Entering America

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As Britain is a close ally of America, you will be given entry privileges that are not open to citizens of other countries. However, there are a number of considerations that you should take into account - especially if you are planning to move to America permanently.

Under the Visa Waiver Programme you are able to enter the Unites States of America "visa free" for a period of no longer than ninety days. This applies only if you do not plan to either work or study during the duration of your stay.

There is no "rule" of how long you must leave the country after the ninety-day period has ended before re-entering but if the immigration officer feels that the privilege is being abused, he will handle the situation appropriately.

Visas

If you are looking to stay in the United States of America for longer than ninety days, the necessary visa will be required. The type of visa needed will depend on your circumstances.

Immigrant Visa

An immigrant visa is required if you wish to enter the United States permanently regardless of seeking employment or not. There are four different ways to obtain an immigrant visa, only three of which apply to U.K citizens.

1. Immediate Relatives
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are eligible to qualify for immigration under this heading. This applies if you are a:

Spouse of minor child of a U.S. citizen An immigration visa may only be processed for a child if he/she has no claim to U.S. citizenship
Parent of a U.S. Citizen U.S. citizen must be 21 or over
Step-parent or child of a U.S citizen Step-parent, step-child relationship must occur before the child's 18th birthday
Spouse of a deceased U.S. citizen Petition must be filed within 2 years of the death of the U.S. citizen

NOTE- Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration.

2. Family Based Immigration
A person seeking to immigrate on the basis of the family based category must establish that they have the necessary relationship with a U.S. citizen. This can be one of the following:

Unmarried son or daughter over the age of 21 of a U.S. citizen
Spouse or unmarried son or daughter of a lawful permanent resident.
Daughter of a lawful permanent resident
Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen U.S. citizen must be over 21

NOTE- Grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration

3. Employment Based Immigration

Priority Workers
Members of the "professions", persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, and business
Professionals
Skilled and unskilled workers
Special immigrants
Investors

Non immigrant Visas
There are numerous non-immigrant visas that apply to the many different circumstances on which the U.S. allow entry into the country. Here is a brief list of categories under which you may fall:

Academics and researchers, Athletics, artists and entertainers, cultural exchange, diplomats and government officials, employees of international organizations and NATO, exchange visitors, media, religious workers, and students.

When looking to obtain either an immigrant or non-immigrant visa it is important that you consult the American Embassy to gather information that will cater to your individual circumstances.

Retirement

Unfortunately there is no such thing as a "retirement visa". Therefore the only way to "retire" in Florida would be to obtain an immigrant visa. This is only possible if you meet the specific criteria listed above.