Moving to England from USA

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If you have finalized the destination to move from the USA and are heading towards England, there is a lot that you need to be aware of. The documentation, the actual process of moving, the house scouting and more! Don’t worry! At International Sea & Air Shipping we are at your beck and call all the time to provide all the relocation assistance you will need for a successful move to England from the USA.

Starting right from offering you free quotes for moving household goods to moving your car and your family, we have a specialized team at International Sea & Air Shipping who can help you complete your relocation to England without the hassles.

Our experienced team knows every step of an international move well. Be it to get you ready for the documentation processes or giving you proper guidance on the move – we have experts to assist you at every step.

At International Sea & Air Shipping, we provide cost-effective, tailor-made relocation services to make international moving affordable. We have in-house international moving experts who will use their knowledge and expertise to offer you the best end-to-end relocation to England from the USA. Let our professionals handle your international relocation and move to England hassle-free.

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to England

At International Sea & Air Shipping, we offer range of services; we specialize in overseas moving; including shipping personal effects and household goods, export packing and crating, and shipping internationally, cars and boats. If you are relocating from the USA for London, Manchester, Cambridge, Liverpool or any other major city or town in England, you can count on our dedicated teams of professionals to handle everything smoothly and professionally, from beginning to end.

You have sorted out the visa and other documentation process, it is time now to consider moving your household goods and your actual relocation process for shipping to England. You may collect information from different sources on moving your goods and other processes. If you want peace of mind and a smooth, hassle-free relocation to your new country, it is always best to let the professionals handle the move. At International Sea & Air Shipping we provide A to Z international relocation assistance that will let you focus on settling down in England and not worrying about the move.

About England

England, along with Scotland, Wales, and parts of Ireland, is part of the United Kingdom. The Celtic Sea, the North Sea, and the English Channel border it, separating it from continental Europe.

Taking its name from a Germanic tribe (the Angles) who settled there in the 5th and 6th centuries, England (meaning “land of the Angles”) has created the English language, the Anglican church and English law – the basis for all common law in many countries around the world, including the United States. England was also the world’s first industrialized nation, thanks in large part to the Industrial Revolution which began in England in the 18th century. England is one of the four countries that make Great Britain. Being one of the first places where modern human beings settled, England has quite an interesting and rich historical heritage.

The English capital of London (formerly Winchester until the 12th century) is the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom and one of the busiest cities in the world, with the City of London being the world’s largest financial center. London’s Heathrow Airport also boasts the most international passengers of any other airport.

But when you move to England from the USA, it’s not for the history or heritage alone! Relocation to England has its modern perks – the almost free National Healthcare Service, the great educational opportunities and the lure of settling down in one of those English cottages! Irresistible, right?

Customs Regulations for England

Valid passport
You may require a visa.
Work permit (if necessary)
Customs Form (Import Declaration)
- Two fully completed originals need to be provided to a Customs agent
C-3 Form (household goods and personal effects for primary residence)
- To clear household goods, you must complete this form, and only original forms, only with original ink signatures.
C-33 Form (household goods and personal effects for secondary residence)
Detailed Inventory of household goods and personal effects in English
- Two copies, valued, dated and signed by the Customer.
C426 Form (for diplomatic entry)

All household goods and personal effects must arrive within 12 months. This occurs after the customer’s arrival. This may be six months before their arrival to facilitate customs clearance.
- These items should come accompanied with a C-3 or C-33 Form
- You must include a detailed inventory of goods and household effects.
The following subject to special regulations, customers must obtain specific information directly from the Embassy or Consulate:
- Students
- Newlyweds and those who plan to marry shortly.
- Visitors
- Customers with goods coming from EU countries
- Customers with personal antiques or other inheritances not meant for resale

In England, you may not be able to import some items at all. These items include:

Illegal drugs
Flick knives (AKA switchblades) and gravity knives
All handguns except for certain .22 caliber target pistols
Chemical sprays used for self-defense purposes like pepper and CS gas sprays
Stun guns
Pornographic material
Horror comics
Drugs and other narcotics
Counterfeit currency
Meat, poultry, fish and other animal products (if traveling from a country not in the EU)
Trees, plants, shrubs, seeds, bulbs, soil, potatoes and other vegetables and fruits (if traveling from a country not in the EU)
Products created from remains of protected/endangered animal and plant species
- Fur, skins, ivory, reptile leather, caviar, shells or products made from these items

Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in England. These items include:

Firearms or realistic imitation firearms
Ammunition, explosives and fireworks
Weapons, count curved blades and swords longer than 50cms in length.
Household goods and personal effects if they are less than six months old (invoice required).
Alcohol, tobacco and perfume products have a duty charge. You must declare them on your Customs Form (C-3 or C-33).
- Do not ship these items along with your household goods.
- Importation of these items can result in a full inspection of your entire shipment.
Plants require a Phytosanitary Certificate
Rough diamonds
Certain radio transmitters
- CB radios, walkie-talkie, cordless telephones, etc.
You can import certain animal products if they are not for commercial use.
- Fur, skin and products made from the fur of harp and hooded seal pups
- Products made from dog and cat fur
- Finished goods containing specific fur for personal and private use

Customers moving to England for the first time may import vehicles (including trailers, boats and aircrafts) into the country if:

The owner is moving their primary residence to England
Customer living outside the European Union (EU) has been abroad for at least twelve months
The customer must have owned and used the vehicle abroad for at least six months.
The vehicle purchase was duty-free or tax-free.
The vehicle is for personal use only, and I cannot sell it within a year of importation.
A Declaration to Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise must specify:
- Manufacture date, make, model name, serial number, chassis number and engine number
- Cubic engine capacity and number of cylinders
- Whether it is petrol or diesel and left or right hand drive
- Description of the body, the price and the odometer reading
- Any extra or special features
  - Such as automatic transmission
- Any defects in the vehicle that would affect its price
Customs clearance may require the customer’s presence.

You will need the following documents:

Registration papers and title
Policy certificate or registration
Insurance policy
Original purchase invoice
Log book
Customs Form C104A (importing vehicle in connection with moving main residence to the United Kingdom)
Customs Form C104F (importing vehicle for a 6-12 month period)
Customs Form C384 (importing vehicle when duty is applicable)
Community Transit Document T2 (you can find in the country of export)

When importing a pet to England, the requirements are:

A microchip
Proof of rabies vaccination
Pet passport or third country official veterinary certificate
Proof of tapeworm treatment (for dogs only)
Use of an authorized carrier by an approved route
A blood test taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination (only if you are traveling from an unlisted country)
- Must wait three months from the date of the blood sample before traveling
- You must give the vet a copy of the test results.
- Blood test must show that the vaccination was successful
Customs Form C-5
Six months in quarantine in a government-approved facility for all dogs and cats
- You must book this time before importing your pet due to limited space in the quarantine kennel.
The import license is not granted until you meet other requirements and schedule six months in quarantine.
There are no restrictions on pet rodents, rabbits, birds, decorative fish, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles when arriving from EU countries.
- Rabbits and rodents from countries outside the EU must spend four months in quarantine and have a rabies import license

Rules for household goods and person effects that are duty-free vary based on the following:

Customers moving their principal home or returning to England:
- Goods have been for Customer’s personal use for at least six months before being imported
- Customer is able to prove that duty and tax have already been paid before arrival
- Items are declared on the C-3 Form
Customers coming from outside the European Union:
- Have lived at least 12 months abroad
- Will not sell, loan out or dispose of household goods within 12 months of being imported (unless Customs authority allows it)
Customer is setting up a secondary household in England
Customers living in another European Union country:
- Customer owns a secondary home in England or will be renting one for a minimum of 12 months
- Items have been owned by Customer three months before being imported and will not be sold for up to twelve months after
- Customer can provide proof that duty and tax have already been paid on items
- Items are declared on the C-3 Form
Customer is living outside the EU (items can be duty-free but not VAT free):
- Customer has lived for at least 12 months outside of the EU
- Customer owns a secondary home in England or is renting one for 24 months minimum
- Goods have been owned and used for personal use for at least six months before importation
- Items and effects will not be sold, lent out or disposed of within 12 months of being imported (unless Customs authority allows it)
- Customer can provide proof that duty and tax have already been paid on items
- Items are declared on the C-33 Form
Importation of the majority of private vehicles are duty-free assuming:
- The owner of the vehicle is moving their primary residence to England
- Customers living outside of EU countries have been abroad for more than 12 months
- The vehicle has been owned and used abroad by the Customer for a minimum of six months
- Said vehicle was not purchased duty or tax-free
- It is for personal use and will not be resold within a year of being imported

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. As these regulations can change without notice, International Sea & Air Shipping cannot be responsible for any costs, damage, delays, or other adverse consequences arising from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

The VISA and Residential Permit Documentation

First thing first – the visa. Yes, for moving to England from the USA you will need to produce a proper visa. There are different types of work related visa and you can check which one applies to you on the UK government site. However, for the work visa your employer has to be a licensed sponsor. Apart from the different types of work visa there are different other visa that you can check and see which one applies to your purpose of relocation to England from the USA.

Partner Visa: Civil marriage to a UK citizen enables you to apply for the partner visa. You will need to renew this visa every 2.5 years until you obtain permanent residency.
UK Ancestry Visa: If one of your grandparents was born in the UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands, you can apply for the UK Ancestry visa to move from the USA to England.
Innovator Visa: If an entrepreneur has a good business idea then entrepreneur can apply for the Innovator visa.
Student Visa: Student visa is short term. But you should look into this when you are moving to England from america and education is there in your mind.
Investor Visa: If one has at least £2 million that they can invest in the UK, you can apply for the investor visa to relocate to England.

Top Reasons to Move to England

Public Transport
England’s public transport options are plenty with bus, train, tram and the underground tube rail! It’s very easy to move in and around England with top notch public transport system.

National Health Service
This is one major reason that people consider moving to England from the USA – the comprehensive National Health Service coverage. With a surcharge on the NHS you can use the service like a regular citizen.

Cultural Richness
Museums, pubs and music – London and England in general is brimming with entertainment options. There are many world class museums in London and visiting them is free of cost! The country is also home to many globally renowned musicians and singers. And where pub is concerned, England is well-known for its affordable, cozy pubs. So, after a hard day at work or on weekends you have plenty of option to relax and recharge yourself.

International Moving to England from the United States and Back

International Sea & Air Shipping is an international moving company offering door-to-door moving and relocation services worldwide. As a leading international moving companies, we’re proud to provide full container service and lift van services both to and from the USA with complete documentation, custom assistance, insurance, shipping, storage and inland transportation. If you’re relocating your household in an overseas move, we’re here to help. International Sea & Air Shipping is an international removal company you can trust to simplify your move.

Scouting for houses & Cost of Living

Your relocation to England from the USA will need you to spend considerable time in house hunting if you are completely new to this country. People have noticed that housing costs are on the higher side in England. If your job doesn’t require you to live in the capital city, there are plenty of towns and suburbs available where you will get relatively cheaper and better options. You need to pay attention how much you need to pay for accommodation. You will have to ensure you can take care of your other living expenses shipping to England from USA. The cost daily stuff varies from tier 1 cities that suburbs, you can expect to save more if you choose to settle down away from the major hubs.

Taking care of financial aspect

For shipping to England from the USA, you need to set up your finances in the new country. The good news is that setting up your banking account is relatively a painless process in England. With the presence of many major international banks, you may not even need to change your bank! Several American credit cards work fine in England. Be it spending on the card or exchanging the currency, you need to closely monitor the exchange rate and international transaction fees. To set up a new bank account, which you may have to do anyhow, the process is simple. You will have to provide your identity proof and your address proof.

“International Sea and Air Shipping was helpful at every turn. They delivered boxes for things we wanted to pack; they were on time with the packing date; the personnel were courteous, careful and efficient, and when we asked for assistance and clarification with one or two things in the course of the move, they were unfailingly helpful. We had a couple of minor things damaged, but with a move of this size that could be expected. Certainly, it was not because things were not packed carefully. All in all, they met our expectations and I would recommend them to anyone undertaking a move abroad.”

Moving To England

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