Trade between the UK and USA

[Kitty]

Hi

I thought there was some special trading relationship between the UK and USA.

Is it true that if a USC invests in the UK that after 2 years the USC can apply and get resident visa?

Is there a website that I can look up? have tried a search on yahoo but no luck

[floridapete]

Hi

I thought there was some special trading relationship between the UK and USA.

Is it true that if a USC invests in the UK that after 2 years the USC can apply and get resident visa?

Is there a website that I can look up? have tried a search on yahoo but no luck

The comparable visa for Americans wishing to set up business and reside in the UK is outlined on the government website page http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/ and I quote it here:

"What do I need to set up in business in the UK ?"

To qualify, you must be able to show evidence for the following.

You have at least £200,000 under your control, which is available for you to use in the UK and which is held in your name (it is not held by trust or other investment arrangements), with the aim of investing it in a business in the UK.

You have enough extra funds to support yourself and any dependants, and live without needing any help from public funds or taking employment (other than work for the business) until the business earns you income.

You intend to be actively involved full-time in trading or providing services on your own account or in partnership, or in promoting and managing the company as a director.

You intend to keep a level of financial investment proportional to your interest in the business.

You intend to have either a controlling or equal interest in the business, and any partnership or directorship must not amount to disguised employment. (This is when a person claims to be running the business but is really an employee.)

You can afford your share of any liabilities.

You intend to provide investment and services for which there is a genuine need in the UK.

You expect to receive a share of the profits from the business, which will be enough to support yourself and any dependants, and live without needing any help from public funds or taking employment (other than the business).

You do not intend to take or look for any other employment in the UK other than your work for the business.

If you are taking over or joining as a partner or director in an existing business, you should provide:

a written statement of the terms on which you will join or take over the business

audited accounts from the business for previous years, and
evidence that your services and investment will lead to an overall increase in the employment the business provides and so create at least two new full-time jobs for people already settled in the UK.

If you are setting up a new business in the UK, you should provide evidence that:

you will bring enough funds of your own to the UK to set up the business, and

the business will create at least two new full-time jobs for people already settled in the UK.
__________________

In addition to the above, the UK also allows US citizens to retire in the UK and the visa for that has the following requirements:

How do I qualify as a retired person of independent means?

You will need to show:

you are at least 60 years of age.
you have an income of at least £25,000 a year that you control and that you can transfer freely to the UK.
evidence of any property you own in the UK.
evidence that you may legally transfer your money to the UK.
that you can support yourself and any dependants without working (as an employee) or getting help from anyone else or from public funds.
that you will make the UK your main home, and that you have a close connection with the UK.

Back to questions

How do I show I have a close connection with the UK?

You can show a close connection to the UK if:

You have close relatives in the UK, or
you have lived in the UK for a long period at any time.

Other factors that can help to show a close connection include:
you have worked for a long time with a British company, or
you have had business contacts in the UK for a number of years, or
you have worked for a long time for the UK Government.

You should describe your circumstances in detail and enclose letters of support with your application
__________________

So how's that for a level playing field under our 'special relationship', huh ? :)

[mark]

Hi Peter

Thanks, very interesting !!

So, USC can invest and retire in the UK if they invest a substainial sum, but does not apply to British investing in the USA?

Have I got that right?

I like the wording, eg do not intend, mentioned

So what happens if a USC, does not intend to go bust in the UK but does anyway, do they have to leave the UK ? would they be entitiled to medical cover under NHS or dole money?