For many Americans, there is a magnetic connection that draws them to live and get a job in the UK. The sense of history, the fascinating culture, and the ability to speak the same language all combine to make a career in the UK a fascinating prospect.
If you’re hellbent on securing a role on the other side of the pond, it’s important to get all your ducks in a row. That’s because living and working in the UK isn’t as straightforward as it may sound.
Below, we’ll run through the bureaucratic hoops to jump through, including visa requirements, licensed employers, and much more to get a job in the UK.
Understanding Visa Eligibility
First and foremost, to get a job in the UK as an American, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the complexities of the UK’s visa system. Historically, overseas workers used to require a Tier 2 (General) visa to gain employment in Britain. However, at the end of 2020, this was usurped by a new UK Skilled Worker Visa, which actually lowers the entry level of qualifications needed from RQF Level 6 to RQF Level 3.
At the time of writing, the UK hasn’t capped the number of UK Skilled Worker Visas available, which should be music to the ears of Americans wanting to come across the Atlantic. This particular visa doesn’t require a Resident Labor Market Test (RLMT) either, which can speed up the process.
The fastest-growing industries in the UK
According to the EY ITEM Club, the British economy will grow just 0.7% in 2024 before rising 2% in 2025. Despite the modest economic growth, there are several industries where the UK is leading the way, including:
1. Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is at the heart of the UK’s “Net Zero” initiative, its primary commitment to limit carbon emissions. According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), almost half (47%) of electricity generated in Q1 2024 was achieved through renewable energy sources.
Initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Roadmap, coupled with continued investment in solar, hydroelectric, and wind power generation, means this sector will have a place in turbocharging Britain through the coming decades.
2. Eco commerce
As more high-street retailers and retail start-ups turn to digital to increase their sales, it’s clear the Eco commerce sector is burning bright in the UK. In December 2023, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said more than a third (36.1%) of overall retail sales were generated online. This was a record-high figure, demonstrating the growing popularity of online platforms for convenient and accessible shopping.
3. AI and Immersive Technology
By the turn of the next decade, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) believes the advent of virtual reality and augmented reality will generate up to 400,000 new jobs in the UK. These are just some of the new immersive technologies helping to fuse the virtual and physical worlds.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also at the heart of this trend, with machine learning and computer science sure to play a pivotal role in the healthcare, manufacturing and edutech sectors.
Why do Some Americans lean on an Immigration Solicitor to get a job in the UK?
There are still plenty of intricacies involved in the visa application process. In order to streamline the procedure and minimize stress, some Americans who want to get a job in the UK market will enlist the help of UK immigration lawyers like Reiss Edwards to cover all bases on their behalf. An immigration solicitor can be enlisted to collate and organize the essential documentation needed by the UK to reduce the likelihood of an application being rejected because of absent or incorrect paperwork.
Visa regulations are always subject to change too. It’s the job of immigration lawyers in the UK to keep pace with any amendments to policies or laws to avoid any potential pitfalls. In the unlikely event of a visa denial, these solicitors can also advance an appeal and present your case to the necessary UK officials.
The Importance of Working for a Sponsored Employer
It’s important to remember that you can’t just work for any British employer. They must hold a sponsorship licence with the UK Home Office. As a result, you must be vigilant with your job search to pinpoint businesses that have a sponsorship license. These employers will often have to prove their vacancies can’t be filled by a British worker, which can sometimes add new layers of complexity to visa applications.
Nevertheless, if you’re prepared to accept the hurdles to get a job in the UK, it can be a hugely exciting chapter in your life. Like the U.S., the UK offers a very good standard of living, as well as plenty of amenities and entertainment. It’s also the beating heart of many fintech, healthcare, life science, and creative industries, ensuring significant career opportunities for the right people.
Further Reading
- Discover how to ace a job interview
- Read our guide to modern job hunting
- Learn more about the UK Home Office
