E-2 Visa for UK Citizens: Requirements, London Processing and Business Choices

British investors have used the E-2 for decades to open pubs and restaurants, buy Florida service businesses, run consultancies and expand UK companies into the U.S. The London E-visa unit is efficient and experienced. This guide covers the UK-specific points.

Eligibility and the residence condition

The United Kingdom is an E-2 treaty country. The treaty covers British citizens who are residents of the UK or its overseas territories; a British citizen living permanently elsewhere may not qualify on that basis alone. The U.S. business must be at least 50% owned by qualifying British nationals (or nationals of another single treaty country if a dual national applies on that passport). All general requirements apply. See the complete E-2 guide.

UK citizens receive E-2 visas valid for up to 60 months with multiple entries. Each entry grants a two-year stay.

Applying in London

The U.S. Embassy in London processes E-2 cases through its E-visa unit:

1. DS-160 for each applicant and DS-156E for the principal.
2. Visa fee of $315 per applicant.
3. Electronic submission of the package per the embassy’s instructions.
4. Document review, typically two to five weeks for a complete filing.
5. Interview at the embassy in Nine Elms, usually within one to three weeks of review.
6. Passport returned by courier within about a week.

British citizens already in the U.S. can change status through USCIS and obtain the visa in London later. See change of status vs consular.

Source of funds from the UK

UK funds are generally easy to document: property sales with completion statements from solicitors, business sales with share purchase agreements, salary savings with P60s and bank statements, dividends with company accounts and dividend vouchers, inheritance with grant of probate. Pension funds are usually not accessible for this purpose before 55. Currency conversion records reconcile pounds to dollars. See minimum investment and source of funds.

Where British investors succeed

Florida is the largest destination: Orlando, Tampa Bay, Sarasota and the Gulf Coast, with pubs, cafes, home services, vacation rental management companies and pool and lawn services. Texas draws UK founders in technology, consulting and trades. New York and Los Angeles attract professional services and creative businesses. Acquisitions of established U.S. businesses are common because UK investors often arrive with $300,000 to $1 million from property sales. See best businesses for the E-2 and the guide to Tampa Bay.

Expanding a UK company

UK business owners can choose between E-2 (personal investment in a U.S. company) and L-1A (transfer as a manager to a U.S. affiliate after one year running the UK company). L-1A leads to EB-1C and a green card; E-2 is faster and renewable indefinitely. Many owners use E-2 first and keep the affiliate structure for a later L-1A. See L-1 vs E-2.

Family and practical notes

Spouses and children under 21 receive E-2 dependent status; spouses may work for any employer. UK tax residence ends under the statutory residence test on departure; U.S. tax residency begins on arrival. The U.S.-UK tax treaty and totalization agreement matter for pensions and National Insurance. Arrange U.S. health insurance from day one.

How we help

We select and launch businesses for British investors in Florida, Texas and beyond, prepare the investment documentation London expects and write the five-year plan. Tell us about your budget and plans.