Got the standard letter....

[InnVic]

Well true to their word - 120 days (almost to the day) we heard back from embassy - standard "not yet eligible" letter regarding our renewal.
They have asked for:

W2's 1099's etc
2007 profit and loss ledger
and letter of intent to depart.

Considering we did the application ourselves I don't think this is too bad :-) Please advise otherwise if you think we should panic!:D

[DEE F]

Well true to their word - 120 days (almost to the day) we heard back from embassy - standard "not yet eligible" letter regarding our renewal.
They have asked for:

W2's 1099's etc
2007 profit and loss ledger
and letter of intent to depart.

Considering we did the application ourselves I don't think this is too bad :-) Please advise otherwise if you think we should panic!:DInnvic dont be silly,it is them that should be panicking ,dont they realise who they are dealing with:D :D :D :D :D :D :D Good luck anyway.

Love Dee xxxxxxxxx

[kirtida8]

Definitely dont panic - and well done for submitting it yourself. :grin:

[STEVE T]

is this your first renewal ? and great for doing it yourself

[InnVic]

Yes its the first renewal. I am fairly encouraged by the lack of other items they have asked to clarify. The things they have requested more info on are pretty routine bearing in mind the delay in processing (their end).....hey perhaps I could set up a Visa service as a side line :-)
of course when we used an attorney for our initial application he did tell us that renewal was "a rubber stamp excersise"...yeah right! Obviously this "expert" was a little economical with the truth hence we decided to fly solo this time. Worst case scenario we felt that if all went to cock we'd speak to an expert then - but if it went through we'd have an extra $5000 in our back pockets to spend on cadbury chocolate when in the Uk!
The US embassy website is VERY specific and quite easy to follow - and this is exactly what we did - check and re check before sending - but its not rocket science. I wouldn't attempt it for initial application but we kept copies of all forms and letters and used the same format and language on the renewal and fingers crossed it seems to be okay so far. Just out of curiosity though does ANYONE get a "your enteprise has been approved come for interview" letter?

[davidmartin_uk]

They will not register a business for an E-2 visa until they have seen the applicants in person which is why they have to technically state that they cannot register the business at this point.

Dave

[JulieC]

120 days isnt bad, much better than it was at one point. The things they have asked for seem pretty standard and easy to obtain. This letter of intention to depart is a laugh, it is a bit like those have you ever been guilty of genocide questions on the visa waiver form!! Good luck anyway.

[punky]

Well done for doing it yourself...

The fact they are asking for info is good, as it means they are seriously considering your application, or they'd just deny it.

[timjotom]

Well done and good luck.

Have you been given an interview date yet?

[InnVic]

because of bookings we are finding it difficult to get back to the Uk for interview. We do have a six day window early August - then nothing till November. Can anyone who's done the interview visa thing recently let me know how long it took to get their passport back? We tentativly planned flying to UK on Sunday, appt Monday and return flight on Friday (so not to miss weekends) - do you think this is enough time for them to process and deliver?

[McSporran]

Hi InnVic,

Firstly a huge WELL DONE - brilliant job.
Secondly - I haven't been back to the UK for interview recently, but our friends went back for their E-2 interview, and were told to be in the UK at least 10 days...I think their passport came back on day 5 after the interview...but I'm sure others on here will have more specifics.

Also thought I would let you know, I did here of one couple "friend of a friend" type - who was received his letter in March, and booked the appointment for June, sighting business pressures...and they were OK with this I think...might be worth a try if the August window is too tight??

Well done again. :D

[InnVic]

Thanks McSporran - but it aint over till the fat lady sings (and I WILL sing if I get a 5 year one!) but I'm fairly confident. IT would be nice to get it out of the way if they could do it in five days. Our initial interview two years ago was on a thursday and we got our passport back on the Saturday...thats why we figured a monday would give enough working days for this to happen. We can probably stretch a few extra days and just put innsitters in - I think it will be worth the inconvenience just for the peace of mind.

[SHEILA 13]

Julie,Hope all goes well for you.

[charliesmum]

We had our interview on the Wednesday and got the passports back on the following Tuesday, but we had asked for them to be delivered before 10 in the morning and we were in Winchester, so may not have had others going to the same area. Sab, from here, went on the same day as us and, I believe, got her's on the Friday in Manchester - only 2 days later. I did wonder if that was because of area, but who knows.

The delivery people are couriers and not Embassy employees, so they seemed to be quite amenable. When we rang to chase our's up, as we were booked to come home the next day and Steve was panicing, they were really pleasant on the phone.

You seem to have been asked for fairly standard paperwork to bring with you and I would say you have a very strong chance of no problems. We all know that's not something to take for granted, but if you know your business is strong, you should be ok.

I asked Glenn why they weren't sending out 'you've been approved' letters anymore and he sort of skirted round the question a bit, but said they didn't want to send letters asking for more information anymore and as they needed up to date information, it was easier to ask for it face to face. He said it was Federal Law that to get an E2 visa or renewal, you had to have an interview with a Visa Officer before it was issued.

If you need any more help, don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers
Zoe

[InnVic]

So a Monday interview should give us a pretty good chance of getting passports back by Friday then? Well if I can get the interview for August 6th then I think 'we're good to go" as they say here in Vermont!

[Kriz1]

I'll always go up and clean your loo's for you if you're stuck Julie...

[InnVic]

...there are 11.....are you still interested Chrissy!

[davidmartin_uk]

Hi

Interview Tuesday 4:30pm

Passports delivered Friday 2:00pm. Did not pay for any premium delivery.

A lot depends on how busy the embassy is on the day you go. A quiet day is around 600 people (on our day) a busy day can be almost 1000!

Dave

[InnVic]

they offered us interview at 10.30am. Is this normal?

[charliesmum]

I think all the interviews are at 10.30 for renewals.

Don't think for a minute that you will be seen at 10.30. That is the initial check in.
We got there at 9.30 for a 10.30 interview and were seen at 3.

Take a book !!!!!!

Steve

[timjotom]

10.30 is normal but be prepared to stay till 5.

We had our interview Monday and passports came back Friday. You can pay a premium and have them delivered quicker but not sure of the cost.

[SarahG]

Great News Innvic

We are in the process of putting our renewal application together and would be very happy to only have that list of items to bring when we finally hear news.

I've just got a question about what they have asked for.

They have asked you for W2, 1099s but I would have thought you already gave them these relating to year ending 2006 as you sent in your application this year and probably included them. Or do they want you to bring W2's relating to this year in which case they would be incomplete? I'm confused because I thought W2 and 1099's were only given out at a year end.

Thanks in advance

Sarah

[Susie]

Great news Innvic,

Hopefully, your nearly there and well done for doing your own application. Least this way you either get approved or not on your own merits. I usually recommend people go through an immigration attorney, just in case but as the years pass I am begining to change my views on this, especially when it comes to the renewal and providing the case is a straight forward one

I truely believe your application will be fine. 120 days is better than before but far too long if you ask me. What happened to the 6 weeks processing time by last Christmas?

Good luck and lets hope we get another sucess story

[Kriz1]

...there are 11.....are you still interested Chrissy!

I used to own an Office cleaning company in the UK...11 loo's are nothing...:D

[peter gold]

Renewals are fairly easy to do yourself and save money, but you have to follow to the letter of the law how they want you to present the evidence (all on the web site see direct link below)

http://london.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/enew2.html,

and make sure you have up to date tax docs, valid lease, and a business plan ( go with 5 years and you may get that for the renewal.
I am aware of at least 6 renewals granted when applicants have had no attorney. However if you use one the argument is you have benefitted the US economy so there is some though costly advantage.

[JulieC]

I just had a look at your website, it is just beautiful, no wonder you only have a six day gap in the next six months!!

[InnVic]

Great News Innvic

We are in the process of putting our renewal application together and would be very happy to only have that list of items to bring when we finally hear news.

I've just got a question about what they have asked for.

They have asked you for W2, 1099s but I would have thought you already gave them these relating to year ending 2006 as you sent in your application this year and probably included them. Or do they want you to bring W2's relating to this year in which case they would be incomplete? I'm confused because I thought W2 and 1099's were only given out at a year end.

Thanks in advance

Sarah

That is correct - but we don't actually have any direct employees so no W2s to send them - our business plan for initial visa reflected only a part time Housekeeper (salary projection $3000) We don't atually have a salaried HK yet. Our position on the marginal argument was that we have employed "indirectly" many laborers and tradesmen, resulting in quantifiable payments in excess of $18-$20K a year. also indirectly as we only provide lodging we have had positive economic benefit to local restaurants, shops and attractions. By our increasing business by 100% we calculated the additional local 'spend" of our guests to be in the region of $225,000 per year (this excludes our sales) We have also allowed a start up business use of a small gift shop on our premises (employing sales staff) I am also head of the Local woman business group and a director of the chamber of commerce. Now if they would rather I produced W2s for a cleaning lady paid 43000 to the above then they don't deserve to have me! The FAM guidelines does not specify I have to employ - only that my enteprise produces benefit...it does :-)

[InnVic]

oops typo above. I didn't mean 43000 - I'd easily get a cleaner for that...I forgot to hit the shift key I means $3000!

[SarahG]

Thanks for the reply InnVic. Interesting reading your comments re positive impact on the local businesses. Our problem is we've had staff and then they left and now need to recruit again! There is always something to do!!

Sarah

[McSporran]

oops typo above. I didn't mean 43000 - I'd easily get a cleaner for that...I forgot to hit the shift key I means $3000!

Damn it - I was about to apply for the job :D :D

[tracifrost]

The FAM guidelines does not specify I have to employ - only that my enteprise produces benefit...it does :-)

i dont understand?:confused:
do you not have to employ americans then? or ......:confused:

[Kriz1]

Damn it - I was about to apply for the job :D :D

I would of been fighting you for it......:rofl: :rofl:

[InnVic]

i dont understand?:confused:
do you not have to employ americans then? or ......:confused:

No you dont HAVE to - obviously though it is one way to show economic beneft. text below is direct copy from FAM manual

9 FAM 41.51 N11 ENTERPRISE MUST BE
MORE THAN MARGINAL
U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual Volume 9 - Visas
9 FAM 41.51 Notes Page 13 of 32
(TL:VISA-322; 10-10-2001)
The alien must not be investing in a marginal enterprise solely for the
purpose of earning a living. An applicant is not entitled to E-2 classification if
the investment, even if substantial, will return only enough income to
provide a living for the applicant and family. There are various ways to help
in determining whether an investment is marginal, in the sense of only
providing a livelihood for the applicant.
(1) First, look to the alien’s income from the investment. If the income
derived from the business exceeds what is necessary to support self
and family, then this, too, meets the test.
(2) If the first test is not met, and it becomes necessary to consider
other factors, one can look to the economic impact of the business.
The business must have the capacity, present or future, to make a
significant economic contribution. The projected future capacity
should generally be realizable within five years from the date the
alien commences normal business articulates. It is recommended
that applicant's submit a reliable business plan to verify the
capacity to realize a profit within a maximum five years.

[tracifrost]

but innvic are you here on an L visa or an E visa? if you dont mind i ask.
thank you

[Sharon]

Inn vic, thanks for the fam rules, that helps a lot, can you post the weblink to this fam book

[InnVic]

Traci - we're on E2

Sharon FAM link
http://www.foia.state.gov/masterdocs/09fam/0941051N.pdf

[Grumpy]

good luck inn vic, routeing for you

[Jax]

Good Luck i will let you know when we hear from the Embassy

[Munish]

Yes good luck

[InnVic]

not going for interview till October 29th - so keep the fingers uncrossed for now :-)

[britcan]

Good Luck when the time comes..

[Kitty]

hope all goes well, good luck to all waiting

[Ellie]

Good luck for your interview. Just wanted to know if this was the first interview they offered you or if you wanted it later in the year due to your business?

[InnVic]

Hi Ellie we were offered appointment from July 29th - we chose October to fit in with business commitments and they were happy to accommodate.

[Susie]

Hi Ellie we were offered appointment from July 29th - we chose October to fit in with business commitments and they were happy to accommodate.



Wow,

Thanks is very accommodating of them, a good sign hopefully

[Jax]

I don,t think this the right thread but i am feeling pretty sorry for my-self and needed to rant and rave
first our E2 visa renewal went in the middle of Feb still no news i thought that when Inn Vic got her letter ours would follow not as yet then on Monday we get a letter from the IRS saying we owed penaltys for late fileing on a house we purchased back in Sept the seller and the title company did not file in time the correct withholding tax why is this out problem no one knows and to cap it all i am 50 on Thursday.Not real problems in comparision to some on this site but i needed to put pen to paper thanks Jax

[kirtida8]

Sorry to hear of your troubles Jax - but hang in there. :hug: And happy 50th on Thursday - is there going to be a party? ;) :drunk: :beer:

[anniefromessex]

Happy birthday for Thursday Jax, keep your chin up my love these things are sent to try us.

My birthday is Sunday - not telling how old I am, ha ha!!!

Love Anniexxx

[Jax]

Happy Birthday Annie
Jax

[Susie]

I don,t think this the right thread but i am feeling pretty sorry for my-self and needed to rant and rave
first our E2 visa renewal went in the middle of Feb still no news i thought that when Inn Vic got her letter ours would follow not as yet then on Monday we get a letter from the IRS saying we owed penaltys for late fileing on a house we purchased back in Sept the seller and the title company did not file in time the correct withholding tax why is this out problem no one knows and to cap it all i am 50 on Thursday.Not real problems in comparision to some on this site but i needed to put pen to paper thanks Jax


Hi Jax

Seems the processing time is around 120 days sp you should hear around the end of July fingers crossed, I am sure it will all come out in the wash

Happy birthday for Thursday

[Munish]

Hilarious. Happy Birthday Jax and Annie. It's my Birthday on Friday, sandwiched right between you two. All we need now is for someone to have a birthday on Saturday so it's four days in a row.

[kirtida8]

Happy Birthday Annie and Munish - definitely calls for a party LOL:beer: :drunk:

[InnVic]

Jax - did you go through an attorney? Maybe they have heard and have just not told you yet? Because we filed ourselves they contacted us directly. They probably have several people trawling through the files - you may have gotten "in the slow queue". I'm sure you'll hear any day now :-)

Don't worry about 50 - 50 is the new 30 (or so I keep telling myself, 50 in 16 months!)

[Jax]

We got the standard letter today maybe 50 is not so bad after all they are saying they need to see 2007 profit and loss just waiting for dates now
Fingers crossed
Jax

[Jax]

Sorry so excited forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Annie and Munish
Jax

[kirtida8]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you too :tu:

[chris]

Hey Jax,
I went through the 50 barrier 5 years ago, so know what it feels like. It does get better!
However, on the tax issue and I may be having a senior moment here, but witholding tax YOU pay when YOU sell a house. YOU don't pay witholding tax when YOU buy a house. The SELLER does. The witholding tax liability is surely between the Seller, the Title Company and the IRS NOT YOU as it's about paying tax on the profit of the house? You would have a potential liability for Witholding Tax when you came to sell, but not before.
Have we any tax experts here who'd like to comment? Or perhaps talk to your CPA. Something doesn't sound right here.

[Jax]

Hi Chris The withholding tax from the seller has been sent to the IRS but in Feb 2007 instead of Oct 2006 the sellar kept telling the Title company that he would file an 8288 but never did.I went to the Title Company yesterday who said welcome to America i wanted to punch himThey said they would call the IRS and try to get it changed over to them i will not hold my breath.We have written to the IRS and i need to call them next week when they are back at work it seems the whole dept that deal with this are off !!!!!!

[anniefromessex]

Congrats Jax, will be thinking of you tomorrow for your birthday - anything special planned. My hubby loves surprises (actually he surprises me every day, ha ha), but when it comes to my birthday he pulls out all the stops. I am left totally in the dark which is great but can be a bit off putting cos whatever he has planned I obviously don't know what to wear, dress up, dress down etc etc but he means well, bless!!!

Mum, hope you have a wonderful birthday too, my little granddaughters birthday is on the 2nd (she will be 4) so if we can find somebody in between!!! Try not to get too p***ed cos you know you wont be able to smoke!!!

Love Anniexxx

[Jax]

Interview date July 30 i will keep you all posted
Jax