David C

Has anyone experienced the problem I am now about to have with renewing my E2 visa? Apparently the closing of the US visa revalidation center last year has had a serious impact on everyone trying to run businesses or work in the US on an E2 as you now have to return to your country of origin where your visa was origianlly issued to get it renewed. I'm told to expect that the revalidation center will reopen sometime this year.

Ivonne

Just out of curiosity (we are on E2 too): why is it more complicated to renew the visa outside the US?
When we got our first E2-visas, it was just a matter of taking a short vacation in Germany, visiting the consulate for one day and getting the visa. I think, the renewal (which is not due for some time) will be the same.

David C

Before we left the UK we basically did the same at the US Embassy in London. Ours were issued in April 2003 for an initial period of two years and renewal would have been done here in the US at the revalidation center and it was not necessary to return to the point of origin for renewal. Here is part of an e-mail I recieved today from a friend who specialises in obtaining E2's regarding the new situation:

"The closure of the US visa office has created a
financial strain for every foreign employee and entrprenuer
here on visas. There is a lot of pressure from industry
groups (Including immigration attorneys), companies, and
individuals as people cannot afford to leave work or
businesses to return to a home country (with kids) to renew a
visa. What people need to do is contact their senators and
representatives to stress the economic impact of the closure.

A solution will come.

I suggest we extend your status in the US and during a future planned trip visit the consulate for the visa. You can even go seperately if need be. You will have an actual appointment like last time). To rephrase it, we will ask for a visa appointment the next time you are in the UK for other reasons. In the mean time, we will extend your E-2 status.

Ivonne

Oh, i understand, you were talking about the financial impact for all E2 to go to their homecountry. True. But I initially thought you were referring to 'more complicated procedures in regards to obtaining an E2 at the consulate" and I just wanted to know, if something has changed in that regard.

jjf

David C wrote:
    > Has anyone experienced the problem I am now about to have with
renewing
    > my E2 visa? Apparently the closing of the US visa revalidation center
    > last year has had a serious impact on everyone trying to run
businesses
    > or work in the US on an E2 as you now have to return to your country
of
    > origin where your visa was origianlly issued to get it renewed. I'm
told
    > to expect that the revalidation center will reopen sometime this
year.

What problem, exactly? You only need to renew your visa if you want
to travel outside the USA. As part of that trip, you need to go to a
Consulate and get a new visa. I don't know if the Consulate has to be
in your home country for E-2, but it doesn't for some visas.