{"id":99752,"date":"2026-10-22T19:55:57","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T19:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/moving-to-usa-from-uk"},"modified":"2026-10-22T19:56:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T19:56:00","slug":"moving-to-usa-from-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/demenager-aux-etats-unis-depuis-le-royaume-uni","title":{"rendered":"D\u00e9m\u00e9nager aux \u00c9tats-Unis depuis le Royaume-Uni : visas, co\u00fbts et exp\u00e9dition de vos effets personnels (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Moving to the USA from the UK: Visas, Costs and Shipping Your Belongings (2026)\",\n            \"description\": \"Moving to the USA from the UK in 2026: the main visa routes, real costs, shipping household goods and cars, pets, healthcare and a step-by-step checklist.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/moving-to-usa-from-uk\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/moving-to-usa-from-uk-cargoholidays-1024x576.jpg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I move to the USA from the UK without a job?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"It is difficult. Most routes need an employer, a family relationship, an investment or exceptional ability. ESTA does not allow you to live or work in the US.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How much does it cost to move to the USA from the UK?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Many families spend &pound;10,000&ndash;&pound;25,000 including visas, shipping, travel and set-up costs, and more with legal help.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How long does shipping household goods to the USA take?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"About 10&ndash;14 days at sea to the east coast, and typically 4&ndash;8 weeks door to door.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I take my UK car to America?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Usually only if it is 25 years old or more, or meets US standards. Most people sell and buy locally.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I enter the green card lottery from the UK?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Generally not if you were born in Great Britain. People born in Northern Ireland are usually eligible.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n<\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Derni\u00e8re mise \u00e0 jour : 22 octobre 2026<\/p><p><strong>The USA remains one of the most popular destinations for Britons moving abroad,<\/strong> whether for a job transfer, a relationship, a business or a fresh start. Moving to America takes careful planning, because the visa system is complex and the cost of setting up can be high. This guide covers the essentials for 2026.<\/p><h2>Step 1: Find the right visa<\/h2><p>You need a visa or green card that allows you to live and work in the US. ESTA is for visits only. The main routes for UK citizens:<\/p><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Itin\u00e9raire<\/th><th>\u00c0 qui s'adresse-t-il ?<\/th><th>Points cl\u00e9s<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>L-1 intracompany transfer<\/td><td>Employees of multinational companies<\/td><td>Transfer to a US office of your employer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>H-1B specialty occupation<\/td><td>Graduates with a US job offer<\/td><td>Annual lottery with limited places<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>E-2 treaty investor<\/td><td>People investing in a US business<\/td><td>Available to UK nationals; renewable<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>O-1 extraordinary ability<\/td><td>Top performers in their field<\/td><td>Strong evidence needed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Family-based green card<\/td><td>Spouses and close relatives of US citizens or residents<\/td><td>Waiting times vary<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Employment-based green card<\/td><td>Workers sponsored by a US employer<\/td><td>Can take years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>K-1 fianc&eacute;(e) visa<\/td><td>Engaged to a US citizen<\/td><td>Must marry within 90 days<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p>UK-born applicants are generally not eligible for the green card &ldquo;diversity lottery&rdquo;, although people born in Northern Ireland usually are. Immigration rules change, so check the US State Department and USCIS websites or speak to a US immigration attorney.<\/p><h2>Step 2: Budget for the move<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>D\u00e9pense<\/th><th>Plage typique<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Visa and legal fees<\/td><td>From a few hundred to several thousand dollars<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shipping a 20ft container (east coast)<\/td><td>&pound;4,000&ndash;&pound;7,000 door to door<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Exp\u00e9dition d'une voiture<\/td><td>US$1,200&ndash;2,500 plus compliance costs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flights or a sea crossing<\/td><td>From a few hundred pounds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rental deposit and first month<\/td><td>Often 1&ndash;2 months&rsquo; rent up front<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Health insurance<\/td><td>Can be significant if not provided by an employer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>A car on arrival<\/td><td>Essential in most of the US<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_344566703-1024x483.jpeg\" alt=\"Crane loading containers onto a ship at sunrise\" width=\"1024\" height=\"483\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Crane loading containers onto a ship at sunrise\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Household goods to the USA usually travel in a 20ft or 40ft container.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>\u00c9tape 3 : Exp\u00e9diez vos effets personnels<\/h2><p>Containers sail from Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway to New York\/New Jersey, Baltimore, Savannah, Charleston and Houston, or via Panama to the west coast.<\/p><ul><li><strong>Sea time:<\/strong> about 10&ndash;14 days to the east coast, and 4&ndash;5 weeks to the west coast<\/li><li><strong>Door to door:<\/strong> typically 4&ndash;8 weeks<\/li><li><strong>Customs:<\/strong> used household goods you have owned and used abroad are generally duty-free. Your mover files CBP Form 3299 with an inventory. Alcohol, food and some items are restricted.<\/li><\/ul><p>See our <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/international-removals-from-uk\/\">Guide du d\u00e9m\u00e9nagement international<\/a> to compare quotes.<\/p><h2>Step 4: Cars and pets<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Cars:<\/strong> vehicles must meet US safety and emissions standards unless they are 25 years old or more. Most UK cars do not, so many people sell up and buy in the US. See <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/shipping-a-car-from-usa-to-uk\/\">shipping a car between the USA and the UK<\/a>.<\/li><li><strong>Dogs:<\/strong> the CDC has strict rules for dogs entering the US, including microchips, minimum age and an online import form. Cats have fewer federal rules, but some states and airlines add requirements. Check the latest CDC and USDA guidance.<\/li><\/ul><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays9-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Un porte-conteneurs naviguant en mer\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Un porte-conteneurs naviguant en mer\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">East coast shipments take around two to three weeks at sea.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Step 5: Settle in<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Social Security Number (SSN):<\/strong> needed for work, banking and credit<\/li><li><strong>Credit history:<\/strong> UK credit does not transfer, so start with a secured card if needed<\/li><li><strong>Permis de conduire :<\/strong> most states require you to pass a local test. Use an International Driving Permit at first.<\/li><li><strong>Sant\u00e9 :<\/strong> make sure you have insurance from day one<\/li><li><strong>Fiscalit\u00e9 :<\/strong> the US taxes residents on worldwide income, so take advice on UK pensions and investments<\/li><\/ul><h2>Arriving by sea<\/h2><p>Some movers cross the Atlantic by ship for the luggage allowance and a memorable start. Queen Mary 2 sails to New York in seven nights, and cargo ships take about 9&ndash;14 days. See <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/boat-from-uk-to-usa\/\">par bateau, du Royaume-Uni vers les \u00c9tats-Unis<\/a>.<\/p><h2>Foire aux questions<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>Can I move to the USA from the UK without a job?<\/h3><p>It is difficult. Most routes need an employer, a family relationship, an investment or exceptional ability. ESTA does not allow you to live or work in the US.<\/p><h3>How much does it cost to move to the USA from the UK?<\/h3><p>Many families spend &pound;10,000&ndash;&pound;25,000 including visas, shipping, travel and set-up costs, and more with legal help.<\/p><h3>How long does shipping household goods to the USA take?<\/h3><p>About 10&ndash;14 days at sea to the east coast, and typically 4&ndash;8 weeks door to door.<\/p><h3>Can I take my UK car to America?<\/h3><p>Usually only if it is 25 years old or more, or meets US standards. Most people sell and buy locally.<\/p><h3>Can I enter the green card lottery from the UK?<\/h3><p>Generally not if you were born in Great Britain. People born in Northern Ireland are usually eligible.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>Start your American life by sea<\/strong><p>Ask us about transatlantic cargo ship cabins with generous luggage allowances.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/sinformer-pour-une-croisiere-cargo\/\">Get a transatlantic quote &rarr;<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>S'installer aux \u00c9tats-Unis depuis le Royaume-Uni en 2026 : les principales proc\u00e9dures d'obtention de visa, les co\u00fbts r\u00e9els, l'exp\u00e9dition des biens m\u00e9nagers et des voitures, les animaux de compagnie, les soins de sant\u00e9 et une liste de contr\u00f4le \u00e9tape par \u00e9tape.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99751,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1019,1018,1021],"tags":[1514,1510,1606,1608,1607],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99752"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99752"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99752\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99753,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99752\/revisions\/99753"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99751"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99752"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99752"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}