E-1 Visa

The E-1 visa is a US nonimmigrant visa for Treaty Traders. It allows nationals of a qualifying treaty country to temporarily reside in the United States in order to carry out or direct substantial trade between the United States and the treaty country.

Target Group: Entrepreneurs, executives and certain employees of companies engaged in substantial international trade between the United States and a qualifying treaty country. Qualifying trade may include goods, services, technology and certain other forms of international trade.

Permitted Activities: An E-1 visa allows the holder to develop, direct or carry out the qualifying international trading activities in the United States. The trade must principally be between the United States and the relevant treaty country.

Important Conditions: Both the applicant and the relevant enterprise must meet the requirements of the E-1 program. In particular, the United States must have a qualifying treaty or agreement with the relevant country, and substantial international trade must be demonstrated. Additional requirements apply to employees based on their position and qualifications.

When to Apply? The E-1 visa should be applied for well in advance of the planned stay in the United States. Since substantial documentation regarding the company structure, international trade and US activities may be required, sufficient time should be allowed for preparing and reviewing the application.