Ties to the UK

[victoria]

Is anyone aware of the Embassy having real issues with E2 Visa applicants & their connection to the UK & their desire to return?

I've read here about pple being here in the States on Bs & converting to Es once they bought their business - did anyone here do that and get a grilling as to your intent to return etc?

[Susie]

Hi Victoria

Sorry, I do not know the answer, so maybe others can assist.

It is best if you keep a residence in the UK and maybe let out on a short term assurred tennacy.

This way you will have somewhere to retun to if needs be. I can understand that many may need to sell their home to raise cash to purchase a business.

It may be an option to re mortage on interest only basis and draw as much cash out as possible and hopefully the rental income woould be enough to cover interest only

You will still have the benefit of capital appreciation as well.

By the way does anyone have an idea if house prices in the UK are on the way up, down or stable ?

[Redsox]

We sold our property in the UK to fund the business in the US.

At the E2 interview we were asked where we were living (it was in the UK) and did we own it. The officer was satisfied with our response that it was rented having sold our property and didn't ask about our intention to return.

No idea if our experience is the norm.

[victoria]

Thanks both.

Redsox, Did he grill you in relation to your rental arrangements?

[Redsox]

No he didn't ask anything more about the rental arrangements.

I just made the statement that we sold our house to fund the business (as per our business plan) and hence were currently living in rented accomodation and he moved on to the next question.

[JulieC]

We did exactly what you suggest, Susie, and sold a couple of years later having made a few bob more from the house. I believe the prices are fairly level now having made some rises in past years.