E2 interview scheduled

[breezy]

In the ‘Introduce Yourself section’ a couple of weeks ago I wrote about my visa journey…so far.

Things have moved on since then, so I thought the following might be useful for others waiting for an interview in London.

17 June – visa application submitted by my lawyer to US Embassy, London

22 July – my lawyer received email notification from the Embassy saying that my application had been reviewed and inviting me to apply for an interview.

The email asked that I take the following to the interview:

1) Copies of personal bank/credit card statements for the past nine months - they do already have statements for three months

2) 2009 2nd Quarter 941s – they already have 941s for 2007, 2008 and Q1 2009

3) P & L January - June 2009 – they have P & L for January to March 2009 already.

23 July – lawyer replied saying that I would be available from 5 August

24 July – reply from embassy inviting me to interview at 8.00am on 7 August (wow that was quick!)

My lawyer did say that the documentation requested has been standard for her last few clients and that none of it seemed out of the ordinary. Phew!

At this stage, I have such mixed emotions and my stomach has been doing summersaults since Tuesday. I think it’s because actually getting an interview is such a milestone yet at the back of my mind – or rather at the front of my mind – is knowing that I still have one more mountain to climb – and that’s at Grosvenor Square on the 7th.

So, after almost two years of all the ups and downs, I feel as if I’m near to the end of the beginning – if that makes sense.

Of course I might be near the end of the end if they don’t give me the visa.

[twen]

Hang in there Breezy, your lawyer is right the info asked for is standard, we had the same response [and we did our renewal ourselves] and yes the documentation asked for has already been submitted.

Good Luck :)

[kirtida8]

Good Luck Breezy - Keep a positive attitude and everything should work out fine :)

[JulieC]

Getting pretty quick now.

[Craney]

Good luck, hope it all goes well.

[Callie]

Good Luck for the 7th

[chris]

The E2 interview and making love last about the same amount of time, though the interview might be a shade longer - so Im told :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[JulieC]

The E2 interview and making love last about the same amount of time, though the interview might be a shade longer - so Im told :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

And not half as enjoyable!

[InnVic]

The E2 interview and making love last about the same amount of time, though the interview might be a shade longer - so Im told :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

...equal potential to get thoroughly screwed though :naughty:

[peter gold]

Moderation may be called for and that is my job!!!!!

[breezy]

Oh my...all this sex talk - thought I was on the wrong forum for a minute!

Thanks all though for the good wishes.

[lorraine]

Good luck fingers crossed

[britcan]

good luck!

[bizboots]

Good luck on the 7th

[Susie]

Good luck on the 7th, if they ask you any question you do not understand, them tell them so, do not try to bluff or think up an answer.

Only answer the question, as short and pleasant as possible, no need to tell them more than they need to know as you could end up putting your foot in it

[McSporran]

Good luck Breezy...I'm sure you'll "breeze" through it!

[Steve in clermont]

Well good luck to you .

Im a firm believer that they have already made up thier mind to give you the visa before the interview.
They send out a letter saying that everything more or less hangs in the balance until you bring this vital information to the interview with you.
Truth be known this is just a scare tactic to give you what we call " squeaky bum time " , its their apssing shot before giving you a visa.
They will throw a question at you that will take you off gaurd, think carefully about your answer because they already know the answer, but just want to watch you squirm.
Sometimes they will say something like " you visited US 3 times last year what were you doing and how long was you here?" What ever you do dont say you were doing anything for the business unless its just signing papers etc for the purchase...

Go in and be confident and knowledgable about your business. Show true belief in what your intentions are with regard to your business, and you will sail through.

[breezy]

Hi all
Well, I got the visa!

But first off, I wanted to thank everyone for the tips and advice and the good wishes.

Steve in Clermont had said to expect ‘squeaky bum ‘ time. I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant when I read it – I do now Steve.

But, my SBT actually came before the interview – I reckon it started around a week before. The weight I’d lost after six months slogging at the gym paled into significance after a week on the E2Visa SBT diet. I’d recommend it to anyone for rapid weight loss.

Thought it might be of interest for others waiting for their interview if I briefly ran through my experience.

My appointment was for 8.00 am - I arrived around 7.30am - and they were already admitting people to the building despite what it says on the website. By 8.00am I was through security and biometrics were all done less than an hour later.

I was called for interview at 9.50am and at 10.15 I was paying the courier fee for the return of my passport.

I didn’t feel intimidated at all by the interviewer. After experiencing questioning at secondary in the US on several occasions I was expecting a much rougher ride, but it just wasn’t the case.

The guy was probably around 30 years old, wished me a very pleasant good morning…and we were off.

He spent several minutes without speaking, looking through the extra information I’d been asked to bring to the interview: 9 months bank/credit card statements, Q2 941s and P & L Jan – Jun 2009.

Then first question:
“Did I know why the owner was using a payroll company for some staff and not others” (yes I did)

“How long did I spend in the US on my last two visits” (82 and 80 days– although why he asked when this information was on the DS156 form - and I’m sure he had it on his screen too. My visa lawyer had said I might get questioned on this)

“You have a son in the US. Where does he live and what sort of visa is he on” (Colorado - H1B)

“Have you asked the owner why there were fluctuations in the figures for the last three years” (I had)

“Why did I choose this particular business” (this was my longest reply and I wasn’t sure when to stop! I’d read all the advice about not saying too much but I was on a roll. When he started to nod off I thought I had better round it up – just kidding!)

Then he shuffled my application around a little and pulled some papers from underneath and said: “I’m pleased to tell you that the business satisfies the requirements for an E2 visa and I’m issuing this for 36 months”

I’m thinking is that it? Where’s the grilling on the tax returns, the P & Ls, the balance sheets. I stupidly asked him if there were any more questions! I was thinking…he’s not asked me about my break-even, my GP, my NP, my marketing and development plans – all the stuff I had crammed into my head.

But then it started to sink in – I wanted to punch the air and woohoo – but I had to control myself.

He said that when it came to the renewal I would be expected to at least have maintained the same marginality and owner benefit. I joked with him (cant believe I did that) by asking if he’d be there in three years as it hadn’t been half as bad as I thought and he said that no, he’d be long gone.

I’ve read and heard of so many Embassy interview horror stories and initially I thought that perhaps I was just lucky. Maybe I was. But, I can only talk from my perspective and the actual interview wasn't anywher near as bad as I thought it would be. The worse part was the period after the application was submitted, to getting the invite to interview and the SBT from then until the actual interview.

I was scared, oh my was I scared. My stomach was in knots, I'd wake in the middle of the night and then not be able to go back to sleep. And knowing that your life is going to go one direction or the other on the strength of that interview is scary stuff.

It's very hard to explain the multitude of emotions you go through but I think if you've been through that interview then no explanation is needed. And if you haven't there really isn't one.

But with hindsight I think I was quite well prepared. I knew my business inside out. I also had a very good visa lawyer who made sure my application was solid. The two hours I spent with her a few days before the interview running through potential questions and the areas of my application on which she thought I might be questioned was invaluable.

There was only one other ‘E’ application during the time I was at the Embassy and I went over to them and said hi. Their interview was just ahead of mine and afterwards they came back and said the adjudicating officer had given them a bit of a grilling on the finances and on the staff hours and there had been some discussion about what they and he considered ‘full time’ (I think it’s 37 ½ hours). But they felt he was fair. It was their first renewal and they got five years.

I found it hard to think beyond the visa interview but that’s behind me now - for three years at least. Now I have to start to run a business.

But first I have to get my head round all the other things I have to do – SS number for starters.

Anyone have any dos/don’ts for a rookie E2 visa holder?

[peter gold]

Great News Breezy Us Mancs rule except against Chelsea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bizboots]

Great job Breezy, congratulations

[kirtida8]

Congrats Breezy. Great post updating others on your experience. Wish you all the best in your business - its going to be a hectic time. :)

[McSporran]

Congrats Breezy...forgive me, as I may have missed this - what business are you buying?

[lorraine]

Congratulations to you excellent news. I also think that interview is so scarey and so glad I never have to go through that again...

[Mike Peach]

Anyone have any dos/don’ts for a rookie E2 visa holder?

Don't forget why you came over here and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the place.

All work and no play etc. etc.

[hollaka79]

Well done, and weclome to the US!!

:)

[twen]

Congratulations Breezy

[breezy]

Again, thanks all for the support.

My passport was returned Tuesday - the third working day from the visa interview. So, I'm ready to go - flight booked to Tampa this Sunday. I'll miss United's first match! (community shield doesn't really count)

McSporran - my business is a wedding and event planning company currently based in Clearwater but I'm relocating the office to Treasure Island.

[dip your toe]

Again, thanks all for the support.

My passport was returned Tuesday - the third working day from the visa interview. So, I'm ready to go - flight booked to Tampa this Sunday. I'll miss United's first match! (community shield doesn't really count)

McSporran - my business is a wedding and event planning company currently based in Clearwater but I'm relocating the office to Treasure Island.

Good Luck. That is one business that holds a helluva lot of potential if done properly. Having just seen my daughter married off and my bank balance taken a huge hit I can vouch that. :( & :)

[kelly graves]

Hi Breezy

good luck with your wedding/event planning business you have done it at the right time, as the industry is just starting to wake up after a very slow 18 months.
I am also here on an E2 with an Event Furniture rental company, based in Orlando. for the last 14 months. So if there is any information or advise i can give you please pm. I would love to have a chat and share experiences with you and your family

[McSporran]

Again, thanks all for the support.

My passport was returned Tuesday - the third working day from the visa interview. So, I'm ready to go - flight booked to Tampa this Sunday. I'll miss United's first match! (community shield doesn't really count)

McSporran - my business is a wedding and event planning company currently based in Clearwater but I'm relocating the office to Treasure Island.

Wishing you every success for your future here in the US.

[chris]

Aren't you already planning an event to celebrate your success!!!!:):):):):):)

'With this Visa, I thee allow into the US.
To have debt and to hold notes,
from this day forward,
for better for worse (mostly worse),
for richer and poorer (usually the latter),
in sickness and in health (make sure you have health insurance),
till denial us do part

[breezy]

Aren't you already planning an event to celebrate your success!!!!:):):):):):)

'With this Visa, I thee allow into the US.
To have debt and to hold notes,
from this day forward,
for better for worse (mostly worse),
for richer and poorer (usually the latter),
in sickness and in health (make sure you have health insurance),
till denial us do part

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[InnVic]

Aren't you already planning an event to celebrate your success!!!!:):):):):):)

'With this Visa, I thee allow into the US.
To have debt and to hold notes,
from this day forward,
for better for worse (mostly worse),
for richer and poorer (usually the latter),
in sickness and in health (make sure you have health insurance),
till denial us do part

Love it! ;-)

[Susie]

Hi all
Well, I got the visa!

But first off, I wanted to thank everyone for the tips and advice and the good wishes.

Steve in Clermont had said to expect ‘squeaky bum ‘ time. I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant when I read it – I do now Steve.

But, my SBT actually came before the interview – I reckon it started around a week before. The weight I’d lost after six months slogging at the gym paled into significance after a week on the E2Visa SBT diet. I’d recommend it to anyone for rapid weight loss.

Thought it might be of interest for others waiting for their interview if I briefly ran through my experience.

My appointment was for 8.00 am - I arrived around 7.30am - and they were already admitting people to the building despite what it says on the website. By 8.00am I was through security and biometrics were all done less than an hour later.

I was called for interview at 9.50am and at 10.15 I was paying the courier fee for the return of my passport.

I didn’t feel intimidated at all by the interviewer. After experiencing questioning at secondary in the US on several occasions I was expecting a much rougher ride, but it just wasn’t the case.

The guy was probably around 30 years old, wished me a very pleasant good morning…and we were off.

He spent several minutes without speaking, looking through the extra information I’d been asked to bring to the interview: 9 months bank/credit card statements, Q2 941s and P & L Jan – Jun 2009.

Then first question:
“Did I know why the owner was using a payroll company for some staff and not others” (yes I did)

“How long did I spend in the US on my last two visits” (82 and 80 days– although why he asked when this information was on the DS156 form - and I’m sure he had it on his screen too. My visa lawyer had said I might get questioned on this)

“You have a son in the US. Where does he live and what sort of visa is he on” (Colorado - H1B)

“Have you asked the owner why there were fluctuations in the figures for the last three years” (I had)

“Why did I choose this particular business” (this was my longest reply and I wasn’t sure when to stop! I’d read all the advice about not saying too much but I was on a roll. When he started to nod off I thought I had better round it up – just kidding!)

Then he shuffled my application around a little and pulled some papers from underneath and said: “I’m pleased to tell you that the business satisfies the requirements for an E2 visa and I’m issuing this for 36 months”

I’m thinking is that it? Where’s the grilling on the tax returns, the P & Ls, the balance sheets. I stupidly asked him if there were any more questions! I was thinking…he’s not asked me about my break-even, my GP, my NP, my marketing and development plans – all the stuff I had crammed into my head.

But then it started to sink in – I wanted to punch the air and woohoo – but I had to control myself.

He said that when it came to the renewal I would be expected to at least have maintained the same marginality and owner benefit. I joked with him (cant believe I did that) by asking if he’d be there in three years as it hadn’t been half as bad as I thought and he said that no, he’d be long gone.

I’ve read and heard of so many Embassy interview horror stories and initially I thought that perhaps I was just lucky. Maybe I was. But, I can only talk from my perspective and the actual interview wasn't anywher near as bad as I thought it would be. The worse part was the period after the application was submitted, to getting the invite to interview and the SBT from then until the actual interview.

I was scared, oh my was I scared. My stomach was in knots, I'd wake in the middle of the night and then not be able to go back to sleep. And knowing that your life is going to go one direction or the other on the strength of that interview is scary stuff.

It's very hard to explain the multitude of emotions you go through but I think if you've been through that interview then no explanation is needed. And if you haven't there really isn't one.

But with hindsight I think I was quite well prepared. I knew my business inside out. I also had a very good visa lawyer who made sure my application was solid. The two hours I spent with her a few days before the interview running through potential questions and the areas of my application on which she thought I might be questioned was invaluable.

There was only one other ‘E’ application during the time I was at the Embassy and I went over to them and said hi. Their interview was just ahead of mine and afterwards they came back and said the adjudicating officer had given them a bit of a grilling on the finances and on the staff hours and there had been some discussion about what they and he considered ‘full time’ (I think it’s 37 ½ hours). But they felt he was fair. It was their first renewal and they got five years.

I found it hard to think beyond the visa interview but that’s behind me now - for three years at least. Now I have to start to run a business.

But first I have to get my head round all the other things I have to do – SS number for starters.

Anyone have any dos/don’ts for a rookie E2 visa holder?


Many congratulations and a big thank you for sharing your experience at the embassy.

Now the hard work really begins:)

[Kirstie]

Congratulations!!!!

What is your business? Share it with us so that we can direct people your way if we can!

[breezy]

Congratulations!!!!

What is your business? Share it with us so that we can direct people your way if we can!

Thanks Kirstie. Wedding and event planning - see post 27.

Are you still in St Pete? What sort of business are you in Kirstie?

[Kirstie]

Congratulations Breezy!!


:)