Hi, my husband will be studying in the US on an F1 visa. I will therefore apply for an F2 visa and move to the US to be together.

Currently I run my own business in the UK and intend to continue doing so but from the US with several trips back to the UK a year.

I know that an F2 does not permit me to have any gainful employment in the US and will my plan be acceptable?

Also does "gainful employment" also mean that I can't, say, make cookies and sell them to the public in the US?

Thank you.

As long as your business is in UK, no problem.

Regarding employment in US for F-2, as long as you are not working on any company's payroll, it's fine, but be careful with baking goods or any food products because you would need certain license to be able to do that, including kitchen inspection and food handling, etc.

BTW, what is your best choice of cookies? :p

That's great! Thank you.

Just wondering.. if I decide to start a business in the US, what do I need to do visa wise? I recall reading about E visas which, I understand, requires me to demonstrate that I will make a "substantial" investment and hire two people (I presume US citizens or green card holders). Is that right?

Presumably I need to have had the correct visa before I start generating income on my US business? However, I'd prefer to test out the market first before making the move to invest and hire people - are there ways round the visa issue?

By the way, I make yummy rock cakes - so here's sending a dozen your way! ;) Hope you like them!

No, you can't 'test the water' with E visas. You may be able to obtain a visa in case you expand business in UK to US or establish a new one here. Anyway, it's a serious business and it requires a serious $$$ which I don't know if it's worth in this economic situation.

How about going with what you have in mind for now... and in a few months maybe you find the answer if there is possibility in this market. Then I may be able to give you more specific detail about this visa issue.

Enjoy baking... Good luck. :)