With significant investment continuing across US engineering, life sciences, technology and infrastructure projects, demand for highly specialised talent is growing rapidly. STR Group’s E-2 visa status creates a valuable route for skilled UK professionals to access these opportunities while helping US organisations overcome critical skills shortages.
STR Group is proud to hold E-2 visa status, which enables us to support UK professionals in securing long-term opportunities across some of the United States’ most exciting and innovative projects. As one of a limited number of workforce consultancies with E-2 status, we offer candidates a unique pathway to work and live in the US.
What is the E-2 visa?
Why is the E-2 visa important?
Some disciplines and qualifications that are well established in the UK, such as Quantity Surveying, have a much smaller talent pool in the US. The E-2 visa enables businesses to access niche expertise and proven experience from overseas, helping deliver projects more efficiently and successfully.
The UK has a long history of delivering major capital projects across industries such as engineering, manufacturing, automation, life sciences and maritime. This means UK professionals are often able to bring valuable knowledge, best practice and project experience to US organisations. Candidates can typically be mobilised and working on-site within approximately 6 to 12 weeks, providing a more predictable timeline than alternative visa routes.
Huge benefits for UK candidates
Working through STR Group provides candidates with opportunities to join some of the most exciting engineering, automation, technology and life sciences projects in the United States. You’ll gain exposure to large-scale programmes, emerging technologies and globally recognised organisations while enhancing your professional credentials.
A more accessible route to the US
Unlike the H-1B visa, which operates via a lottery process, the E-2 visa offers a more structured pathway for eligible candidates. This can provide greater certainty for professionals planning an international move and pursuing long-term career development.
Support every step of the way
Relocating overseas can be complex, but STR Group provides support throughout the process. From compliance and payroll management to relocation logistics, our team helps make the transition as smooth as possible, allowing candidates to focus on their new role and career opportunity.
Long-term flexibility
E-2 visas can be issued for periods of up to two or five years, depending on the circumstances, and are renewable. This creates opportunities for candidates to build meaningful international experience while maintaining flexibility for future career plans.
Relocate with your family
One of the key advantages of the E-2 visa is its family-friendly benefits. Immediate family members can accompany the visa holder, with spouses able to work in the United States and children able to attend American schools. This makes relocating overseas a realistic option for professionals with families.
Specialist talent is highly valued
The E-2 route is particularly beneficial for senior professionals, technical specialists and candidates with niche expertise in high demand in the US market. These skills and capabilities are highly sought after by employers delivering large-scale engineering, technology and infrastructure projects.
For candidates, this means access to exciting opportunities that may not be available in the UK, the chance to work on industry-leading projects, and the ability to apply their valued expertise where it’s needed most.
A new international opportunity post-Brexit
For many UK professionals, the E-2 visa opens another route to international career progression following Brexit. It provides access to a major global market while allowing candidates to gain valuable overseas experience that can significantly strengthen future career prospects.
High-demand opportunities
- Automation (including PLC and Robot Programming)
- CQV (Commissioning, Qualification and Validation)
- Design & Architecture (including Naval Architects)
- Software Engineering (including FinTech)
- Cybersecurity
- Project Engineering and Management
These are areas where specialist expertise is increasingly sought after, creating exciting opportunities for experienced professionals to make a significant impact on major US projects.
A unique opportunity with STR Group
Interested in learning more about US opportunities with the STR Group? Get in touch with our team today.
