Purchase orders for E2 visa... any ideas?

[redsat452]

Hi All,

We are new members to this forum, and would like some advise. We have to obtain purchase order agreements with US companies in order to satisfy the embassy's requirements. These purchase orders have to be obtained as we are setting up a new business not purchasing an existing one.

When we contact companies such as car dealers with our request, they aree having great trouble in understanding why we need such documentation and are generally unwilling to commit a purchase order, only in the event of a visa being granted. Help! Any constructive ideas and tips would be greatly appriciated. The only idea we have had to date is to send them a section of the E2 visa requiremnets form the US embassy hoping they'll understand why we are making these requests, but have not tried this yet.

Thanking you in anticipation of lots of helpful tips from people who have alrady undertaken the minefield of the E2 visa.

Still wanting to live the dream,
Mark & Llinos
Manchester, England

We are one of Doug's victims (not as bad as some, but enough), continuing the process with another atorney hoping to present soon.

[peter gold]

get a standard letter from your attorney explaining th eneed for a purchase order

[DavidL]

Hi All,

We are new members to this forum, and would like some advise. We have to obtain purchase order agreements with US companies in order to satisfy the embassy's requirements. These purchase orders have to be obtained as we are setting up a new business not purchasing an existing one.

When we contact companies such as car dealers with our request, they aree having great trouble in understanding why we need such documentation and are generally unwilling to commit a purchase order, only in the event of a visa being granted. Help! Any constructive ideas and tips would be greatly appriciated. The only idea we have had to date is to send them a section of the E2 visa requiremnets form the US embassy hoping they'll understand why we are making these requests, but have not tried this yet.

Thanking you in anticipation of lots of helpful tips from people who have alrady undertaken the minefield of the E2 visa.

Still wanting to live the dream,
Mark & Llinos
Manchester, England

We are one of Doug's victims (not as bad as some, but enough), continuing the process with another atorney hoping to present soon.

I don't know where you currently are, but you need to be in the Us to do this.
You need to get a specimen/draft contract order drawn up and waft it under a dealers face so he can see what he is committing to. Over the phone or by email and you stand no chance. What kind of businesss is it?

[chris]

I don't know waht business you are in or what products/services you are selling, but there is this thing called 'custom and practise' in all industries in how business gets done. I know that the embassy has been asking lawn companies for copies of contracts to do lawns, yet it is the custom and practise with residential that they are verbal. I think once again, this illustrates how out of touch with business reality the embassy is. Though I agree that in many cases corporate purchases are not made other than by PO.

[Susie]

Hi All,

We are new members to this forum, and would like some advise. We have to obtain purchase order agreements with US companies in order to satisfy the embassy's requirements. These purchase orders have to be obtained as we are setting up a new business not purchasing an existing one.

When we contact companies such as car dealers with our request, they aree having great trouble in understanding why we need such documentation and are generally unwilling to commit a purchase order, only in the event of a visa being granted. Help! Any constructive ideas and tips would be greatly appriciated. The only idea we have had to date is to send them a section of the E2 visa requiremnets form the US embassy hoping they'll understand why we are making these requests, but have not tried this yet.

Thanking you in anticipation of lots of helpful tips from people who have alrady undertaken the minefield of the E2 visa.

Still wanting to live the dream,
Mark & Llinos
Manchester, England

We are one of Doug's victims (not as bad as some, but enough), continuing the process with another atorney hoping to present soon.


Hello Mark and Linos :welcome:

Thanks for joining and supporting us.

The expats committee is working on helping victims and if you would like me to speak with you please send me a pm. I am hearing about new victims every day and not only from the UK

The Americans cannot understand things that are not the norm. A good idea to get an accountant or attorney to explain in plain English

[Redsox]

By purchase orders are you looking to show that you have irrevocably committed funds for the purposes of the visa requirements?

We started a new business and successfully gained an E2 status in October (business plan started in October 05, application submitted in Feb 06) for a software business in the Mid-West. It was easier to actually purchase smaller items like pc's, software etc, and put the funds in to escrow for the larger items such as a vehicle, office lease etc.

The key with a new business is a very strong well researched business case with supporting evidence of the potential market and email/letters confirming interest from prospective customers if possible. Our plan was very detailed (by month) for year 1, detailed (by quarter) for years 2 and 3, and an overview (annual) for years 4 and 5. We did not have any contracts prior to the E2 approval, nor should you necessarily as my understanding is that could be construed as having worked without the requisite visa. At interview it was clear that 'working' without a visa is an area that they scrutinise very carefully.

It also helps if you can demonstrate you have the relevant skills or previous experience in running a business - although if you already have a UK business an L visa is an option to explore.

If you PM me I will let you know who we used for the visa process side of things (UK based).

Good luck.

[mark]

Hi

If you are in need of an immigration attorney might be a good idead to go to www.floridabar.org they have a referral service or www.aila.org

[redsat452]

Dear All,

Thanks for all your messages and info. Any more ideas will be greatfully recieved. We will be trying some of thease out in the new year.

Our company is a creative media..in laymans terms..television production support, creative graphics 2D & 3D animation, exhibiton design and photography. Our simple work ethic is if we can do it we will. We already operate an identical company in the UK, and have decided to start again from scratch in the US.(when we get a visa!). Decided to go for an E2 as it seems the better option, and only 2 of us in the company instead of an L1.

We are presently at the final stages of presenting the documantation once we get the PO's. Buisness plan is in place and all other paperwork ( we think..) Any any relevant info or surgessions to ease these final stages - please post up. Anything more specific we require, we will no doubt be asking for advise now we have found you all out there.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all.

Best wishes,

Mark & Llinos

[v2002]

Hi mark
Following is a big group in same business in US as well as UK they might be of some help to you .Check it out Schawk Europe
St. Mark's House
Shepherdess Walk
London, England N1 7LH
+44 20 7861 7777 TEL
+44 20 7871 7777 FAX

Head office in US.
Schawk, Inc.
1695 River Road
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
U.S.A.
(847) 827-9494 TEL
(847) 827-1264 FAX


Good luck,