German heiress to a multi-family home in Santa Monica (uscis, application, money) - Legal Immigration -Visas, moving, passports, work, students, lawyers - City-Data Forum

Erbin · 10-18-2014, 04:05 PM

Hi there!

I'm a German citizen and inherited an apartment building which is now still part (share) of a trust but will be distributed to me as a beneficiary.

I'm wondering about the appropriate visa for my trips to the US when I want to take care of my property.

ESTA should be fine as long as I don't do "physical work". But I'm not sure about negotiating contracts and consulting with business associates. To me it sounds as if this only does apply to a german company negotiating in the US - but I will act on behalf of my US-property (and sure will have income in the US).
Btw: ESTA is only for 90 days

How about B1?
I don't have any knowledge about the B1-Visa, but the requirements for the B2-Visa seem to be very strict and the applications are disapproved very often. I'm pretty afraid of beeing denied because then I couldn't apply for ESTA anymore.

Any E-Visa possible?
I don't "invest", do not create jobs (everything is already existing).
I'm thinking about investing in "green technologies" i.e. solar panels and/or biological water preparation (which seems to be very interesting for the "green City of Santa Monica")
And again: if I would be refused I couldn't apply for ESTA anymore

Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot for your advice!!

Erbin

STT Resident · 10-18-2014, 05:26 PM

B1 and B2 visas are usually given in tandem and should suit your purposes. Go to the first "sticky" on this forum and click onto the USCIS website where you'll find all the information you need.

Frihed89 · 10-23-2014, 07:38 AM

You should look at the economics of being an absentee building owner, first. You have two choices: hiring a property management company or a selling agent.

Erbin · 10-23-2014, 03:21 PM

Thanks for your advice.

@ STT Resident: B-Visa are very hazardous because if I can't prove "enough" binding ties to my home country the application will be rejected (happens quite often). And then there will be no more chance to travel with ESTA

@ Frihed89: I would never ever sell the building. The deceased wanted to give me a "safe place", he lived there and I will not turn his legacy into "poor money". Thankfully I could ask my cousin or her kids to take care of the property or create a new trust in the worst case.

But what's wrong about my wish to take care of the property from time to time by myself and stay in the US when I invested a special amount of money and work?
I mean I could enter the US by ESTA and never leave (what I would never do because I have a life here in my home country and it's illegal besides).
I just want to take care of my property whenever it's needed and the ESTA rules (or the immigration officers, who make the last decision) are not flexible enough. And why should I invest in the property as an ESTA-"guest"?

I'm afraid I have to go for an E-Visa. Maybe the city of Santa Monica could help me somehow. Still thinking about the "green purposes" of Santa Monica. Here in my home country we have a lot of experience with e.g. solar panels or biolocical water preparation and I could try transfer this.

oh-eve · 10-23-2014, 04:09 PM

I don't have an answer to your questions but if you wanna hang out with a fellow German, contact me.

I live about 1 hour away.

STT Resident · 10-23-2014, 04:21 PM

I'm a little confused about your fear that your visa application may be denied. As long as you have documentation proving your ties to your home country there's little to be concerned about as evidenced by thousands upon thousands of visitors who come to the US every year. What research have you done which has led you to be concerned?

http://travel.state.gov/content/dam/...2014_print.pdf

Erbin · 10-24-2014, 12:49 PM

I'm member of the german Amerika-Forum and there are a lot of people complaining that they didn't get a B-Visa, despite proven binding ties and enough money for the trip.
Reasons for the refusal: as a german citizen you can travel with ESTA - 90 days are enough.
The Visa Waiver Program seems to be boon and bane.
Citizens from countries not qualified for the VWP seem to get their B-Visas without difficulty

Threestep2 · 10-25-2014, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erbin

I'm member of the german Amerika-Forum and there are a lot of people complaining that they didn't get a B-Visa, despite proven binding ties and enough money for the trip.
Reasons for the refusal: as a german citizen you can travel with ESTA - 90 days are enough.
The Visa Waiver Program seems to be boon and bane.
Citizens from countries not qualified for the VWP seem to get their B-Visas without difficulty

Those vultures:>)