it's only 12 years away for the eldest.

the E-2 visa is absolute shit in my opinion.
another example of it's shittyness is when the OP wants to sell the business and retire.
There is no stability with the E-2.

Yes, it is pretty awful. I thought I heard something about lobby groups trying to "find a light at the end of the tunnel" somewhere for them. Hope it all works out, it does seem a real shame that someone who works here for years and grows a business may be forced to "do one" when they retire, and puts pressure on kids to get married early, insane.

yes plus, i don't think it's in the best interest of the US economy. To take the dollars outside the country and spend them elsewhere is counter productive.

And there is also a difference between what is recommended and what is required. They may recommend you have 5 measles jabs before school but maybe only 4 are required. My children fell into this catagory and a note from my British doctor stating that the children had received all the required immunization for measles was enough to wave this in NJ - NY state didn't even require this, it was only advised. Also the chicken pox - if your kids have had chicken pox you just need a note from the doctor stating so. If they haven't, this is sometimes one you can opt out of and still allow the children to have others. the other one is the Hep vaccine. Some states say it is required but you can opt out and they don't tell you this.

visiting schools - we were told the same as you in NJ and it was rated highly as a school district. Worst place I have ever had my kids! The school district they are in in NYstate gladly allows parents and the children to visit the schools, will introduce the children to the teachers and make every effort to help their move go smoothly. The parents can go into school to help with different activities including helping the children read - just as they can in the UK.

If you are not happy with the school's policy, check with the local board of education head office. Go as high as you need to, until you are happy. They may not want you to interrupt a class while in session but there is no reason why you can't go round the school and be helped after school is over. The teachers are generally more than happy to help a child settle in because it is in their best interests too.

My children were very similar ages to yours - 8, 6 and 4 - and believe it or not I had more problems with settling with the youngest than any of them. Personally, I think it comes down to the personality of your child and how you handle their interraction into their new surroundings and helping them make friends. Just try and listen to your children and help them as much as possible. Before you know it they will have picked up the american twang and attitude

Can I ask whos doing your E2 Visa

My Children are 7 and 9 and we move to Florida in April what vaccinations would they need they have all the ones that they needed when they were babies but none since......thanks for the advice

Ahem!

<gnashing of teeth> A little punctuation would go a long way. (Please.)

the job i do i dont use puncuation so i never bother

I don't use cutlery in the job I do but I still find it both convenient and polite to use it at other times.

and what do you plan to do once your eldest reaches 21?

Thanks for all your help and replies they have provided very useful. We were advised by our lawyer that the E2 investor visa would be the best one to apply for in our case. I now realise since reading through some of these postings that it probably isn't, (I wish I had found this website last year it sure would have put a better perspective on things!) However, we wanted to move reasonably quickly, my husband wanted a better life and to spend more time with the children while they are still young (he currently spends nearly 2 weeks of every month in South Africa) so we took the easy option. But you have to give things a go and I know if we don't at least try it we would always regret it - still if things don't work out there's always Spain!!

In answer to the question about who we used for our visa, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to give out names on this site and as we haven't yet got our visas yet I would be hesitant to recommend him, plus he's extremely difficult to get hold off!!

May I suggest that members send a Private Message (PM) to creamcracker for information on whom she used to get her visa.

Hi,re information on E-2ers dilemma on children reaching 21.
My husband and myself are actiively involved with a group who are moving forward to have this inhuman and cruel rule repealled.If anyone wants further informarion,they can E-mail me.
Redlobster

Why ask to move the goalposts.
you knew the rules when you moved over there.