Folinskyinla

Hi:

The Treaty between the US and the UK which authorizes the E-2 visa goes back to 1815. [I think it was part of the settlement of the War of 1812]. It is unique among the E treaties in that it applies to "inhabitants" in Europe.

It should be noted that the US had no immigration laws in effect at the time, but had had a recent experience with the then controversial Alien & Sedition Act. Also, part of the reason for the War of 1812 was the status of Americans when the UK engaged in conscription for the Royal Navy. So the reason for the provision was to allow each country's citizens/subjects to engage in their trading business withOUT becoming residents.

Bottom line -- the rules for E-2 visas for Brits are different than other countries and don't quite match todays situation.

The law of unintended consequences is really at work in this area.

scrubbedexpat099

But we stopped burning the White House down.

Intended consequences.

ian-mstm

With all due respect, you are absolutely wrong about this. You've been listening to some spin doctor.

Ian

JAJ

Unclear how that principle differs from the immigration laws of Canada, Australia or New Zealand.

peut-etre

Hi, wonder if anyone out there can assist?
My husband and I are wondering if we may be able to live in the US for a good few years on the following basis.
We are farmers in England and have a small specialised business.
If we keep a property in UK, would be able to apply for an E2 visa, buy a house and small acreage and run our business? We would have potential customers as we already buy from US.
We could run the business between us, but would this be a problem as we probably wouldn't need to employ anyone?
The only thing I can image being a disadvantage is that we are already of retirement age. Our son is interested in continuing and has already invested with us, but he would not be available for another four years.
Point me in the right direction for more research and I will work at it, but do not know what to do next.
Thank you in advance.

Ray

You could do something.... but at retirement age ..would you be happy worrying about medical bills wiping you out every day

peut-etre

Thank you Ray for your sensible comment, but if we have a enjoyable number of years dealing with what we know best, then I'm assuming that the pretty expensive costs of a good insurance policy would have to be factored in to our budget. If we had a good market for our produce then it's a sort of swings and roundabout situation.
still interested to know how it would be accomplished.

scrubbedexpat099

Insurance Pemium is just the start

Most OAP's qualify for the US socialized cover, so at your age options would be very limited.

What are you going to do when you want to retire?

Ray

Absolutely... finding an insurance company that will even cover you
will be the first problem...

Then getting past the consulate will not be that easy ...

meauxna

Doesn't their E-2 end when that happens?

scrubbedexpat099

Exactly

peut-etre

Doesn't their E-2 end when that happens?

I would assume it does end then as I believe it is only for a specific purpose.
When we retire, if not caused by death, then we will retire back to UK if desperate enough or to France and potter away our days with first class medical facilities, a glass of wine and and an old hound or two.
Please help with constructive advice now!!!!Thanks in advance.

Ray

Then its just a matter of:
finding a business .. do due dilligence
buying it ... subject to visa

then applying for the visa ...

check the FAQ here
http://www.investorvisausa.com/index.html

meauxna

This is ALL constructive advice.

Your investment visa requires that you make jobs for US residents, not buy a business to serve you and your spouse.
Start with that.

ian-mstm

Just because a response does not meet your specific needs, that is no reason to suggest the advice is not constructive. We help when we can... and not because we are supposed to (or because you expect us to). We help because we feel like it... whether it's appreciated or not.

Ian