You want to change your life and lifestyle and seek a new way forward for you and your family. You are considering buying a business in the States to do this. That’s great, but consider our 12 important points before you start:

• Check out your own financials. You’ll need quite a large amount so what funds do you have available? Will it mean selling up or can you retain a UK house by taking equity in mortgage and then renting out when the time comes? Will the funds be enough for all the aspects of what you are considering, including a survival fund during the first months of operation?

• If you plan to achieve a change through business purchase, do you want to start a new business or buy an existing one? Existing is simpler for most people.

• Where do want to be in the US. Visa requirements are the same wherever you go but the prices can vary considerably in different States and areas. A preliminary visit is vital to help you choose an area. America is huge and varied so don’t be tied to an area you have already experienced. You can afford to be open-minded at this stage

• Look at the type of business you want to operate and choose one you will enjoy. This is a long term decision which will require enthusiasm and hard work.
• You don’t need to work in a business you've worked before.
• You don’t have to have run a business previously yourself.
But remember both a) and/or b) will help your application greatly.

• Look at the visa options, and decide which best applies to your situation. Visa category might affect your choice forward and requirements vary according to category. For many, the E-2 visa will represent the only option. Get familiar with the requirements and how they apply to you and your family.

• If you are going to purchase an existing business, a reliable business broker in the State where you wish to live is important. They will locate suitable businesses for you, be able to do a SWAT break down and send details to you in the UK. But, please do your research carefully. There are good and bad out there. Be careful. www.thefloridaforums.com is a good source of information.

• Once you have shortlisted those businesses that interest you, plan another trip to the US to see the businesses first hand and talk with people and employees face to face. Check out the local areas where you might like to live, the communications, the schools, the shops, etc.

• Once you have settled on your business and checked out the operation and financials, you will need to finalise your purchase agreement. You will need to sign the business purchase contract before we put together the visa application. visa2thestates recommend that the contract includes a clause that says "the purchase is subject to successfully obtaining the relevant visa” and not to pay out any money until the visas is issued, if at all possible.

• The purchase amount (or an acceptable percentage) will need to be lodged in an escrow account held in the US prior to any visa application. Remember this when initially looking at the financing required (item I)

• It is advisable not to sell up in the UK and move your family to the US until after the visa is issued. However, the financial implications of escrow might make it necessary to sell your property and rent.

• We also recommend that you do not give up your current employment until the visa is issued. You will not be sure of success until the Embassy advise you on the day of interview.

• A Brit can travel to the US on the 90 day visa waiver program or on a 180 day B visa to look at businesses, sign contracts, open business bank accounts, and sign leases. However, you must not run the business until you have the requisite visa and for any B visa application will need to make it clear that you intend to return to the UK.

Now the visa application process begins. Visa2thestates will lead you through the many and varied documentation you need. Once the company is approved as an E-2 registered company, you must attend a personal interview at the Embassy (usually fairly short) before the E-2 visa can be stamped in your passport.
Then you can be on your way!

Changing your life in this way is not easy and there is one golden rule for you at every stage of this process.

RESEARCH, RESEARCH and then do some more RESEARCH.