Rights to Live in Florida

[Kitty]

I do not want to give up my British citizenship, and as I hope to retire soon can I live in Florida for our winter and return home to the UK for our summer?
How do I get a retirment visa.:)

[Susie]

I do not want to give up my British citizenship, and as I hope to retire soon can I live in Florida for our winter and return home to the UK for our summer?
How do I get a retirment visa.:)

Hi

At the moment there is no such thing as a retirement visa to the USA. Although this was in the pipline a few years ago it seems to have been shelved for the time being

The best way to come here is on a B1/B2 visa. This is a non immigrant visa which will allow you to stay for up to 6 months

Go to www.uscis.gov on the home page you will see Other agencies etc., so do a search for the American embassy in your home country. as you will need to apply for this visa in your home country

Regards Sue

[JulieC]

Sounds like an ideal situation if you can afford to do it, the summers are much too hot in Florida anyway.

[floridapete]

I do not want to give up my British citizenship, and as I hope to retire soon can I live in Florida for our winter and return home to the UK for our summer?
How do I get a retirment visa.:)

Hello Kitty, as the person who is perhaps closest to your situation on this Forum at this time maybe I can offer some help to you ?

Myself and my wife have spent the last five winters in Florida on a semi-retirement basis as this is the closest that we are ever going to get (or in fact want to get) to staying full time in Florida.WE have had from three to five months per winter.

We much prefer to spend our winters there (Florida) and our Summers here (North Yorkshire) except for this winter when we have commitments here in York and UK which have kept us here all year until May 2006.

However, to answer your question - there is NO retirement visa and I doubt very much that there ever will be ! Fact is that the US administration doesn't care to have retired non-resident aliens in their midst - they don't care about our potential spending powers - they are much more concerned at having the prospect of an aging, retired and geriatric band of foreigners cluttering up their nice clean United States !

Yes, there has been attempts to get such a retirees Visa launched - about ten years ago - but nothing ever came of it and i doubt that anything ever will. They just don't care to have us and so we must be happy with what we can get !

We have always had B2 Visas (since 1979) and so we are able to stay for up to six months at one bite each year. In fact some winters we have stayed in two bites with a return back to family for Christmas. But, if you don't have B2 visas yet - you would be able to make two trips of 90 days each (with a seperation of a month or two between them) each year. Or you could apply to the US Embassy in London for B2 visas to enable you to 'winter in the sunshine of Florida as snowbirds' (they understand that language). NEVER say that you hope to retire to Florida - that is NOT allowed and will cancel any chances of getting a B2 visa.

If you want to read of our typical Wintering in Florida go to our website at www.FloridaBritsGroup.com and click on "wintering in Florida".

We know that we do have the very best of both worlds - and being retired (though I retired early from my own business) we can afford to do it which not everybody can. We would never want to stay in Florida all year round - it's just too damned hot for us over there in Summer.

If you need any more information or advice don't be afrfaid to ask here. I will watch for your response.

Incidentally, folks, Susie did ask me to get involved in this Forum to respond to this question - although I will keep well out of all the expats stuff - not being an expat myself.

[Susie]

Hi Fl Pete and :welcome:

Thank you for joinning and stopping by to visit our forum. You are always welcome to join in, even though you have no wish to become an expat your knowledge and input will help many.

[JulieC]

Someone did try to bring in a retirement visa, late 90s wasnt it? Floridapete would know. It failed to get through unfortunately as it had the backing of only a few states, mainly those where people would want to retire to, the northern states thought what is in this for them and wouldnt support it. Periodically there are rumours they will re-ntroduce this, perhaps the huge number of people now applying for E2 visas and the massive backlog and processing delays that has caused may make those in authority reconsider their policy on retirement visas as many people attempting to buy businesses here to gain the right to live here are older people who have taken early retirement in the UK with pensions and wouldnt be buying a business if they didnt have to. Unfortunately though, the politician who tried to introduce the original bill is no longer in congress.

[floridapete]

Someone did try to bring in a retirement visa, late 90s wasnt it? Floridapete would know. It failed to get through unfortunately as it had the backing of only a few states, mainly those where people would want to retire to, the northern states thought what is in this for them and wouldnt support it. Periodically there are rumours they will re-ntroduce this, perhaps the huge number of people now applying for E2 visas and the massive backlog and processing delays that has caused may make those in authority reconsider their policy on retirement visas as many people attempting to buy businesses here to gain the right to live here are older people who have taken early retirement in the UK with pensions and wouldnt be buying a business if they didnt have to. Unfortunately though, the politician who tried to introduce the original bill is no longer in congress.

I have just checked back through my archives to November of 2003 (over two years ago) which was when I last heard anything at all about the 'possibility' of a retirement Visa. In fact there was ever very little possibility but a tireless group of Brit semi-retirees up in The Villages near Leesburg were still trying to get their local Congresswoman to raise the matter again on behalf of all the people who had invested in that area and all over Florida.

Her reply was quite definite and I am copying it below for your information as to how the US mind now thinks in these matters.

I have just been sent a copy of this e-mail.

From: Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite.
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2003 10:31:28
Subject: Responding to your message (Retirees Visas)


Thank you for contacting my office and expressing your support for a Retiree Visa Bill. I am pleased to have responsible, appreciative visitors such as yourself in my district and in my country.

I have been working on a bill very similar to that of former Representative Bill McCollum for the past several months. After talking with colleagues involved in Homeland Security, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to reintroduce this legislation. Unfortunately, the benefits are overshadowed by the possible catastrophic consequences, and the timing just is not right.

In August of 2003, Hemant Lakhani, an alleged arms dealer in Great Britain was apprehended and charged with attempting to sell shoulder-fired missiles to terrorists for use against American targets. Lakhani traveled to Newark, New Jersey and was arrested along with two alleged financial facilitators as he prepared to finalize the sale of the first missile.

I realize the economic and cultural benefits that foreign retirees offer central Florida and the entire country. However, in the post-September 11 world all must be done to reduce and eliminate the possibility of terrorist activity on our homeland. This is not to say that retirees from the nations specified in such legislation are linked to terrorism. Simply put, the legislation could possibly provide an avenue for a terrorist to live in America under the guise of entering from an ally nation.

As an active member of the Immigration Reform Caucus I have fought to tighten border security and protect against any further attacks on our soil. I apologize that you are denied a privilege because of the actions of people who you share nothing in common with, except for the simple fact that you are native to a foreign nation. I truly regret that there is no way to retain our respectful, grateful visitors while prohibiting any and all potential terrorists.

If even one of one million foreign retirees visiting under this legislation is afforded the opportunity to harm America, then the legislation is not worthwhile. I apologize that this denies those who would enrich America of a significant privilege.

I thank you for your concern regarding this very important matter and I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. It is my honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida's 5th Congressional District and my offices and staff are here to provide you with any assistance you may need.

Sincerely,

Ginny Brown-Waite
Member of Congress.

..................................

Answers (on a postcard) can be sent to Congresswoman Brown-Waite (now ain't that a very English hyphenated name ?).

But it just goes to show that there always was (and always will be) those in high places who will grasp at any excuse at all to avoid 'foreign retirees' from staying long-term in the USA - no matter what economic benefits may be attributed to them.

Now didn't we used to have Americans who supplied arms, no doubt including rocket launchers, to the IRA in the 'good ol'days'. Did we ban Americans from retiring to the UK ? HELL NO ! Well maybe we should ?

But one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter !
So what changes ?"

That was over two years ago - and nothing has been heard since of any retirement visa being resurrected. I doubt that it ever will as there is no political will to do so.

So just enjoy what you can Kitty - while you can !

But also remember that it doesn't just depend on what kind of a Visa you have as to how long you may be able to stay in the US. Other matters such as the cost and availability of medical insurance will come into it - much more difficult to find and afford than just a few years back. Also, the cost of schedule flights to stay for longer periods - much more expensive than the usual charter or short term flights for less than 30 days stay. Finally the cost of car rentals for long term periods - or the continuing difficulties of owning your own car in the US because of driving license and car insurance barriers which have been placed in our way since '9/11'.

Oh, and if you do want to apply for a B2 Visa you and yours will have to travel to London to take the interview if you are over 17 years and younger than 85 years old !

"WELCOME TO AMERICA !" (Really ??)

[JulieC]

What an incredible reply!! So was the arms dealer an oldie?? I am guessing not! Beware of oldies carrying grenades or missile launchers in their shopping bags, thats all I say. Does the word paranoia come to mind. Any excuse I say.

[Kitty]

Thanks for the answer, I feel really wanted by the Americans (I dont think),
Are you suggesting that if yiou are over 85 they dont want you at all? Or is it the B2 visa that is limited.

I have always thought we ought to break away from the EU and immediately surrender to the USA so we can be their newest state!

Do you think they would have us? After all they all came from here is the first place, didnt they?:confused:

[floridapete]

Thanks for the answer, I feel really wanted by the Americans (I dont think),
Are you suggesting that if yiou are over 85 they dont want you at all? Or is it the B2 visa that is limited.

I have always thought we ought to break away from the EU and immediately surrender to the USA so we can be their newest state!

Do you think they would have us? After all they all came from here is the first place, didnt they?:confused:

The age limit of 85 that I quoted is simply that from age 85 the US Embassy in London do not require you to travel to London to have an interview for a B2 Visa. The B2 Visa is not limited by age but if you are still able, healthy and wealthy enough at over 85 to still want to travel to the USA and stay more than 90 days, then I am sure that they would still consider your application for one. But that age limit does 'sort the men from the boys' kinda thing !

Frankly, after having a B2 Visa for almost 30 years (since when you could not travel to the USA without a visa at all) I have just let ours lapse, expire and will not be renewing them in future - it' just not worth the hassles and expense of doing so any more !

"After all - they all came from here in the first place didn't they ?" Really depends on how you read your (their) history books.The Pilgrim Fathers may not be the way that the many hundreds of non-Anglo races in America regard their historic roots and ancestors - particuarly the Irish, the Italians, the Lutheran Germans, the Arcadian French etc. etc. They all had good reasons of religious or political persecution to want to get away from Europe to a 'better land' ! Whether they found it, or not, is another thing.

[Kitty]

Thanks Pete, I never gave the cost of the visa a thought, is it very expensive to get a B2 and how long do they normally last? Is it as hard to get as the other types of visa? Not sure I could stand up to the third degree in a Embassy!

Kitty

[floridapete]

Thanks Pete, I never gave the cost of the visa a thought, is it very expensive to get a B2 and how long do they normally last? Is it as hard to get as the other types of visa? Not sure I could stand up to the third degree in a Embassy!

Kitty

See my reply to your query on the other thread.

B2 Visa lasts 10 years.

No, it's not 'as hard' to get as, say, an E2 but you do have to be very careful to put your case clearly (see what i have told you on the other thread).

Can't remember how much they cost nowadays (they keep on going up and I lost track) but the website will tell you.

[jazzy_diva]

HI Everyone,

I will need to apply for a B2 Visa but as I'm too young to give the excuse of wanting to be a snowbird retiree what else can I tell the Immigration Officer at the interview. The real reason is that I want to do some due dilligence of businesses there with a view to getting an E2 visa. However alternatively I might just decide to spend 6 months in the US (for the sunshine) and then leave when it gets too hot for the forseeable future and not bother with the E2 visa.

I am financially solvent and would not need to work during the 6 months I would be in the US. Any ideas? I don't want to give the wrong reason and then be barred from getting a B1 visa.

Lastly, once you get a B2 visa which I understand lasts for 10 years does this mean I have to spend 120 days in the US at one go or can I spend 90 days there, leave, and then come back for another 90 days within the one year?

Many thanks for your help

Susan

[floridapete]

I will answer your last question first and then leave others to give you suitable advice to your earlier questions.

B2 Visa - good for 'up to 180 days stay in any 365 day period'. The clock ticks back from the moment you present yourself at the entry officers desk and he counts how many days you have spent in the US over the past 365 days - plus your intentions this trip.

He will particularly look to see how long you spent outside of the USA following your last visit. Were you out of the US for longer or less than you were last within the US ? If you are returning very soon after a previous long stay and want to stay a long period again - he may refuse you.

If you are so 'young' that he may question whether you will be able to be there and not work - you will need to have some UK Bank statements to show funds available and also proof of a domicile in the UK that you will NEED to return to at the end of your permitted entry.

The 'intention' of your visit is equally important as your stated reason for visit. B2 Visa is simply for 'visit for pleasure' - nothing else.

Now, what you actually tell him/her is vitally important to the qualification of your visa and as to whether you are lying or not !