Fla. Business Brokers now refusing Brit E2 buyers.

[floridapete]

I have just received this comment from our Business broker contact in Central Fla.:

"The London Embassy is still in a poor state and quoting 16 weeks (for E2 applications). We had one approved recently after 19 weeks but I hear stories from other brokers of 6 months and longer.

Everything being approved for only two years.

Many business brokers here now will not accept E-2 buyers from Britain who have to go through the London Embassy."

[Kriz1]

I wonder if people moving to other States are having as much trouble..

[JulieC]

It isnt just the brokers, sellers are refusing to sell to Brits on E2 also. You cant really blame them, it is taking up to a year and then some people are getting turned down. It has seriously depressed the market, I heard there were far fewer businesses for sale now than this time last year. Business brokers are going under fast. Some are advocating B2 and change of status, but that doesnt give you a visa only visa status but that isnt being made clear to applicants in all cases.

[nakoic]

From what you guys are saying, as a Brit, you may aswell not even attempt to try the E2 route, unless your from another country of residence ... its a shame that there is an Ombusman or something, (I know of people trying to appeal regarding the way the London Embassy have handled their application, I don't know the outcome ... its basically with the powers that be).

All I can say is that I really do not eveny people going thru their applications at the moment.

[JulieC]

Another country of residence isnt a bad idea. We have all heard the urban legend of the management agency split into two and two halves sold to two people, identical turnover, number of contracts etc, one half sold to English army person stationed in Germany who filed there got through and very quickly, the other was months in processing and did not. Anyone know how long you would need to live in say Spain to apply there. Pete??