Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

Hello everyone

Im hoping to get some feedback from anyone who has risked all for a new life in America. I am a 43 yr old Brit, who has dreamed for along time now of living a new life in the states. I have worked extremely hard to build a business in the uk, and am thinking of selling my home in the uk for investment capital to buy a small business possibly in california, but keep my existing business as a source of additional income, I would be interested to know of anyone else out there that has done something similar and whether or not it has been worth the risks. I would like to get an idea of how difficult or easy it has been to gain the appropriate visa's etc.. to eventually gain permanent residency, as Iv'e heard that buying a business does not necessarily guarantee getting eventual permanent residency. I would be interested at finding out what level of investment people have made to successfully secure the visa's required.

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

E2 visa......we wanted to go in via that visa...they keep changing the goal posts.....Ray would be the best person to speak to....no doubt he will find you.....It isn't easy,there are no guarantees and it takes an age.....but good luck:)

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

My first post and already a reply,
Thank you for the info, it looks like Iv'e found the right forum.
Cheers

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

like I said Ray would be the best person to speak to send him a message...he knows everything about every US visa.....My parents have lived in Florida for 11 years they got in via sponsorship....but these days the road is long....they could sponsor us but it would take at least 8 years.....as for the E2 visa buying a business some qualify some don't and half the time you don't know untill you have committed yourself....I know someone who bought a business in FL and 4 years later they still havn't got their visa...having to run the business from the UK......talk to a good lawyer....once again Ray could recommend....he lives in FL so he won't be online for another couple of hours but if you send him a maessage he will respond straight away:)

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

Thanks again,

I don't expect an easy path, and I guess it's a gamble, but nothing in life ever comes easy these days. How do your folks like living in Florida if you don't mind me asking !! Any regrets..

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

nope...they love it don't miss anything...including me;)
they gained dual citizenship last year.....anything worth doing will be hard work...like I said good luck in your ventures

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

Take a read through this:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showp...7&postcount=11

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

Options at this stage are: E-2, L1a or EB5.

Additional info required...

Your business in the UK:
How long has it been going?
How many people does it employ?

Your money:
Have you got $0.25 million, $0.5 million or $1 million to invest?

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

don't do it, the selling up of a UK business that is, because the E2 visa is crap...it doesn't lead to a greencard, any kids you have would have to get own visa's at 21, you retire or the business goes under and you've got to leave immediately etc.

Best bet, depending on size of business, if it's sizable, to open a US office and do a company transfer.

But it's a tad pricey having a business in the US....much better to be employed, your knocking on a bit and medical insurance will be a kick in the balls if your self employed, more so with any pre-existing conditions, and even more so when you hit 50.

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

Well I'm not going to sell my uk business, but am thinking of selling my house to raise capital, but what is the inter company transfer route ? Can i use my existing business to start up something in the states ? By the way since when was 43 getting on a bit, I only look 32 according to one of my new employee's back here in uk, maybe he was trying to impress the boss !!:blink:

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

As Fatbrit said, look into L1.

However, before you do that, I would suggest looking at medical insurance. In detail.

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

Need the data asked for. Anything else is pie in the sky!

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

Read this:

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulaski's_Ways:_How_to_Live_and_Work_in_the_USA


NC Penguin

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

anything over 30 is getting on a bit regarding medical insurance over here.

and your looking at L1 visa, but as fatbrit said, without the info, no one can tell you if it's a goer or not.

Re: Thinking Of Buying A Business In California
 

fatbrit, (seems a bit unflattering),

I have a transport and storage/fulfilment business with 25 employees, been going around 7 years, and I will probaly have about $220k to invest in a new business or start up business, I don't intend to sell my company as it is still growing strong and I can do alot of my work via remote pc, I also have big brother access through my cctv via the web, so I can keep an eye on things, so I can be away from the country. My fiance has an Hair salon in Japan (yes she's Japanese) and we were contemplating either buying an established salon or possibly setting up our own, I guess whichever is the easiest route.