visa applications.
Ready to move to the USA?
Once your visa is approved, read our guide to moving to America from the UK and the best places to live in the USA. Compare removals to the USA and luggage shipping to the USA, then get a free quote from a free video survey.
