E-1 Visas (Treaty Trader)

The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals to come to the United States solely to engage in trade of a substantial nature, principally between the United States and the individual's country of nationality. To be eligible for an E-1 visa, the individual must be a national of a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States and be coming to the United States to carry on substantial trade, including trade in services or technology, principally between the United States and the individual's country of nationality.

The term "substantial trade" is not defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) or by the U.S. Department of State, but it generally refers to the continuous flow of sizable international trade items, involving numerous transactions over time. The trade must be principally between the United States and the individual's country of nationality, meaning that more than 50% of the total volume of international trade must be between the two countries.

In addition to engaging in substantial trade, individuals applying for an E-1 visa must also be coming to the United States to be employed in a supervisory or executive capacity or to have skills essential to the efficient operation of the trade. The E-1 visa is valid for up to five years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the individual continues to engage in substantial trade and meet the other requirements for the visa.

E-1 visas are often used by business owners, executives, and other high-level employees of international companies who need to travel to the United States to engage in trade on behalf of their company. It is important to note that the E-1 visa is not intended for individuals who are coming to the United States to work in a non-supervisory or non-essential capacity or to engage in trade on a casual or sporadic basis.

If you are interested in obtaining an E-1 Treaty Trader Visa, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that you meet all of the requirements and can properly demonstrate that you are coming to the United States to engage in substantial trade.