Moving to Texas from the UK: Complete guide

Thinking about moving to Texas? One of the biggest US states has great weather, a low cost of living and stunning nature. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to Texas 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 Texas from the UK? What are the requirements to move to Texas? How long can a British citizen live in Texas? How to move to Texas from the UK Moving to Texas with pets Visas and residence permits in Texas How to apply for residency How to renew your residency Options for retiring to Texas from the UK Living in Texas - The key facts Popular cities and locations for expats Cost of living in Texas - how much money do you need to move to Texas? Opening a Texas bank account Renting and buying property in Texas Healthcare in Texas Finding a job and working in Texas Studying in Texas Save on your relocation costs to Texas with Wise Conclusion

Can you move to Texas from the UK?

Yes, you can move to Texas from the UK, as long as you meet the requirements and provide the necessary documents.

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

What are the requirements to move to Texas?

You'll need a Green Card to move to Texas permanently. You can obtain one by applying for an immigrant visa, typically through employment or family sponsorship.¹

The required documents and steps vary based on your situation, but most applicants must go through the following process:

1. Have your sponsor file an immigration petition for you with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
2. File a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the U.S. Department of State
3. Attend a biometrics appointment
4. Go to an interview
5. Wait for a decision²

How long can a British citizen live in Texas?

Most Green Cards are valid for 10 years. If you renew it on time, you can remain in the US indefinitely.³

How to move to Texas from the UK

There are various ways to move to the US, including work and family visas. Here are the key steps to follow when moving to Texas from the UK on a work visa:

1. Do job market research

Explore in-demand careers, average salaries, and available job opportunities in Texas.

2. Secure a job and gather the necessary documents

Once you’ve secured a job and signed a contract, your employer will apply for your immigrant visa with the USCIS. Make sure you provide them with all necessary information and documents.²

3. Find a place to live

Start looking for a place to live, whether through online listings with the help of a real estate agency.

4. Look into health insurance and Texas banks

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

5. Read customs and imports rules before packing

Review Texas’s 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 essential documents and valuables yourself and consider hiring a moving company for everything else.

Moving to Texas with pets

Before moving to Texas, your dog must be up to date on all vaccinations, including rabies. A veterinarian must also issue 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 are not required to have proof of vaccination or an import form, but make sure you check for updates on this.⁴

Visas and residence permits in Texas

There are numerous US visa categories, but the most common route for moving to Texas from the UK is the immigrant work visa. There are multiple 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

Family-based immigrant visas are also an option. Here are some of their categories:

• 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

In addition to the standard immigrant visa process,** you can also apply for the Green Card Lottery**, giving you a chance to be one of the 50,000 randomly selected individuals for permanent residence.¹

How to apply for residency

The document requirements and application process vary depending on the visa you're applying for. Your visa sponsor is responsible for submitting your application, so ensure you provide them with 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. Complete 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

Green Cards are typically valid for 10 years, except for conditional permanent residents, whose cards are valid for only two years. If your Green Card expires in the next six months, you can start the renewal process.³

In order to do this, fill out Form I-90 and submit it through the USCIS website. The fee is $540, including biometric services.⁶

Options for retiring to Texas from the UK

The USA doesn’t have a specific retirement visa, but British citizens can still retire in Texas through other options. One of them is their EB-5 visa, also known as the EB-5 investor programme or the green card through investment programme. If you invest a minimum of $800,000 into a US enterprise, you can get permanent residence.⁷

If you manage to retire in Texas, you can also claim your UK state pension there. It can be paid into a UK bank account or a Texas 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 Texas - The key facts

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

💰 Currency:	US dollar (USD)
🗣️ Main language:	English
👥 Population:	31,290,831⁹
🇬🇧 Number of British expats:	around 145,000¹⁰

Popular cities and locations for expats

As one of the largest states in the USA, Texas offers a wide range of living options, from bustling cities to charming small towns. Some locations, however, stand out as particularly desirable based on factors such as quality of life and job opportunities. Considering this, one public survey identified the ten most desirable cities in Texas. Among them are Austin, McAllen, El Paso, San Antonio, Beaumont and Dallas.¹¹

Of these cities, Dallas is the largest, while Beaumont has a population of around 115,000.¹¹

Cost of living in Texas - how much money do you need to move to Texas?

Prices in Texas are generally lower than in the UK, except for certain categories such as groceries and phone bills. Let’s go through some average prices in London and Dallas to give you a clearer idea.¹²

The overall cost of living in Dallas is about 15% lower, though this doesn’t include rent. Rent is typically 20% to 40% cheaper, while buying an apartment can cost over 80% less. You’ll also save around 20% on dining out and 60% on monthly transport passes.¹²

Basic utilities are about 20% cheaper in Dallas, but phone bills cost, on average, four times as much. However, not only are prices generally lower in Dallas, but purchasing power is also roughly 50% higher.¹²

Opening a Texas bank account

Choosing a bank and opening a local bank account should be on your list of priorities after moving to Texas from the UK. You’ll need it for managing your finances, as well as paying rent, handling everyday expenses and getting paid.

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

• 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

Other requirements will vary depending on your bank and the type of account you choose, such as a business account. Some banks may also require a minimum opening deposit.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 Texas

When renting in the US, you might be asked to provide more documents that prove your financial stability. This includes showing your international credit score and employment documents, as well as paying a higher security deposit in some cases. The deposit can be from two to twelve months of rent.¹⁶

When it comes to buying property in Texas, there are no restrictions for you as a foreigner, but different tax rules may apply. Non-resident investors might face a 30% tax on rental income, though IRS guidelines can help reduce this. Property sales are typically taxed at 15%, but long-term ownership or smaller sales may qualify for lower rates.¹⁷

The paperwork involved includes applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and completing IRS Form 1040-NR.¹⁷

Whether you plan to rent or buy property, you might want to consult a real estate agent. However, if you'd prefer to browse property websites on your own, here are some popular options right now:

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

Healthcare in Texas

Expats don’t need health insurance before moving to the USA. However, since healthcare is expensive, it’s strongly recommended to arrange coverage in advance.¹⁸

Healthcare in the US is mostly private, with limited public options. Programs like Medicare and Medicaid primarily serve retirees and low-income individuals. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also helps expand healthcare access to most US citizens and permanent residents.¹⁸

The Methodist Hospital in Houston is considered to be one of the best in the country.¹⁹

Health insurance

The USA doesn’t have universal healthcare, so the health insurance you pick is quite important. Although it can be quite expensive, private insurance gives you access to quality care and shorter waiting times.

Medication and prescription requirements and restrictions

Check with the US Embassy for the latest information on any medications that may be restricted. Always carry your medication in its original packaging and keep it in your hand luggage.

Finding a job and working in Texas

You can work in Texas as a British citizen if you obtain the right work visa. This typically requires finding an employer to sponsor you and assist with the application process.

It’s best to start your job search online while still in the UK. Look for companies that hire international employees and explore visa options for skilled workers.

The average annual salary in Texas is $52,885, though this varies by job and location. For example, cardiac anesthesiologists earn over $360,000, ultrasound technologists make just over $102,000, and food delivery drivers earn around $35,760.²⁰

Studying in Texas

Texas is home to several top universities, including some ranked among the world’s top 100. The University of Texas at Austin is one of the best, known for its strong research programs and great sports teams. Other top universities include Rice University, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Dallas.²¹

Annual tuition at Texas universities is higher for non-residents, so consider becoming a resident before applying. At Texas State University, tuition costs around $12,220 for residents and $24,520 for non-residents.²²

Save on your relocation costs to Texas with Wise

Before moving to Texas, 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 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

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Conclusion

• UK citizens moving to Texas permanently need to obtain a Green Card
• In most cases, you need a visa sponsor to apply on your behalf and accept financial responsibility for you
• There’s no dedicated retirement visa, but you can apply for the EB-5 investor programme
• The cost of living in Texas is lower than in the UK, but make sure you invest in good health insurance
• Studying in Texas can cost twice as much for non-residents

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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. United States Census Bureau - Texas population
10. World Population Review - British population in Texas
11. Austin American-Statesman - best places to live in Texas
12. Numbeo - cost of living in London compared to Dallas
13. Bankrate - largest banks in the US
14. Chase Bank - documents for opening an account
15. Barclays - living outside the UK
16. Internations - renting in the US
17. The Luxury Playbook - buying property in the US as an expat
18. International Insurance - healthcare in the US
19. i-Brokers - US health insurance
20. Zip Recruiter - average salary in Texas
21. Top Universities - studying in Texas
22. Texas State University - cost of attendance

Sources last checked on date: 25-Feb-2025