help or advice

[alfords4]

Hi,

New to all this so not quite sure what to say.

My family and I are currently trying to apply for E2 visa. My husband had a petition failed back in January due to problems with the business package. We are still trying and would be delighted to hear from anyone who has recently suceeded the Embassy process and perhaps someone could give us some advice or contacts. Currently working with a Broker is Orlando who seems quite helpful at the moment.

Also have a house is south lakeland and family in Jacksonville (no immediate family). Try and get over when we can, but have 2 children and its difficult working around school and the high fares during school holidays.

Anyway, would love to hear from someone.

Many thanks
Karen:p

[charliesmum]

Hi

We are based in Lakeland and love it here.

Let us know when you are coming over and perhaps we could meet. If we are still here - read our post in the experiences section!!!!

Cheers
Zoe

[Susie]

Hi and :welcome:

Thanks for joining us.

I would advise to do your reserch regarding immigration attorneys. Try to get one that is a member of www.aila.org (American Immigration Lawyers Assn)

See if they will accept a part payment up front them the balance due upon approval. Should the approval not go through then you would not have to pay the remainder

Here are a couple of places to look for attorneys

www.superlawyer.com

www.whoswholegal.com

When it comes to buying a US business, here is what I would suggest

1. Get your own independant Due Dilligence done by a CPA (Certified Public accountant)

2. Put offer in on purchase of #Assets of company # ONLY

be careful , if you purchase the business (IN Whole) you then buy any liabilities

3. Whatever the agreed asking price, offer to pay 2/3 rds upon closing and balance due , after the first years accounts are done and meet to simular profit for last years trading.

4. Get seller to sign a NON Compete agreement. You do not want them taking business phone number and starting up round the corner !!!!!!!!

Please note I am not an attorney, just IMHO

Regards Sue

[nakoic]

Hi Alfords 4

Was recommend this forum by a member ...

Don't know if your'e aware that the E2 route is becoming harder ... we originally applied for ours 18mnths ago, put 3 further information, then we were invited for a pre-approval interview ... this is done quicker, only because we requested that our attonery either finds out what is happening, or gets us on one of these interview ....

Anyway to cut a long story short we were declined ... not in our failing of our knowlege of the business, coming our competetion, business plan, funds, contracts ... but the licence ... our only concern is that by having the stamp in our passports " application received" ... its more of a concern to homeland security ... so now we're in the process of applying for our b1/2 (13th March interview), so that we can travel to the US, and tie up any loose bits ... further searches on business ... preferable not in the orlando area ....(noticed that alot of the business from that area are being declined) ... so now we are going to be weighed down by bringing proof of ties to the UK, house deeds (at least the family home didn't get sold ... so the kids have a bit more security), bank account details, letters from employers, proof of schools for the kids, etc ...

So if you wish to know more about our experience at the Embassy I will let you know, any further questions please do not hesitate to contact ... I'm no expert, hopefull our experience will not you off.

nakoic

[punky]

:welcome: :)

Sorry to hear your application didn't go as well as you'd hoped. Nakoic has written some excellent advice here (http://forum.expatsvoice.org/showpost.php?p=61&postcount=10) about E visas and the interview, which hopefully will be of some use to you next time.

[Susie]

Hi

I agree, do not be put off .

It takes an awful lot of dermination, dedication and hard work (once here) but I do not regret the move to the US

The good thing is we are all here to help, guide and befriend each other

Only the hoops and endless amount of red tape we have to go to get here

[nakoic]

I agree with you Susie ... these forums are valueable, not only forthose that are in the process for getting their visa, but even after getting their visa's ...

[Susie]

Hi

I met with a very nice couple the other day and they told me of their horror story, I could not believe what I was hearing

They said they will be joining our forum , so I will not go into too much detail but the upshot is

The purchased a business on E visa, the visa was approved for 5 years. Once in Florida it appears the contracts for the business disappeard!!!!!!!!! So they have nothing !!!!!!!!!! no business, no money!!!!!!!!!!

The good news is they have started up a new business from scratch which is slowly working