Retiring to the US

[Chris7]

I've pulled this topic out from the other thread as I have a couple more questions, but the replies were getting mixed in with the discussion on Buying a Villa.

Thanks Chrizzy & Julie - it's great to talk to people who have already been through the processs

Can either of you clear up the difference between a Green Card and a Permanent Residency Visa. I have a company in the UK (which will continue if I go to the US to open an office there). I've been told that if I go to the US to set up that business, I can apply for a Permanent Residency Visa, but I'm not sure if that allows me to stay after retirement, or just to remain there to work?

Any advice appreciated.

[esprit]

If you are transferring out to the US to open a new office for an existing business, this is an L inter company transfer visa. No an L visa is dependant on the business ( both the UK transferring company and the US company) continuing to trade and you being transferred between the two in either a specialist worker or managerial capacity. BUT the L visa converts fairly quickly and easily to green card. Some attornies will even apply after a year. It is uncommon to get it that quickly ( how quick was yours Chrizzy?) but very common to get it after three years. A green card IS permanent residency so retiring is not a problem.

[chrizzy100]

We were here a few months when they started ours.....our daughter would 'time out'...in other words be over 21 before the greencards came if they had left it.....most companies like you to work for them about 3 years before paying for your cards...this was a new company we came over for he was not transferred.....I was also going to say a green card IS permanent residency ....that saved me a bit of spelling.....lol.....:D

[esprit]

That is what I was told also, Chrizzie. Most attorneys tell you not to apply until about three years though I do know of one who applies for L1 and green card pretty simultaneously. The attorney I used was sceptical on his chances of success however. We tried for years to go down the L1 route before having to acknowledge defeat. Our UK company just was not big enough and no way that we could continue trading in the UK at the same level with two key staff members gone. Small family businesses with just three or four employees ( two of whom would be transferring) wont suffice nowadays though they used to get through a few years ago. So it is E2 for us, never permanent residency and I DO envy you your green card, Chrizzie. Still five years is a long time and with one renewal, I will be too old to care!! We are hoping our son will be our saving grace and may get the green card through a job after US education or marriage so he has a big respsonability, poot thing!!

[chrizzy100]

I'm sure he'll do well over here.....and English boys and young men are a hit with the girls here.....so him finding a wife will be no trouble....
We had very good company attorneys helping us.....they've been bringing people to the US and getting greencards for many years.....I can't begin to tell you how quick the INS also worked....
They don't like kids 'timing out'....it does not look good for them if a Brit kid has to go home.....they'll try to work it out somehow....and they did for us.....:)