Work for UK citizens travelling to United States
Paid work in the United States needs the correct work visa or status. ESTA and B visas do not allow US employment.
For a full UK citizen passport. Other British passport types can follow a different rule.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Employees, intra-company transfers, and other paid US work. |
| Maximum stay | Set by the work visa category. |
| Cost | Visa application fees on the Department of State fee schedule. |
| Processing time | Petition-based visas: see global visa wait times (opens in a new tab) for London H/L/O/P/Q appointments (about 0.5 month when last updated). |
| How to apply | US employer petition where required, then embassy interview. |
| Official link | Use the authority’s own website. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications. · US Department of State: employment visas (opens in a new tab) |
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Identify the visa category with your employer or a US immigration attorney.
- Complete any required petition before the visa interview.
- Do not work in the US on ESTA or a visitor visa.
FAQ
Can I attend meetings on ESTA?
Short business meetings may be allowed under VWP; working for a US employer is not.
Does a UK company payroll change the rule?
GOV.UK warns some business travel for a US company may need a visa instead of ESTA.
Sources
- GOV.UK: USA entry requirements (opens in a new tab)
- US Customs and Border Protection: ESTA application (opens in a new tab)
- US Customs and Border Protection: Visa Waiver Program and ESTA questions (opens in a new tab)
- US Customs and Border Protection: Visa Waiver Program (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.