United Kingdom
Inhabitants: 68,879,379
E-2 Country Since: 1815
E-2 Visas Issued Since 2005: 16,583
UK’s E-2 Approvals Slowly Growing
The United Kingdom (UK) holds a unique position when it comes to the E-2 investor visa program. UK citizens have an active treaty with the United States that allows them to qualify for the E-2 visa. This visa program provides an opportunity for individuals to invest and operate a business in the US.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Kingdom was a top contender in terms of E-2 visa approvals throughout Europe. Although there has been an impact on issuances due to these trying times, we are beginning to see signs of recovery and hope that it can return as one of Europe’s leading countries for E-2 visas.
It is important to note that the UK has a residency requirement for the E-2 visa program. Despite this, British residents continue to get approved E-2 visas by closely following the requirements.
In summary, United Kingdom citizens have a unique opportunity to apply for the E-2 investor visa program. While the pandemic has impacted the number of approvals, we remain optimistic about the country’s recovery and future success in the program.
Are you a U.K. national and you’re interested in moving to the U.S.? If so, this article is for you.
We are going to go through what the E2 Investor Visa is. As well as some potential business opportunities that are popular with our clients from the U.K.
US visa for UK citizen
First, the E-2 Investor Visa is a treaty visa. Which with the U.K. has been around for over 200 years. Since 1815, the U.S. and the U.K. have had a treaty of navigation and commerce. Allowing U.K. entrepreneurs to reside here legally, and vice versa. So generally, you have got to have a substantial investment. You’ll hear all different types of things. But in practice, we’ve seen around $100k, if you’re working day-to-day in the business. If you’re going to have a manager and you’re working less hours, usually $200,000 or more will meet the substantiality requirement. There’s also the marginality requirement. Where this business needs to be making money for your family. To support them, and/or really provide for the local economy and hiring Americans.
One nuance with the United Kingdom treaty for the E2 visa is you actually have to be residing in the British Isles. So if you’re from South Africa, and you have a U.K. passport, you’ve got to work closely with a U.S. licensed immigration attorney. To figure out how you can claim residency in the U.K. and potentially be eligible for the E2 visa.
E2 visa
A lot of our U.K. clients are applying for service-based concepts. That tend to be on the lower investment range closer to $100k. And they’re actively working in those businesses. So it could be real estate property management. Could be also a flooring business, kitchen renovation business, all different types of franchises. Particularly in the sunny states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, California. Most of our clients from England and the United Kingdom. are looking to leave the bad weather for a sunny state in the U.S.
Now, you might be thinking, how many issuance have there been? Has it slowed down with COVID? Yes, it has slowed down. However, since 2005, there have been 16,000 plus E2 visa approved for U.K. nationals. In January, February and March of 2020, there were 200, 250 approvals a month. That went way down to 0, having 0 approvals a month. And now it’s finally starting to shoot back up, where August had about 80 approvals. There was over a hundred approvals in September of 2021. And October, they haven’t released the numbers yet, but we expect to be even higher than last month.
Moving to USA
So if you’re looking to apply for the E2 visa, and you want to move to the U.S., I would start the process soon. Because it is taking a few months to get that interview in the London Embassy, where in the past, pre-COVID, it might just take two months to get it. Where now it’s taking many months to get your E2 visa interview.
In conclusion, if you’re serious about moving to the U.S., start the process. It could be a franchise through us. We can help you find a franchise. You can also start up a business or you can buy an existing business for sale.