Planning a move to the United States is rarely as simple as it first appears. The visa system is technical, highly fact-specific and often misunderstood.

In this episode of US-UK Tax Talk, host Aidan Grant is joined by Catherine Betancourt, a US immigration specialist at Flynn Hodkinson, to answer the practical questions people actually ask when planning a move to the United States.

This episode explores the full US immigration journey and the questions people actually ask when considering relocation. Learn why most immigration pathways centre on either work or family sponsorship, why work-based visas often depend on an overseas connection, and why the H-1B remains one of the most unpredictable routes in the system. The discussion also unpacks how family sponsorship operates in practice and why green card travel rules can create unexpected risk for those maintaining a UK-based lifestyle.

The process involves many visa categories — H-1B, L-1, E-2 and more — each with its own criteria, risks and strategic considerations. Discover how these routes function in reality, where applicants commonly get caught out, and why fact-specific analysis is critical before making long-term relocation plans.

Catherine explains the practical differences between visa types and the strategic thinking required behind the scenes — from nationality tracing under the E-2 route to the structural requirements of intra-company transfers. She also highlights the importance of planning ahead where international travel patterns could jeopardise permanent residence.

Navigating US immigration can feel daunting. Whether you are relocating for work, expanding a business, or planning a long-term family move, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.

New episodes of US-UK Tax Talk are released on the first Wednesday of every month.

For questions or feedback, please contact usuktaxtalk@collyerbristow.com.

Key Takeaways

• For most applicants, immigration to the US comes down to two primary routes: work or family. Outside of sponsorship through employment or a qualifying family relationship, options are limited and there is no simple “invest and obtain a visa” pathway for most people.
• The H-1B visa operates on a genuine random lottery system. You cannot increase your chances by submitting multiple entries, and selection does not guarantee approval, making it an inherently unpredictable strategy.
• If H-1B is uncertain, the L-1 (intra-company transfer) and E-2 (treaty-based investor visa) are often practical alternatives. Both are highly fact-specific, particularly in relation to ownership structures and nationality requirements.
• Employers without an overseas footprint may find visa options more restrictive than expected, as many common work routes depend on an international connection.
• Green card holders must carefully manage their travel patterns. Absences of around six months can trigger scrutiny, and periods of 12 months or more outside the US may be treated as abandonment of permanent residence. Advance planning is essential for internationally mobile individuals.