Moving to California from the UK: Complete guide

If you're looking to start a new life in a sunny, diverse and coastal destination, California is the perfect choice. As the most populous state in the US, it’s no surprise that many expats are drawn to its vibrant lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving to California from the UK, including the cost of living, visa options, popular expat destinations and much more.

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to manage your money across borders. With the Wise account from the money services provider Wise, you can send, spend and convert money in 40+ currencies at great mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

Looking to take your savings with you? Wise can also help you with large transfers.

Learn more about the Wise account

Table of contents

Can you move to California from the UK? What are the requirements to move to California? How long can a British citizen live in California? How to move to California from the UK Moving to California with pets Visas and residence permits in California How to apply for residency How to renew your residency Options for retiring to California from the UK Living in California - The key facts Popular cities and locations for expats Cost of living in California Opening a California bank account Renting and buying property in California Healthcare in California Finding a job and working in California Studying in California Save on your relocation costs to California with Wise Conclusion

Can you move to California from the UK?

Yes, you can move to California from the UK, but you need to meet certain requirements depending on the visa type.

Let’s go through the steps and explain how to move to California from the UK.

What are the requirements to move to California?

In order to move to California permanently, you’ll need to obtain a Green Card. The most common route is by applying for an immigrant visa, usually through employment or family sponsorship.¹

The step-by-step for a Green Card application varies depending on the situation, but here are the usual steps:

1. Have your sponsor file an immigration petition on your behalf with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
2. Once this petition is accepted, apply for a Green Card with USCIS or a visa with the U.S. Department of State
3. Attend a biometrics appointment
4. Go to an interview
5. Wait for a decision²

The Green Card application form is called Form I-485. Other necessary petitions depend on the circumstances, but typical ones include Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-140 (Petition for Alien Worker).

How long can a British citizen live in California?

You can live in California as long as you keep your Green Card up to date. Green Cards are typically valid for 10 years, except in special cases where they are only valid for two years.³

How to move to California from the UK

There are various ways to move to the US, but here are the key steps for moving to California from the UK on a work visa:

1. Do job market research

Explore high-demand careers, salary averages and job opportunities in California.

2. Secure a job and gather the necessary documents

After securing a job, your employer will apply for your immigrant visa with USCIS. Be sure to provide them with all the required information and documents.

3. Find a place to live

Look for a place to live by browsing online listings or reaching out to a real estate agency.

4. Look into health insurance and California banks

Research private healthcare options in California, as well as US banks and international bank accounts.

5. Read customs and imports rules before packing

Check US customs and import rules before packing to avoid bringing prohibited items or exceeding duty-free limits.

6. Consider hiring a moving company and pack only the most valuable items

Pack your valuables yourself and consider hiring a moving company for the rest.

Moving to California with pets

The main requirements for moving your dog to California are ensuring they are up to date on all vaccinations and a health certificate confirming they are fit for travel. Additionally, you’ll need to submit an online CDC dog import form 2-10 days before arrival.⁴

Cats don’t require proof of vaccination or an import form, but it's important to check for any updates on these requirements.⁴

Visas and residence permits in California

There are many US visa categories, but the most common route for moving to California from the UK is through an immigrant work visa. There are various types of this visa, including the following:

• EB-1 visa (foreign nationals who are recognized as leaders in their field)
• EB-2 visa (professionals with an advanced university degree who have a job offer from a US company)
• EB-2 visa (skilled workers with a bachelor degree and a job offer from a US company)¹

If you have family members in the US, you may want to consider family-based immigrant visas. Here are some of the categories available:

• R-1 visa (spouse of a US citizen)
• F2 Family Second Preference (spouses, minor children and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents)
• F3 Family Third Preference (married sons and daughters of US citizens)¹

You can also apply for the Green Card Lottery for a chance to receive one of 50,000 permanent residence opportunities.¹

How to apply for residency

The document requirements and application process vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for. Your sponsor will handle the application, so make sure to provide them with all the necessary information. For a work visa, your employer will sponsor you, while a US permanent resident family member can sponsor you for a family visa.⁵

If you're applying for a work visa, your employer will complete Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), accepting financial responsibility for you.⁵

And here are the required steps you’ll need to take:

1. Fill out the Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-260)
2. Gather the required civil documents for your visa type (birth certificate, police certificates, copy of valid passport etc.)
3. Pay the visa fee
4. Complete a medical exam
5. Attend the visa interview⁵

How to renew your residency

You can begin the Green Card renewal process six months before it expires. Green Cards are typically valid for 10 years, except for conditional permanent residents, whose cards are valid for only two years.³

The Green Card renewal fee is $540. The process involves filling out Form I-90 and submitting it through the USCIS website.⁶

Options for retiring to California from the UK

Although USA doesn’t have a specific retirement visa, British citizens can retire in California through other visa options. One such option is the EB-5 visa, also known as the EB-5 investor program. By investing a minimum of $800,000 in a U.S. enterprise, you can obtain permanent residence.⁷

If you manage to retire in California, you can also claim your UK state pension there. It can be paid into a UK bank account or a California one, in which case you’ll be paid in the local currency. You can choose how often you’ll get paid - anywhere from 4 to 13 weeks. Contact the International Pension Centre to get the most recent information.⁸

Living in California - The key facts

Here are some basic facts you should know about California if you’re considering moving there:

💰 Currency:	US dollar (USD)
🗣️ Main language:	English
👥 Population:	around 39 million⁹
🇬🇧 Number of British expats:	203,387¹⁰

Popular cities and locations for expats

California, the most populous state in the US, offers a variety of appealing living destinations. Whether you prefer the fast-paced cities, peaceful seaside or areas near national parks, there’s something for everyone.¹¹

The state's strengths include a robust economy, high quality of life and cultural diversity, with some places standing out more than others. Some of the most attractive places in California are San Francisco, Monte Sereno, Silicon Valley, Los Altos, Morgan Hill, San Diego and Carmel Valley.¹¹

San Francisco, San Diego and Silicon Valley are major cities and global business hubs, making them ideal for job seekers. Carmel Valley and Morgan Hill are known for their wineries and stunning nature, while Los Altos and Monte Sereno are peaceful, family-friendly towns in Silicon Valley.¹¹

Cost of living in California

When comparing the two biggest cities in California and the UK, Los Angeles and London, the prices are quite similar. However, you might be able to save up more in LA. Let’s explore several categories to give you an idea of how much life in California will cost you.¹²

The overall cost of living and rent prices are quite similar, with LA being slightly cheaper. However, buying an apartment in California is significantly more affordable, with prices up to 60% lower. You’ll also pay about three times less for a monthly public transport pass.¹²

Basic utilities are around 40% cheaper in Los Angeles, but phone bills are much higher. Groceries are about 30% more expensive, though the local purchasing power is 20% higher than in London.¹²

Opening a California bank account

After moving to California from the UK, one of your top priorities should be choosing a bank and opening a local account. This will help you manage your finances, pay rent, cover daily expenses and receive payments.

The largest banks in the USA include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup and Wells Fargo.¹³ Most of them have similar basic requirements for opening an account, typically including:

• A valid passport or other form of ID (State ID, driving licence, Social Security card)
• Proof of address (mortgage document, utility bill, bank statement, credit card statement)¹⁴

The requirements may vary depending on the bank and the type of account, such as a business account. Additionally, some banks may ask for a minimum deposit to open the account.¹⁴

Whether you’ll be able to keep your UK bank account after moving depends on your bank. For example, Barclays closes your account once you move abroad.¹⁵

Renting and buying property in California

You can rent and buy property as a UK citizen if you prove your financial stability. You can do this by showing your international credit score or employment documents. There are no other restrictions for foreigners, though you may be required to pay a higher security deposit.¹⁶

There are no restrictions on buying property in California as a foreigner, as long as you’re eligible for a Social Security Number. If not, you’ll need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number first.¹⁶

Whether you’re renting or buying, consulting a real estate agent can be helpful. However, if you prefer to search on your own, here are some popular property websites:

• Zillow
• Apartments.com
• Realtor.com
• Zumper

Healthcare in California

Expats don’t need health insurance before moving to the US, but it’s highly recommended due to the high cost of healthcare. Finding good coverage in advance is the best option.¹⁷

The US healthcare system is mostly private, with limited public options. Medicare and Medicaid primarily assist retirees and low-income individuals, while the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expands access for most US citizens and permanent residents.¹⁷

In California, only 6% of hospitals are in the public healthcare system. However, those hospitals serve about 80% of the population in 15 counties.¹⁸

Health insurance

The USA doesn’t have universal healthcare, choosing the right health insurance is essential. While private insurance can be expensive, it provides access to quality care and shorter wait times.

Medication and prescription requirements and restrictions

Before packing, check with the US Embassy for updated information on restricted medications. Always keep your medication in its original packaging and carry it in your hand luggage.

Finding a job and working in California

You can work in California as a British citizen if you have the right immigrant work visa and a Green Card. This usually requires finding an employer to sponsor and assist with your application.

The average annual salary in California is $76,960, though it varies by job and location. For example, anesthesiologists earn over $450,000, dermatologists make around $313,000 and chief executives earn about $281,000.¹⁹

Studying in California

California is home to many prestigious universities, including Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology and the University of California. Stanford ranks as the second-best university in the world, while the University of California has ten campuses across the state.²⁰

Annual tuition at the University of California is around $40,000 for on-campus students and $20,000 for those with private accommodation. However, when factoring in the cost of books, transportation, and rent, the total exceeds $40,000 for both groups.²¹

Despite the high costs, studying here may still be affordable, as the University of California offers excellent financial aid. Over 50% of students pay no tuition at all.²¹

Save on your relocation costs to California with Wise

Before moving to California, you’re likely to have lots of costs to cover. Some of these, such as real estate costs, visa application fees and rental deposits, will need to cross borders and can get expensive because of the transfer fees and exchange rate markups.

Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and the US for low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is always safeguarded.

You can also get the Wise card for a one-time fee of £7 to spend in USD from the moment you step off the plane. It works in 150+ countries and automatically converts your pounds to the local currency whenever you spend, only adding a tiny, upfront currency conversion fee*.

Here’s an overview of the main benefits of using Wise:
Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, upfront, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rates Dedicated support for large transfers Sophisticated security and anti-fraud measures, with your money safeguarded under regulatory protections Trackable and fast transfers to 140+ countries Low-cost spending in 150+ countries with the Wise card

Sign up with Wise today 🚀

Conclusion

• To move to California from the UK permanently, you need to obtain a Green Card
• A visa sponsor, such as your employer or a family member, will likely need to apply on your behalf and take financial responsibility for you
• While there’s no specific retirement visa, you can apply for the EB-5 visa program
• The cost of living in California’s major cities is comparable to that of the UK’s big cities across most categories
• To buy property in California, you’ll need either a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

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Sources used:

1. Immigration Advice Service - moving from the UK to the USA
2. USCIS - how to apply for a Green Card
3. USCIS - renewing your resident card
4. Pet Relocation - relocating your pets to the US
5. Department of State Travel - the Immigrant visa process
6. USCIS - fees FAQ
7. The Telegraph - moving to the USA from the UK
8. Gov.uk - State Pension if you retire abroad
9. Public Policy Institute of California - California population
10. World Population Review - British population in California
11. Mod Movers - top California spots for expats
12. Numbeo - cost of living in London compared to Los Angeles
13. Bankrate - largest banks in the US
14. Chase Bank - documents for opening an account
15. Barclays - living outside the UK
16. Internations - renting and buying property in the US
17. International Insurance - healthcare in the US
18. CAPH - California’s public health care systems
19. Smart Asset - average salary in California
20. Top Universities - studying in California
21. University of California - tuition & cost of attendance

Sources last checked on date: 27-Feb-2025