Extend Visitor's Visa

[Bungalow Bill]

After many trips to the USA I was contemplating retiring there but have discovered, unlike other countries, the USA do not issue a 'Retirement Visa'.

So, is there any other way of going around it? For example:-

If I was successful in initially obtaining a 6 month visitors Visa, is there any stipulation on how long I would have to be out of the USA before I could re-enter on a 90 day visa and then re-apply for an other 6 month visa whilst in the USA?

Or alternately, if I entered on a 90 day visa, is there any stipulation on how long I would have to be out of the USA before I could re-enter on another 90 day visa, and could I continue doing this?

I know of a number of people who do this in Thailand who haven't got a resident's Visa (Travel agents just take them over the border to Cambodia for the day).

Would appreciate any info on the above.

Bungalow Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Wilde

[grumps]

After many trips to the USA I was contemplating retiring there but have discovered, unlike other countries, the USA do not issue a 'Retirement Visa'.

So, is there any other way of going around it? For example:-

If I was successful in initially obtaining a 6 month visitors Visa, is there any stipulation on how long I would have to be out of the USA before I could re-enter on a 90 day visa and then re-apply for an other 6 month visa whilst in the USA?

Or alternately, if I entered on a 90 day visa, is there any stipulation on how long I would have to be out of the USA before I could re-enter on another 90 day visa, and could I continue doing this?

I know of a number of people who do this in Thailand who haven't got a resident's Visa (Travel agents just take them over the border to Cambodia for the day).

Would appreciate any info on the above.

Bungalow Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Wilde

i think that the max time you can spend in the USA is 180 days in any year

[JulieC]

There used to be a number of people using successive visa waivers and short trips out of the country to almost permanently live in the US, however in recent years they have clamped down on that sort of thing. I think you may get away with it a couple of times before you start to be taken for secondary questioning.
The maximum on a B visa is 180 days. You can apply for I think one extension internally but need to give a reason why. I dont think you would do this successfully a second time without attracting suspicion. The vaste majority of people who would have retired here are running businesses that they never really wanted to qualify them for E2 visa. This gives you three years initially ( used to be two but the word is now that three will be the norm) and then renewable after that. Unfortunately running an E2 business here and jumping through all the hoops that they put for you you will end up working harder than you ever did in the UK and it wont feel at all like retirement.

Or you could consider Panama which has a true retirement visa, is not far away from the US for visits and has a fairly American like infrastructure, US stores to shop in etc. Or Mexico is the other one.

[anniefromessex]

Hi Bill, welcome to the site. Julie is right in what she says. We used to have a B1/B2 Visa, held it for 10 years and had a good life, living 6 months in England, 6 months over there - utopia really. We then went and spoilt the whole thing and started up a business over there (L1/L2) - and thought that our utopia would continue. WRONG!!!

I know a few people who use the B1/B2 to their advantage, one lady I know spends a few months there (not the whole 6 months), leaves to come back here or go to Australia where she has family, and then returns BUT they are hot on just how long you are actually in America and how long you have been away. I really don't think there is a way round it anymore (there used to be) but I think they have shut that loophole now.

Good luck in whatever you do. Keep us posted. One other thing, please also bear in mind health care costs if you want to spend more time in the USA, and the fact that England really don't like you being out of the country for too long and then expecting to go back to your own Doctor etc etc - loads of things to take into consideration.

Love Anniexxx

[InnVic]

Julie my friends have a place in Panama (US type active adult walled/gated community) they have been robbed and there have been home invasions in their community. Bugs, 100% humidity and poverty. They are from Arizona so apart from the humidity feel right at home :D

[davidmartin_uk]

Hi

General rule of thumb for VW. Same amount of time out of the county as in. You may get away with it once if you come straight back in but you will be turned back once they see what you are doing the second time.

Dave

[kirtida8]

Hi and :welcome: Bill. Sorry to have to agree with the consensus - but it is very difficult to retire here unless you have a lot of capital to support you - just ask any american LOL.

[InnVic]

Aren't they touting the E5 as a "retirement visa". Bill if you've got a spare $500K you can get green cards - some of the investements also pay dividends that would supplement pension. There is of course no certaintly that you'll get your money back though. I guess it all depends upon your financial position.

[JulieC]

Julie my friends have a place in Panama (US type active adult walled/gated community) they have been robbed and there have been home invasions in their community. Bugs, 100% humidity and poverty. They are from Arizona so apart from the humidity feel right at home :D

Sounds just like Florida, LOL! Anyone read about the teenagers who invaded an empty house in Port St Lucie who did $75,000 worth of damage??

[JulieC]

Aren't they touting the E5 as a "retirement visa". Bill if you've got a spare $500K you can get green cards - some of the investements also pay dividends that would supplement pension. There is of course no certaintly that you'll get your money back though. I guess it all depends upon your financial position.

Sun has set on Eb5 for the time being, though all indications are it will be extended ( too lucrative for America not to be). They rushed a whole pile of people with applications ialready n the pipeline through last week. Some achieved their green cards in ( relatively) incredibly quick time.

[Bungalow Bill]

Thanks every one for the welcome, the advice and the points of view.

Mein Gott! What a tangle, I had no idea it would be so confused and undefined!

I have lived and worked in a number of other countries world wide and spent time with a lot of people who have done the same, and I must say that as long as you have a clean record and sufficient funds to support yourself, you are always welcome to stay and spend your money; albeit sometimes with the inconvenience of having to periodically leave for a short time and return.

I have no interest in running a business in the US, my intention was gardening in the country house I would buy, touring and playing golf; not necessarily in that order. I suppose there is always the alternative that many women from developing countries use - marry an Americian!

Thanks once again,

Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Wilde

[anniefromessex]

Unfortunately Bill, America breaks the mould in thinking that you can retire there, spend your hard earned money there and they are then grateful!!! Sorry to burst your bubble. Don't understand their thinking in all honesty - they are very insular, especially since 9/11 and have become paranoid. I am not saying we are necessarily entitled, but I am sure our dollars would help their economy but they don't see it that way.

Personally we have spent hundreds of thousand of dollars over the years, but hey we are dispensible - thanks very much but no thanks is their motto.

Portugal I hear have great golf courses!!

Love Anniexxx

[chuck]

Hey,
Always remember, my friend, that the US is the more unfriendler place if you ain't american, they just want your money and after you've spent all your $$$, they throw you away. There's a kind of chap in the white house with a bit of different ideas, thanks God after that famous one. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced he will get somewhere although very genuinely well intentioned, that's true with all those lobbies and creeps, etc., you're in no man land, like in the movies and madoff, the land of the free, give me a break.
Good luck, Pal, but be wise. If you're successful, you can believe that's the best place to live and raise your kids, just ask Posh & Becks!
All the best

[Bayfield]

Is there a retirement visa to the UK?

[Bungalow Bill]

Is there a retirement visa to the UK?

Interesting.

Will check and get back to you; however I suspect it depends on your nationality apart from the usual requirements.

Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Wilde

[lxh11]

I don't think the US is any differen to many (not all) countries when it comes to their rules for non citizens wanting to retire. You have to show you can support yourself financially, nothing wrong with that.

There are many British citizens who have retired in the US, they do have to leave every 6 months and they do have to have a hefty bank balance and a way to cover their medical insurance.

My parents have lived in Hong Kong for the past 18 years, and have just retired. Their resident visa is not renewed unless they have sufficient funds. The get a UK pension, but cannot go back to the UK to visit a doctor or have an operation on the NHS, so they are on their own with regards health care.

France no longer offers healthcare for foreign retirees, and neither does Greece.

[Bayfield]

I don't think the US is any differen to many (not all) countries when it comes to their rules for non citizens wanting to retire. You have to show you can support yourself financially, nothing wrong with that.

There are many British citizens who have retired in the US, they do have to leave every 6 months and they do have to have a hefty bank balance and a way to cover their medical insurance.

My parents have lived in Hong Kong for the past 18 years, and have just retired. Their resident visa is not renewed unless they have sufficient funds. The get a UK pension, but cannot go back to the UK to visit a doctor or have an operation on the NHS, so they are on their own with regards health care.

France no longer offers healthcare for foreign retirees, and neither does Greece.

If they return to the UK to reside there they will be eligible for NHS.

Visitors have limited benefits.

[anniefromessex]

Bayfield, yes eventually they will be eligible but not at first. Over here, unless you are an immigrant they don't take too kindly to you leaving the country and then coming back and expecting the status quo!!!

Lxh11, I don't entirely disagree with you in that people in said country shouldn't show they have enough funds to look after themselves - just wish they would do that over here, but and this is a big BUT, when you are nearing or have reached retirement age, the thought of having to fly back to whence you came for a period of time (thereby costing extra money which you really don't need to spend if you can prove you have the wherewithal to stay), plus the nuts and bolts of having to do that in my view shouldn't be necessary. I found it hard enough having to travel every 3 months (at my age) and I know just how much it took out of elderly family members who came every so often to visit us (yes, spending even more money in said country), so all in all I really do think (and I know you are a patriot of that country and hate anyone denigrating it in any way shape or form - even though it is pertinent in many cases) that they should not bite the hand that feeds them, because sure as eggs are eggs, people are going to cotton on that they don't really want us over there, apart from our money, and will show it in no uncertain terms - I myself am praying for that day!!!!

Sorry, but that is the way I feel, I might upset a few of you (not my intention) but at the end of the day none of us who have ended up back over in England had any intention of taking anything from America - we are back in this country with a lot less than we started out with (perhaps our fault - who knows), but certainly at my age I could do with a better life than I have now and certainly had before I started on the "journey to a better life".

Love Anniexxx

[lxh11]

(and I know you are a patriot of that country and hate anyone denigrating it in any way shape or form - even though it is pertinent in many cases)Love Anniexxx

:rofl: Annie I am far from being a patriot. I don't hang my hat on any flag. I do however have luxury of not having to try to mould a visa around living in this country. I've said before that because of all the troubles some visas cause people, they see things in a very one dimensional way. If you take almost every single issue people have over entering/living/working etc., in this coutry, you will find those same issues would come up living in most places in the world, unless you were a permanent resident. I don't doubt it must be terribly hard to put things in perspective under those conditions.

Having also lived in several countries and meeting Brits in these countries, as well as being married to a Scot I have come to realise that Brits on the whole (NOT ALL) have a dreadful sense of entitlement and enjoy a good old moan.:)

[Bungalow Bill]

Is there a retirement visa to the UK?

I asked a friend who is an immigration officer at LGW airport if there is a retirement visa to the UK, and he told me that there is.

The applicants must show that they have an independent means of income, a compatible social standing and are not a criminal(?).

It takes a few months to process but then they are then given a visa to stay for 4 year after which if all is well it is extended indefinitely.

All very fair I think.

Not the same as the USA at all!

Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Wilde

[JulieC]

Sun has set on Eb5 for the time being, though all indications are it will be extended ( too lucrative for America not to be). They rushed a whole pile of people with applications ialready n the pipeline through last week. Some achieved their green cards in ( relatively) incredibly quick time.

EB5 was extended yesterday to 30th September 2009.

[Bungalow Bill]

EB5 was extended yesterday to 30th September 2009.

What is an EB5 Visa, and how do you get one?

Bill

Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much. Wilde

[InnVic]

All you ever wanted to know here
http://expatsvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3121

[Bayfield]

The ability to be able to write a very large check.

I did look, briefly, to see what the UK Retirement visa was, all I could find was an investors visa, similar to the US.

Annie, how long did it take you before you could register with a Doctor etc, may be an issue for us.

[anniefromessex]

Bayfield, to be honest with you we never de-registered!! We never really told anybody that we had emigrated and as I was always backwards and forwards it was never really an issue. From what I can gather though they say if you are out of the country longer than 3 months (I think) it can be a problem. I am sure there are ways of finding out for definite though. Are you thinking of returning then?

When we moved from Brentwood down to Clacton we registered with a Doctor pretty easily but I think the issue when returning from abroad is the fact you haven't been paying your National Insurance whilst you are away and they want your money!!

Love Anniexxx

[Bayfield]

Family issues, I really do not know what to do.

I doubt if anybody de-registers, my last visit to my Doctor was 5 years ago, but 5 years between visits is not unusual.

They do have signs up in Surgeries and Hospitals now about entitlement, I never remember seeing them before, but I am pretty sure its all down to residency, nothing to do with NI or any other taxes.

[Callie]

We came back after 5 yrs in Florida and just registered at local Dr's surgery. Couple of forms to fill in to get our records sent from our last Dr. Also completed the NHS cards and handed them in as well so all have now been re-issued. No one asked anything about where we have been but seeing as I haven't been to the Dr since 2001 I guess they haven't missed me...

[Susie]

I asked a friend who is an immigration officer at LGW airport if there is a retirement visa to the UK, and he told me that there is.

The applicants must show that they have an independent means of income, a compatible social standing and are not a criminal(?).

It takes a few months to process but then they are then given a visa to stay for 4 year after which if all is well it is extended indefinitely.

All very fair I think.

Not the same as the USA at all!

Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Wilde

Hi Bill and welcome to our site

Please see and sign our on line petition at http://expatsvoice.org/forum/petition.php


By all means write to as many congressmen/women or senators as possible. Let them know that if the retirees act of 1999 where re introduced and passed, just think how much money that would bring into the usa and boost the economy

[JulieC]

When we returned originally in 2006, called in my usual doctors with whom I was for 20 plus years only to be told that because a couple of automatically recurrring appointments ( smears, mammograms and so on) had been missed in the previous four years and an appointment card returned as no longer at that address, they had kindly de-registered me and to re-register I needed proof of address etc. We registered with a doctor when we got to Portugal instead.

[britcan]

It has always been "double standards" for those with the "special relationship".. thats why we gave up trying to get into USA after 15 years and chose Canada instead.

Now there are certain members of the Obama administration (Solis), who are wholeheartedly in favor of allowing illegals!!


I asked a friend who is an immigration officer at LGW airport if there is a retirement visa to the UK, and he told me that there is.

The applicants must show that they have an independent means of income, a compatible social standing and are not a criminal(?).

It takes a few months to process but then they are then given a visa to stay for 4 year after which if all is well it is extended indefinitely.

All very fair I think.

Not the same as the USA at all!

Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Wilde

[Bungalow Bill]

The ability to be able to write a very large check.

I did look, briefly, to see what the UK Retirement visa was, all I could find was an investors visa, similar to the US.

Annie, how long did it take you before you could register with a Doctor etc, may be an issue for us.

[Bungalow Bill]

I just googled in 'UK retirement visa' and I came up with the following, which is basically what my friend told me.

http://www.ukimmigration.com/retirement

There is no mention of investment, just sufficient funds to support yourself.
Reasonable.

As for my thoughts of retiring to the US I think it's a non starter, for although I am happy to transfer all my assets and contribute to the country once I'm there; I don't want to get involved in any investment schemes or businesses. I've worked hard all my life and now I'm retired and just want to enjoy the rest of my life with as little hassle as possible.
This is not a rehearsal!

Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much."

[anniefromessex]

Bill, tbh I think you are doing the right thing - if you read some of the horror stories on here, mine included, you will see that sometimes living the life you think you might get from another country, doesn't always work out. In our case if we had never moved to America and just carried on doing our 6 months there and 6 months here, my husband would have been able to retire by now, as it is he is now having to re-train (can no longer do electrical work) to become a Driving Instructor as all the money we had is no more and for the last nearly 2 years we have been having to live a "hand to mouth" existence. He is now 60, and what should have been a happy time for us is now bloody hard. Oh well, you live and learn - you just enjoy your retirement and try to forget about what could have been - in an ideal world your ideal should work - unfortunately not an ideal world ha ha!!!

Love Anniexxx

[Bungalow Bill]

Bill, tbh I think you are doing the right thing - if you read some of the horror stories on here, mine included, you will see that sometimes living the life you think you might get from another country, doesn't always work out. In our case if we had never moved to America and just carried on doing our 6 months there and 6 months here, my husband would have been able to retire by now, as it is he is now having to re-train (can no longer do electrical work) to become a Driving Instructor as all the money we had is no more and for the last nearly 2 years we have been having to live a "hand to mouth" existence. He is now 60, and what should have been a happy time for us is now bloody hard. Oh well, you live and learn - you just enjoy your retirement and try to forget about what could have been - in an ideal world your ideal should work - unfortunately not an ideal world ha ha!!!

Love Anniexxx


I'm sorry to hear of your troubles Annie, you sound an honest and good person; it just doesn't seem fair somehow.

Anyway, thanks for your advise and good luck in the future; I'm sure things will work out OK.

Best regards,

Bill

[Bungalow Bill]

Has anybody heard of any new developments on there being a retirement visa since my last posting 15 months ago?

Bill

Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much. Wilde

[Bayfield]

No developments, as far as I am aware it is on nobody's agenda.

Well nobody that has influence.

[Ray10]

Has anybody heard of any new developments on there being a retirement visa since my last posting 15 months ago?

Bill

Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much. Wilde

it will never happen ..if anything there will less visa than ever if they get around to re-organising

[JulieC]

I read an article advocating the retirement visa be passed as a way of sorting out the housing crisis the other day, the retirees would be a net gain to the US as as well as bringing money into the country, they would sop up the surplus itinerary of short sales and foreclosures so prices can start going up again. That said, immigration doesnt seem to be high on this governments list of priorities so I wouldnt hold your breath.

[anniefromessex]

Tbh with you all, I read on here all the time about people wanting to emigrate to America anywhich way they can; they are obviously fed up with what is going on here, but believe you me what is going on here is in no way shape or form what goes on over there in many ways, at least over here you have some sort of lifeline - there is none over there and when things go pearshaped you are on your own. I am not saying this lightly, 3 years down the line we are still in a bad way and things that we should be able to do at our age we can't because we sunk all our money into America and even though there are many many success stories before all the die hards pounce on me, there are many reasons for returning to this country (which we did) and it is never easy.

I just want to state unequivocally that if you have young children and buy an E-2 business, that your children will need to return to the UK when they reach 21 unless they go to College but that is often delaying the inevitable, you either have to buy a business for them or they get sponsored BUT many kids are not shall we say "education intensive" so what happens to them?

I have been a member of this forum for many years and you read the good and bad, but at the end of the day, whatever life in England does or does not offer you, unless you have guts of steel especially in this day and age, I do wonder and worry about the people who join this forum who are totally out of their depth and have no idea what trying to get into America does to you and have no idea of how hard it can be and want to do it on a shoestring!! It is definitely not like people trying to get into England!!!!!!

I don't post on here much anymore, but sometimes when I read of people whose dream it is to live in America and who am I to burst their bubble, apart from letting them know just what CAN and DOES happen, and then it is up to them - they might make it and have a wonderful life, but for every 1 who does I bet there are a few who don't and lose everything - and when you do it is not a pleasant experience!!!

As for the retirement visa, if that happens I will eat my hat; America is insular in so many ways and instead of seeing the good it could do, their only thoughts are with the illegals and unfortunately I see it being that way for many years to come. I know there are many groups wanting to change the status quo, but we are a very small voice and even though I take my hat off to the people who work so hard to try to change things, in my personal opinion it aint gonna happen as much as we all wish it would - just my opinion!!!

Love Anniexxx

[JulieC]

Would agree with you Annie. The retirement visa if it ever comes is only one part of the picture. The second is how to afford healthcare if you are that sort of an age, and then the cost of living in the US on a pension and without recourse to any help or benefits. I thank heaven for being back every time I walk into a doctors.

[peter gold]

and if and when you need urgent healthcare join the queue and I hope you are ready for some major cuts in the NHS as the Tories heve never supported it.
Julie see how you feel after a couple of years in the UK I hope I am wrong for your sake.

[JulieC]

Actually just had a biopsy done, waited all of 5 days for it. Thankfully all clear. Hubby also had those suspicious looking moles on his "driving arm" which had been worrying him for months checked out. Frankly the NHS even with cuts is better than nothing and we had nothing in the US as we had a $7000 deductible which we couldnt afford to pay so never went to the doctors and the insurance was nearly $6000 a year even with that. In the end just couldnt see the point and had to let it go altogether. Frightening.

[lxh11]

With all due respect why "frightening". You came to a country on a visa that offered no permanence. You were not sold a lemon, you knew up front there was no guarantee you could stay. You took a risk and it didn't live up to what you wanted it to be. Not the country or visa's problem.

That's like buying a car and hoping it COULD at some point be fitted with wings so it could fly.

[JulieC]

With all due respect why "frightening". You came to a country on a visa that offered no permanence. You were not sold a lemon, you knew up front there was no guarantee you could stay. You took a risk and it didn't live up to what you wanted it to be. Not the country or visa's problem.

That's like buying a car and hoping it COULD at some point be fitted with wings so it could fly.

You obviously did not read my post at all as it was not about visas at all, permanent or not permanent, but about affording health care in the US as you are getting older and not being able to afford to go to a doctor and before you say I knew about that too, I was in the US for seven years and over the last couple of years we were getting older and the premiums zooped up hugely and suddenly. I cannot imagine what you thought I wrote, but if you read it again you will see that I did not. If you are replying to Annie not me, she was there on a green card! Spend a little time reading before voicing an opinion!

[Bungalow Bill]

I'm sorry but I seem to have stirred up a hornet's nest with my original posting; which was only if anyone knew if there had been any developments in the US issuing 'Retirement Visas' since I last checked 15 months ago.

Having lived and worked in a number of different countries before retiring back here in the UK, my general comment on the preceding postings is that it is in my opinion the sole responsibility of the person to do their research on the country, before they make any decision, as all countries have their good and bad points which may or may not affect them.

Bungalow Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Wilde

[Susie]

I'm sorry but I seem to have stirred up a hornet's nest with my original posting; which was only if anyone knew if there had been any developments in the US issuing 'Retirement Visas' since I last checked 15 months ago.

Having lived and worked in a number of different countries before retiring back here in the UK, my general comment on the preceding postings is that it is in my opinion the sole responsibility of the person to do their research on the country, before they make any decision, as all countries have their good and bad points which may or may not affect them.

Bungalow Bill

"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." Wilde


No need to be sorry. I am just sorry the The US cannot see the economical benefit of allowing brits to retire especially if they own a home here. Why not let brits or anyone else spend their hard earned money so long as they are not a drain on the state

[Bayfield]

Health Expenses?

[byjove]

Actually just had a biopsy done, waited all of 5 days for it. Thankfully all clear. Hubby also had those suspicious looking moles on his "driving arm" which had been worrying him for months checked out. Frankly the NHS even with cuts is better than nothing and we had nothing in the US as we had a $7000 deductible which we couldnt afford to pay so never went to the doctors and the insurance was nearly $6000 a year even with that. In the end just couldnt see the point and had to let it go altogether. Frightening.

We have only accident insurance now, cant afford the health one! Hubs is 63, and in excellent health. But costs were still WAY too high.

[peter gold]

have you considered a catastrophic emergency plan to cover for heart attacks cancer and the other big ones They are not too expensive and avoid a wipe out !

[byjove]

we had it Peter paid 100% of everything as even 20% of $1,000,000 is too much for most to find. But the premiums went sky high after 4 years on it and the deductible was $10,000

[anniefromessex]

I thought a forum was a way to give people who are thinking of emigrating the good and bad about a place, the ups and downs etc - not just seeing it through rose tinted spectacles. Yes, life can be fantastic but it can also be bloody hard especially for those on E-2 who never know whether they will be renewed when their Visas are up for renewal.

Many people who have written on this forum for a number of years have returned, through reasons of their own - whether it be because they haven't been renewed, have decided they cannot take the pressures anymore or because of family (as was my reason for returning), or through rising Healthcare costs and business not doing well enough to sustain these costs. There is absolutely no reason for anybody to run these people down because of the choices they have made and for said people to let people know of the downside of living in the USA. Yes, there are many reasons for staying if you can afford to and if you don't mind living your life on a knife edge never knowing whether your business is going to pass the 'marginal' test of the Embassy. Luckily we never had to pass this test and as Green Card holders we took the decision to return to the UK solely because we wanted to be with family who were not welcome in America even though they had much to offer and that is where the bitterness comes in from many who have returned, not because we didn't research or know the pitfalls but because you expect intelligence from the powers that be and all you get is idiocy and ignorance. Half of these people wouldn't know how to organise a p... up in a brewery and have never run a business but expect you to make decisions based on renewing Visas rather than plain, sound business sense which you cannot use in their scheme of things!!!

I take exception to remarks made on this forum making it sound like 'sour grapes' when things do go wrong and you make it known on a forum such as this - so that the newbies are well aware of just what can happen (not always I might add), but from reading some posts from such people on here lately, they seem to have no idea of just how hard it can be and is, and expect to be able to just up and move from the UK without a care in the world - perhaps you can to Australia and other places but definitely not to the US where it is a whole different concept and unless you go for Visas other than E-2, never leads to a life of permanence without a lot of hassle.

In our case we had owned property and had been travelling backwards and forwards to the US since 1989, in that time we had researched, talked to people and thought we knew all there was to know. Unfortunately anyone can come up against a person who tells lies but the likes of some people on this forum who act as though we are idiots and should have known better do not seem to get it that some people are born lucky, others whatever they do in life, never seem to get any luck whatsoever and they can do all the research under the sun but something will happen and their luck will turn sour.

If forums such as this are not open and honest and posters are not willing to be open to how life can be good for some and not for others without backbiting, then as far as I am concerned what is the point?!!! We might as well all say life in America is wonderful, healthcare is not costly, you never have a worry in the world once you are out there, you are given every chance when you go to the Embassy and you never look back. There, all is well in the world!!!

Love Anniexxx

[anniefromessex]

I thought a forum was a way to give people who are thinking of emigrating the good and bad about a place, the ups and downs etc - not just seeing it through rose tinted spectacles. Yes, life can be fantastic but it can also be bloody hard especially for those on E-2 who never know whether they will be renewed when their Visas are up for renewal.

Many people who have written on this forum for a number of years have returned, through reasons of their own - whether it be because they haven't been renewed, have decided they cannot take the pressures anymore or because of family (as was my reason for returning), or through rising Healthcare costs and business not doing well enough to sustain these costs. There is absolutely no reason for anybody to run these people down because of the choices they have made and for said people to let people know of the downside of living in the USA. Yes, there are many reasons for staying if you can afford to and if you don't mind living your life on a knife edge never knowing whether your business is going to pass the 'marginal' test of the Embassy. Luckily we never had to pass this test and as Green Card holders we took the decision to return to the UK solely because we wanted to be with family who were not welcome in America even though they had much to offer and that is where the bitterness comes in from many who have returned, not because we didn't research or know the pitfalls but because you expect intelligence from the powers that be and all you get is idiocy and ignorance. Half of these people wouldn't know how to organise a p... up in a brewery and have never run a business but expect you to make decisions based on renewing Visas rather than plain, sound business sense which you cannot use in their scheme of things!!!

I take exception to remarks made on this forum making it sound like 'sour grapes' when things do go wrong and you make it known on a forum such as this - so that the newbies are well aware of just what can happen (not always I might add), but from reading some posts from such people on here lately, they seem to have no idea of just how hard it can be and is, and expect to be able to just up and move from the UK without a care in the world - perhaps you can to Australia and other places but definitely not to the US where it is a whole different concept and unless you go for Visas other than E-2, never leads to a life of permanence without a lot of hassle.

In our case we had owned property and had been travelling backwards and forwards to the US since 1989, in that time we had researched, talked to people and thought we knew all there was to know. Unfortunately anyone can come up against a person who tells lies but the likes of some people on this forum who act as though we are idiots and should have known better do not seem to get it that some people are born lucky, others whatever they do in life, never seem to get any luck whatsoever and they can do all the research under the sun but something will happen and their luck will turn sour.

If forums such as this are not open and honest and posters are not willing to be open to how life can be good for some and not for others without backbiting, then as far as I am concerned what is the point?!!! We might as well all say life in America is wonderful, healthcare is not costly, you never have a worry in the world once you are out there, you are given every chance when you go to the Embassy and you never look back. There, all is well in the world!!!

Love Anniexxx

[kirtida8]

Well said Annie - yes this forum is to let everyone know the pro's and con's of uprooting and moving to a foreign country. Unfortunately you will always get those who think that we are stupid for not anticipating the worst case scenarios and avoiding them - but there are times when no amount of research or forward planning can help, and I am talking from experience here. My sister (don't get me wrong I love her to bits) is one such person - and yet she too has fallen victim to scammers - but you would never hear her admit it because it's all my fault (well I admit some of it may be, but another big one is all her own doing). You just have to let it in one ear and out the other because they will always know best ;)

[kirtida8]

BTW - my sister's sour deal has nothing to do with her EB-5 investment - that is the one thing that has gone right.

[GLORIA GRAY]

Peter,
I would like to find any insurance companies who would insure you aged 65 or over.Because of delays at the visa office my husband and I were both over 65 when we arrived here. We tried so many companies that I was in despair. I had expected to have large monthly premiums but not to find that no one was prepared to insure us at all.
A week stay in hospital and a gall bladder op has just cost $40.000 and depleted our savings considerably. When we have been here 6 years we can buy into medicare but no one can tell us how much that will cost to do. However we are happy to be here with our family at last and if it all goes down the drain healthwise we have had some time with them. Meanwhile its fingers crossed

[peter gold]

IMG International policy but it is expensive and only till 70 http://www.imglobal.com/index.aspx?gclid=CIqGnODfpKICFQHGsgodEUavwg

Global Medical InsuranceLong-term comprehensive medical plan for individuals and families
U.S.-style major medical insurance plan designed for U.S citizens living abroad or foreign nationals throughout the world. Highlights:Comprehensive, long-term medical coverage
Three plan designs: Silver, Gold and Platinum
Policy maximum of $5,000,000 or $8,000,000 under the Platinum Plan Option
Two coverage areas: worldwide or worldwide excluding U.S. and Canada
Lifetime medical coverage available subject to terms of plan
Coverage for individuals or families
Who the plan is designed for:Coverage for individuals or families living or working abroad
---------------------------------------------------
Global Medical Insurance offers worldwide coverage to a wide variety of international clientele, including expatriates, international executives, diplomats, students, entertainers and other international travelers.
You have a choice of three plan options: Silver, Gold and Platinum. You also have the opportunity to select a coverage area: worldwide or worldwide excluding the U.S. and Canada. Simply choose the plan option and coverage area that best fits your needs. Each one offers a full range of benefits suited for individuals and families, provides coverage 24 hours a day, and you have the freedom to choose any doctor or hospital for treatment.

Additionally, you have access to more than 17,000 providers when seeking treatment outside of the U.S. using our International Provider Access (IPA). You can also reduce your out-of-pocket costs when seeking treatment in the U.S. by locating providers through the independent Preferred Provider Organization.

[JulieC]

Peter,
I would like to find any insurance companies who would insure you aged 65 or over.Because of delays at the visa office my husband and I were both over 65 when we arrived here. We tried so many companies that I was in despair. I had expected to have large monthly premiums but not to find that no one was prepared to insure us at all.
A week stay in hospital and a gall bladder op has just cost $40.000 and depleted our savings considerably. When we have been here 6 years we can buy into medicare but no one can tell us how much that will cost to do. However we are happy to be here with our family at last and if it all goes down the drain healthwise we have had some time with them. Meanwhile its fingers crossed

Hopefully the new Obama health legislation will help you if and when it comes in. We were having enough problems at 59, we could get it but the premiums and the excess made it unaffordable.

[JulieC]

I thought a forum was a way to give people who are thinking of emigrating the good and bad about a place, the ups and downs etc - not just seeing it through rose tinted spectacles. Yes, life can be fantastic but it can also be bloody hard especially for those on E-2 who never know whether they will be renewed when their Visas are up for renewal.

Many people who have written on this forum for a number of years have returned, through reasons of their own - whether it be because they haven't been renewed, have decided they cannot take the pressures anymore or because of family (as was my reason for returning), or through rising Healthcare costs and business not doing well enough to sustain these costs. There is absolutely no reason for anybody to run these people down because of the choices they have made and for said people to let people know of the downside of living in the USA. Yes, there are many reasons for staying if you can afford to and if you don't mind living your life on a knife edge never knowing whether your business is going to pass the 'marginal' test of the Embassy. Luckily we never had to pass this test and as Green Card holders we took the decision to return to the UK solely because we wanted to be with family who were not welcome in America even though they had much to offer and that is where the bitterness comes in from many who have returned, not because we didn't research or know the pitfalls but because you expect intelligence from the powers that be and all you get is idiocy and ignorance. Half of these people wouldn't know how to organise a p... up in a brewery and have never run a business but expect you to make decisions based on renewing Visas rather than plain, sound business sense which you cannot use in their scheme of things!!!

I take exception to remarks made on this forum making it sound like 'sour grapes' when things do go wrong and you make it known on a forum such as this - so that the newbies are well aware of just what can happen (not always I might add), but from reading some posts from such people on here lately, they seem to have no idea of just how hard it can be and is, and expect to be able to just up and move from the UK without a care in the world - perhaps you can to Australia and other places but definitely not to the US where it is a whole different concept and unless you go for Visas other than E-2, never leads to a life of permanence without a lot of hassle.

In our case we had owned property and had been travelling backwards and forwards to the US since 1989, in that time we had researched, talked to people and thought we knew all there was to know. Unfortunately anyone can come up against a person who tells lies but the likes of some people on this forum who act as though we are idiots and should have known better do not seem to get it that some people are born lucky, others whatever they do in life, never seem to get any luck whatsoever and they can do all the research under the sun but something will happen and their luck will turn sour.

If forums such as this are not open and honest and posters are not willing to be open to how life can be good for some and not for others without backbiting, then as far as I am concerned what is the point?!!! We might as well all say life in America is wonderful, healthcare is not costly, you never have a worry in the world once you are out there, you are given every chance when you go to the Embassy and you never look back. There, all is well in the world!!!

Love Anniexxx

The other thing is that if you post on here and put the negative bits especially of E-2, people pipe up and say you knew the disadvantages before coming and you should have read what is on the can and not come if you didnt like the ingredients. The thing is however, this forum is about helping OTHERS who have not yet come by making sure that they KNOW what is on the can and what can happen. Us who bare our souls by highlighting our own mistakes, do it for a reason, to help others not make them.

[byjove]

When we came over (on E2) we were told if we got 5 years, we could renew through Washington and getting a green card after 5 years would be easy. So when the ingredients on the can get changed, it is difficult to make an informed decision.

[Bayfield]

Your lawyer told you this?

[byjove]

this was in 2002/03

[JulieC]

You could renew in Washington until 2004 I think, then they changed it so the lawyer was right there. Dunno where the green card came in though!

[McSporran]

When we came over (on E2) we were told if we got 5 years, we could renew through Washington and getting a green card after 5 years would be easy. So when the ingredients on the can get changed, it is difficult to make an informed decision.

If an attorney told you this, then I think you have a good basis for a complaint to the bar! Do you have any written info from them on this?

[chris]

We came on E2 in 2000. At that time you could renew your E2 visa by mail with a State Dept center in Nebraska. However post 911, they closed that route down in 2002, citing the need for longer, in-depth personal interviews and doing biometrics. We all know how long the E2 renewal interviews are at London and they are by and large not in-depth, nor are they long. As for biometrics, the machines are common place at all USCIS offices and those arguments for us having to leave to renew no longer washes IMHO. I would argue that as we are all supposedly/allegedly adjudicated against the exact same immigration law/criteria, USCIS is perfectly capable of handling E2 renewals and L's for that matter on an agency basis for State Dept. One decision and you get you your fresh I-94's and your fresh Visa or you don't. Would save a lot of bureaucracy, a lot of missed time away from businesses and less cost for visa holders. The only losers would be the airlines. IMHO

[byjove]

What would be the point? We are here, and what ever it wouldnt change our situation!

[byjove]

In the current economic state taking money out of the country, (hotels, flights etc..) lets face it the flight preferences are BA or Virgin.... maybe closing biz for the 2 weeks out (loss of taxes to IRS) and loss of purchases that we make everyday in stores or suppliers is crazy! If we were able to renew in USA monies would be kept here. I know it would be harder to get us out etc but surely the $ is king atm!?

[McSporran]

What would be the point? We are here, and what ever it wouldnt change our situation!

Fair point byjove!

[anniefromessex]

Byjove, you are a case in point to my original posting. You are going through hell at the moment waiting to hear if you will get your renewal. You have invested time and money in the US, your children don't remember anything apart from their life in the US, yet people are still saying you knew the pitfalls of E-2 and should be aware of what can happen. Yes, of course you should, you obviously took all that into consideration but felt that your business acumen could overcome any and all obstacles!!!

Unfortunately sh.. happens and nobody could have foreseen what has happened in this world of ours, you have diversified and done extraordinarily well and that should be taken into consideration when adjudicating your renewal. I dislike the people who are okay in their little world and have no time for the unforeseen, a real 'I'm alright Jack' scenario - with the E-2 Visa of course there are people who go out there and have no clue as to business sense etc but the majority of people I know are out there because of their love of the country and their sense of wanting to do well and getting kicked in the teeth does no good at all.

This Paradise Lost programme which is yet to be aired, many of you have poo poohed it and said it is only for those who want to whinge - but hey this could be any of you at any time and okay its probably only good tv viewing because of people wanting to see people failing - I really don't have much of a view either which way, but I remember being on a tv programme filmed at Susie's (even though many of us were cut out) and we were all primed to tell our stories - probably as these people were, and I must say that for many of us who have returned, for whatever reason, it has been 'Paradise Lost', so why would I denigrate this programme and why would anybody over there who could be these people?!!!! Perhaps because they are secure?!!!

Love Anniexxx

[Shortjoker]

Wish they had a retirement visa for Canada, but they seem to be following the US's way of immigration, i.e. have you got a spare $800k for 5 years, then maybe we'll let you in.

[Susie]

Wish they had a retirement visa for Canada, but they seem to be following the US's way of immigration, i.e. have you got a spare $800k for 5 years, then maybe we'll let you in.

Welcome to our site.

Your right in what you say. Money does talk but it cannot buy friendship or good health.


As far as I can remember Americans can get residency in the UK if they invest but sadly E 2 visa holders cannot, not fair !

[Bayfield]

EB5 is the US Investment Visa.