E1 Visa

If you are a citizen of a country that maintains a treaty of commerce with the United States, you may obtain an E-1 visa to carry on substantial trade between the U.S. and your home country.

What Is the E-1 Visa?

The E-1 visa is for international traders who conduct trade in goods or services between the United States and their country of nationality.

Key Requirements

• Be a citizen of an E-1 treaty country
• Be engaged in substantial international trade
• The trade must be principally between the U.S. and your home country
• The trade must involve qualifying goods or services
• At least 50% of the business must be owned by U.S. nationals or nationals of the treaty country

E-1 Treaty Countries

Treaty countries include many nations such as: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Philippines, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and more.

Types of Qualifying Trade

• Import and export of goods
• International services
• Finance and insurance
• Transportation
• Communications
• Technology
• Consulting

Benefits of the E-1 Visa

• Nonimmigrant work status
• Typically valid for 2 years, renewable indefinitely
• Spouse and children may obtain derivative status
• Spouse may work with a separate employment authorization
• May apply for permanent residency while maintaining E-1 status
• No annual numerical cap

Processing Times

Typically 1 to 3 months for consular processing or adjustment of status.

What You Should Know

E-1 visas are ideal for entrepreneurs and international traders. Strong documentation of substantial trade and business ownership is required. An immigration attorney can help demonstrate that your business qualifies.