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US Immigration Solutions for the UK

The United States has long been a popular destination for UK citizens looking to study, work, or live abroad. However, navigating the complex US immigration system can be daunting. Consulting with a US Law firm like Global Immigration Partners PLLC can make the process easy.

Global Immigration Partners is a specialized immigration law firm. A substantial part of our practice focuses on assisting business owners and investors with  E2L1, and EB-5 visas. Through our international presence, we have specialist knowledge of the specific procedures in multiple embassies and consulates around the world.

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Types of US Visas for UK Citizens E2, L1, EB5, B1

The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay. In this article, we will discuss the different types of US visas available for UK citizens, including the E2, L1, EB5, and B1 visas.

E2 Visa UK

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The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows UK citizens to enter the United States for the purpose of investing in and managing a business. To be eligible for an E2 visa, you must be a citizen of a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, such as the United Kingdom.

Requirements for an E2 Visa

To qualify for an E2 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a UK citizen
  • You must have invested or be in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business
  • You must be seeking to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the business
  • The business must be a real and operating enterprise
  • You must have control of the funds you are investing
  • The investment must be at risk, meaning you could lose the funds if the business fails
  • The business must generate more than enough income to provide a minimal living for you and your family
  • You must intend to depart the United States when your E2 status ends

How to Apply for an E2 Visa

To apply for an E2 visa, you must first complete the online non-immigrant visa application (Form DS-160) and pay the application fee. You will also need to schedule an interview at the US embassy or consulate in the UK.

During the interview, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A valid passport
  • A photograph that meets the US visa requirements
  • Evidence of your investment in the US business
  • A business plan for the US business
  • Proof of your intent to depart the United States when your E2 status ends
  • Any other documents requested by the consular officer

If your visa is approved, you will be allowed to enter the United States for a period of up to Five years. You can apply for a visa renewal as long as you continue to meet the requirements for an E2 visa.

L1 Visa UK

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The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows UK citizens to transfer to a US branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their current employer. This visa is commonly used by multinational companies to transfer employees to the United States.

Requirements for an L1 Visa

To qualify for an L1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a UK citizen
  • You must have worked for your current employer for at least one year within the past three years
  • Your employer must have a qualifying relationship with the US company (parent, subsidiary, or affiliate)
  • You must be seeking to enter the United States to work in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity
  • You must intend to depart the United States when your L1 status ends

How to Apply for an L1 Visa

To apply for an L1 visa, your employer must first file a petition on your behalf with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, you can apply for the visa at the US embassy or consulate in the UK.

During the interview, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A valid passport
  • A photograph that meets the US visa requirements
  • A copy of the approved petition
  • Proof of your employment with the qualifying company
  • Proof of your intent to depart the United States when your L1 status ends
  • Any other documents requested by the consular officer

If your visa is approved, you will be allowed to enter the United States for a period of up to three years. You can apply for a visa renewal as long as you continue to meet the requirements for an L1 visa.

EB5 Visa UK

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The EB5 visa is an immigrant visa that allows UK citizens to obtain permanent residency in the United States by investing in a US business. This visa is commonly known as the “investor visa.”

Requirements for an EB5 Visa

To qualify for an EB5 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a UK citizen
  • You must invest at least $1.1 million (or $800,000 in a targeted employment area) in a new commercial enterprise in the United States
  • The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers
  • You must be actively involved in the management of the business
  • You must intend to depart the United States when your EB5 status ends

How to Apply for an EB5 Visa

To apply for an EB5 visa, you must first file a petition on your behalf with the USCIS. Once the petition is approved, you can apply for the visa at the US embassy or consulate in the UK.

During the interview, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A valid passport
  • A photograph that meets the US visa requirements
  • A copy of the approved petition
  • Evidence of your investment in the US business
  • Proof of your intent to depart the United States when your EB5 status ends
  • Any other documents requested by the consular officer

If your visa is approved, you will be granted conditional permanent residency for a period of two years. After two years, you can apply to have the conditions removed and obtain permanent residency.

B1 Visa

The B1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows UK citizens to enter the United States for business purposes. This visa is commonly used for short-term business trips, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts.

Requirements for a B1 Visa

To qualify for a B1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a UK citizen
  • You must be entering the United States for a specific business purpose
  • You must have a residence outside the United States that you have no intention of abandoning
  • You must intend to depart the United States when your B1 status ends

How to Apply for a B1 Visa

To apply for a B1 visa, you must complete the online non-immigrant visa application (Form DS-160) and pay the application fee. You will also need to schedule an interview at the US embassy or consulate in the UK.

During the interview, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A valid passport
  • A photograph that meets the US visa requirements
  • A letter from your employer stating the purpose of your trip and the duration of your stay
  • Proof of your intent to depart the United States when your B1 status ends
  • Any other documents requested by the consular officer

If your visa is approved, you will be allowed to enter the United States for a period of up to six months. You can apply for a visa renewal as long as you continue to meet the requirements for a B1 visa.

Conclusion

Obtaining a US visa can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is necessary for UK citizens who wish to travel to the United States for work, study, or leisure. By understanding the different types of visas available and their requirements, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and successfully obtain a visa to enter the United States. Remember to always consult with the US embassy or consulate in the UK for the most up-to-date information and requirements for each visa type. Why not schedule a free consultation with us? 

HOW WE HELP CLIENTS

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Global Immigration Partners PLLC is a specialized immigration law firm. Through our international presence we have specialist knowledge of the specific procedures in multiple embassies and consulates around-the-world.Book a free consultation

Find an Immigration Lawyer in UK

Global Immigration Partners PLLC, London
1 Mayfair Place, W1J 8AJ
London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Global Immigration Partners, PLLC
Thames House, Marlow SL7 1PB
Bucks, Great Britain United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

More Information:

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom

author avatar
Alexander Jovy - Senior Immigration Expert
Article Written by Alexander Jovy, Co-Managing Partner at Global Immigration Partners. Senior immigration expert with 15+ years in business and investor visas.