E2 visa renewal

[jestomi]

Hi everyone,
We are over here on an e2 visa .We have been here for almost a year on a 2 year visa.
Does anyone know how to or if you can do the renewal yourself.
Our original lawyer in London wants 3000 pounds $6000 for the renewal documents to be done.
Can anyone help.
Many thanks
Geoff.

[McSporran]

Hi Geoff,

Many on here have done just that, and with success too. I'm not on E-2 so arent a lot of use to you, but I'm sure others who are will be able to offer constructive info.

[charliesmum]

That's a lot of money.

It is possible to do it yourself - there are people on here who have done.

We used a VA over here, who even with a lot of paperwork going back and forth over an 18 month period - don't worry that doesn't happen now - was less than that.

I would look around at prices of others or see about doing it yourselves.

Cheers
Zoe

[Callie]

I did it for our renewal and just followed the US Embassy website http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/treatytrader.htmlrequirements.
I downloaded the guide that is also on the website www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/enew2.html
and followed it by the letter. No additional info was requested and just had to take recent tax returns, w2's & copy of current lease for the office. Took about 3 weeks to collate everything and then mailed the whole thing off last August, got an invitation to interview in March this year. 5 year renewal granted.
PM if you need any help

[jestomi]

Thanks for that ,do any of you know a good cheap lawyer who wont stitch me up!!

[Sharon]

Thanks for that ,do any of you know a good cheap lawyer who wont stitch me up!!

When you find a cheap lawyer please tip me the wink ;) Are attorneys regulated with regards to fee structure?

[McSporran]

When you find a cheap lawyer please tip me the wink ;) Are attorneys regulated with regards to fee structure?

I dont think they're regulated, but I do know that cheap attorneys are usually cheap for a reason, although thats not to say expensive ones are always good either :confused:
I know people on here have used different ones (I dont personally), so maybe someone can recommend one based on their own experience???

[peter gold]

Do it yourself and save money

[kirtida8]

There are attorneys who charge less than others, but it is better to get a recommendation and ensure that the attorney is a member of the Bar or AILA. However, remember that their fees do not include the costs of the visas themselves, and since the fee hike at the end of July - it can be quite a sum. It is relatively easy and straightforward to do the renewal yourself, and if you are unsure, maybe get the attorney to just "look" over the application and hopefully this will reduce your costs. Good luck, and if you have further questions, please feel free to ask.

[joe]

sorry Geoff but are you saying that the price of the E2 process is more important to you than the outcome?

just my opinion but i think that, unless i was doing it myself, i would be asking for recommendations of good lawyers with a track record of success at E2 renewals than someone who is cheap?

no offence

Joe

[peter gold]

I am sure that someone if Susie agrees would assist you if you make a donation to the site running costs of their labor. I would think a donation of $500 to the site, and of course no payment to the helper.
All you need is the old E2 app in word format, up to date accounts, business plan, and a hsitory of what has happened to the business in the past two years. I am happy to volunteer as it would get much needed donations for the site running costs but Susie would have to agreel

[bobinalbuquerque]

I too would suggest doing it yourself,it really is a form filling exercise and collation.The last time we did ours we found the guidelines/instructions to be very clear.
I've mentioned this before ,on each of our renewals we have also attached a brief one page summary written in the 3rd person sense.In it we indicate a market report ,achievements,current status,planned developments,basically a way for someone to get a feel about the owners and the business from a one minute read.Has it ever been read? Who knows......but it does serve to help you separate the trees from the forest for a moment or two.
Good luck.

[TeaPot]

Hi everyone,
We are over here on an e2 visa .We have been here for almost a year on a 2 year visa.
Does anyone know how to or if you can do the renewal yourself.
Our original lawyer in London wants 3000 pounds $6000 for the renewal documents to be done.
Can anyone help.
Many thanks
Geoff.

I have PM'd you the contact details of my Immigration Attorney incase you decide not to do it yourself and need a referral. I would post these details on the open forum, but am not sure if this is allowed, maybe someone could let me know?

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Kind Regards,

[peter gold]

I want to make it 100% clear that my offer above was not made at anyone elses suggestion. I see it as a way to help the Forum recoup some of the operating expenses, which is why we have a donation button.

[Susie]

I want to make it 100% clear that my offer above was not made at anyone elses suggestion. I see it as a way to help the Forum recoup some of the operating expenses, which is why we have a donation button.

Thanks for you suggestion and a very kind thought, any donations however small are very welcome. As you say the cost of running this site is rising and will continue to grow as the site grows. Thinking about this from a legal viewpoint, I suppose if someone does someone a favor by helping form filling who is not an attorney and not receiving financial reward then this is not acting as an attorney. They would just helping a friend and if the friend in turn wishes to donate anything towards the running costs, that should be ok from a legal standpoint. Just a little concerned whether my thoughts are correct

[jestomi]

Hi Everyone,
Thank you all for your support ,Peter i will after reading some of the comments look at doing the renewal myself.Although if i struggle or am unsure i willdefinately consider yours and Suzies very kind offer.
Thankyou all again.
PS this is the first time i have ever used one of these forums ,i am very impressed with all the concerns people in general show.
Cheers
Geoff.

[peter gold]

Geoff
My pleasure Where are you based and what business do you run?

[Tyreabusa]

"Thanks for you suggestion and a very kind thought, any donations however small are very welcome. As you say the cost of running this site is rising and will continue to grow as the site grows"

My E2 is in for renewal at the moment, and I have to say its cost me a load of money with my Attorney. But at the end of the day, this is all money that is coming out of my Company profits ( i.e. my money ) so if there is an alternative option where someone with advanced experience in renewals can give advice to we E2 'ers, then it can only be a good thing, and save us money. I'd like to make a donation of some kind to help the cause of others who have to go through the renewal process, but would also like to be able to claim it back against my taxes, so can someone in Moderator Land please supply me with a charity tax id or something please. Thanks.

[peter gold]

Tyreabusa
A very nice gesture thanks from a Mod
I think you use the Paypal button or e mail Punky
Where are you based as we like to know where everyone is
Good luck with the renewal

[Tyreabusa]

Hello Peter.

My business is over in Largo ( near Clearwater/St.Pete ). Bought the company in May 2005 and applied for the visa after that. I know that this is not the accepted method but was sure of what I was doing.

[Tyreabusa]

Oooops..........sorry !!

What was the Charity ID for the donation Peter ??

[peter gold]

You need to talk with Sue or punky about that as not sure whether the site is 501 C registered

[Kriz1]

You can claim so much without an ID...a few hundred a year...we used that because we donate tons of toys and clothes each year to places that have no ID...don't know if that helps...or if you are doing it already...

[Tyreabusa]

Hi Chris.

Yes I donate to the homeless, animal, cancer, and drug rehabilitation charities, but the optimal word here for me is "donate". These all have charity id's. My " without charity id number usage" is used up with The Sheriff's Office already.

[Kriz1]

Just a thought...I know a lot of people don't know they can claim anything without an ID number....

[traveller]

So, was there ever an outcome to this.
Did you pay up and get your remewal

[Alicia]

Hi everyone,
We are over here on an e2 visa .We have been here for almost a year on a 2 year visa.
Does anyone know how to or if you can do the renewal yourself.
Our original lawyer in London wants 3000 pounds $6000 for the renewal documents to be done.
Can anyone help.
Many thanks
Geoff.

[Alicia]

Hi Geof:
I am actuallly here in the WA USA area under an E2 Visa. I am from the Philippines and I intend to establish a branch office of my freight company (from Manila) in WA USA . I believe I have a good American lawyer (he is based in Seattle WA ) and he was able to get me an E2visa.
I am not sure how much you paid your lawyer before but i paid my lawyer US$8,500.00 for the 2 years E2visa. If you think my lawyer's fee is reasonable and lower than what you have paid for , maybe he can offer also a lower fee for a renewal of your E2visa.

Let me know and if you are interested I can recommend him to you.

Best regards,
Alicia

[Alicia]

[QUOTE=Alicia;69070]Hi Geof:
I am actuallly here in the WA USA area under an E2 Visa. I am from the Philippines and I intend to establish a branch office of my freight company (from Manila) in WA USA . I believe I have a good American lawyer (he is based in Seattle WA ) and he was able to get me an E2visa.
I am not sure how much you paid your lawyer before but i paid my lawyer US$8,500.00 for the 2 years E2visa. If you think my lawyer's fee is reasonable and lower than what you have paid for , maybe he can offer also a lower fee for a renewal of your E2visa.

Let me know and if you are interested I can recommend him to you.

Best regards,
Alicia

[peter gold]

Sorry that is too expensive in this market Pay no more than $5000

[JulieC]

As an aside, they are taking the recession into account up to a point but only up to a point. Friend of a friend was just denied extension at Texas. They owned a store selling furnishings, had no employees and meagre drawings. In spite of a plea of being recession hit they were deemed marginal and denied.

[Allan Oakley]

Not so fast. Good friends of ours are here on an E2. They renewed several times before and knew the paperwork is actually quite simple. This time in Jan.2009 they flew to Nassau for a week.Stayed at an all inclusive resort and enjoyed the sunshine.Their first day there they went in the USA embassy and were granted a 2 year extension after a very short interview.Their business has suffered greatly during the current recession but the immigration office DID accept that explanation.When asked why they did not renew in England they explained the husbands declining health and provided a doctors letter that said the long flight back to England would be too hard on the his heart.Their combined income is down 8% from last year but that was considered reasonable. They have been here 11 years.Upon their return the husband now turned 65 and qualifies for Social Security.The wife still works full time as she is ten years yuonger but he works 6 hours per week and meets the terms of the E2.
So the reality is that for some the E2 Visa can really work .They can be semi retired in America while also collecting a UK pension and work part time here.

[JulieC]

Not so fast. Good friends of ours are here on an E2. They renewed several times before and knew the paperwork is actually quite simple. This time in Jan.2009 they flew to Nassau for a week.Stayed at an all inclusive resort and enjoyed the sunshine.Their first day there they went in the USA embassy and were granted a 2 year extension after a very short interview.Their business has suffered greatly during the current recession but the immigration office DID accept that explanation.When asked why they did not renew in England they explained the husbands declining health and provided a doctors letter that said the long flight back to England would be too hard on the his heart.Their combined income is down 8% from last year but that was considered reasonable. They have been here 11 years.Upon their return the husband now turned 65 and qualifies for Social Security.The wife still works full time as she is ten years yuonger but he works 6 hours per week and meets the terms of the E2.
So the reality is that for some the E2 Visa can really work .They can be semi retired in America while also collecting a UK pension and work part time here.

So he is 65 and has a dicky heart. But can he claim medicare on E2 after having paid in to it for 11 years?? I think not. And what happens when the wife is 10 years older and doesnt want to work full time either?? As someone who has run three businesses here, I really dont see how it could be classed as semi retirement unless you can find a really trustworthy manager and afford to pay him and still not be seen by the embassy as being marginal.

[anniefromessex]

Totally agree with you Julie, even though the man in question actually deserves to be able to stay in the US even if the business is now marginal (that is where the problem lies), why is it that Steve on here is getting sh..? Just doesn't make sense to me - and the reason why the whole immigration system needs an overhaul - I use the word "immigration" loosely!!!

Love Anniexxx

[eirelav]

Quote: turned 65 and qualifies for Social Security. (Allen Oakley)

I didnt think that you could claim Social Security if you were here on an E2 Visa, thought you had to be a permanent resident i.e. Green card or citizen??

Eirelav

[peter gold]

Eirelav
You are 100% right
An E-2 has to be ACTIVE in the business and cannot retire and certainly gets no benefits
This is a grossly inaccurate posting by Alan oakley

[dip your toe]

Eirelav
You are 100% right
An E-2 has to be ACTIVE in the business and cannot retire and certainly gets no benefits
This is a grossly inaccurate posting by Alan oakley

Can you get medicare if you are on E2, are of qualifying age AND still active in your business?

[davidmartin_uk]

I cannot see how this information is accurate.

You cannot get Medicare on an E2

You have to have an active business that is making enough money.

And you have to go for renewal every 2 years. Surely in the end someone at any embassy is going to cotton on that if the guy has a serious heart condition that does not allow him to travel how can he take an active part in the business?

There is no way you can semi retire or retire on an E2. They must also be paying very high premiums for their health insurance to keep the deductible down. In excess of $20,000 I would imagine.

Dave

[kirtida8]

Maybe Alan needs to clarify - but i think he was refering to claiming UK social security and pension. Maybe he can manage his business by working only 6 hours per week?

[Ray10]

I am not so sure ..if he has made 40 quarters of payment (10 years)
then he would be entitled to received benefit...

unless there is a specific rule for non immigrant visa holders
which I cannot find

[JulieC]

I asked my accountant about this as to be frank I was fed up of paying into medicare and social security which we cannot claim ( as I thought). She said that though E2 are non residents for immigration, they are residents for taxation ( if here long enough) so can get US social security at 62 if they have paid in for 40 quarters. Apparently you dont have to retire to get it and could claim it while still actively running a business, say with a manager in place, so qualifying you for E2. She said she actually did the accounts of one E2 holder who is currently claiming,
Medicare is different. For that you HAVE to be a permanent resident.

[Ray10]

Thats what I thought Julie...
I am on a GC
I am 62 next month and the Social Security had me fill in a form
a few months back ..then called me to tell me that I had had paid no contributions to them therefore my monthly benefit will be $0

But when my wife reaches 62 ..I will get some sort of payment (small)
from here contributions

[bizboots]

According to the SS office, you are also entiled to receive medicare as long as you live in this country.

I did apply for early retirement( they pauid me 2 payments , I returned) but withdrew after that.

Spoke to them again and specifically asked about Medicare and I got the answer YES.



I asked my accountant about this as to be frank I was fed up of paying into medicare and social security which we cannot claim ( as I thought). She said that though E2 are non residents for immigration, they are residents for taxation ( if here long enough) so can get US social security at 62 if they have paid in for 40 quarters. Apparently you dont have to retire to get it and could claim it while still actively running a business, say with a manager in place, so qualifying you for E2. She said she actually did the accounts of one E2 holder who is currently claiming,
Medicare is different. For that you HAVE to be a permanent resident.

[Ray10]

This won't apply to many ..but interesting info
and only 71 people in the US did this last year

Start getting your monthly checks at aged 62
keep all the money or in invest it..then hand it all back at, say 65

The following month you start getting your check based on
working at extra 3 years

some who has started at 62 then payed it back at 70
actually double their monthly income ...

Of course you have to be long lived..

[kirtida8]

This won't apply to many ..but interesting info
and only 71 people in the US did this last year

Start getting your monthly checks at aged 62
keep all the money or in invest it..then hand it all back at, say 65

The following month you start getting your check based on
working at extra 3 years

some who has started at 62 then payed it back at 70
actually double their monthly income ...

Of course you have to be long lived..

Where did you get this info Ray?

[InnVic]

...is this not one of those urban myths like paying a dollar over on a court fine and then not cashing the refund check which supposedly means the case is never finalised so conviction doesn't go on record?
(Which is not true - they tried the same thing in the UK and I know for a fact that its BS)

[InnVic]

Just a quick comment on the ability to semi-retire on an E2, If you have built a successful business with systems and processes (think "e-Myth"), you can semi-retire! Isn't that the point??? :confused:

:rofl::D:rofl::rofl::D:rofl:

[davidmartin_uk]

Only if the business continues to make money until the day you die and you are fit enough to travel back to London every few years + your health insurance is going to increase hugely as you get older.

Surely the pen pushers in London are going to throw a wobbly when they see legions of suntanned 70 yr olds coming back for another renewal supposedly still leading their biz????

This will be yet another abuse of the system that will spoil things for everybody

Its not going to work!!!

Dave