What is a E-1 Visa
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An E-1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa for people from countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, who are coming to the U.S. to engage in substantial trade between their home country and the U.S.
In Simple Terms:
If you’re a businessperson or key employee from a treaty country, and you or your company do a lot of international trade with the U.S., you can apply for an E-1 visa to live and work in the U.S. to manage or support that trade.
Common Uses of a E-1 Visa:
- For owners or employees of businesses that trade goods or services between the U.S. and their home country.
- The majority of the trade (over 50%) must be with the U.S.
- Your role must be executive, managerial, or essential to the business.
- Must be a citizen of a treaty country (e.g., Japan, Germany, Colombia, etc.).
Everything you need to know about E-1 Visas
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa Requirements to qualify for an E-1 Treaty Trader visa, you must meet the following requirements:
1. You Must Be a National of a Treaty Country
The United States must maintain a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with your country.
You can review the official list of E-1 Treaty Countries to confirm eligibility.
2. The Business Must Conduct Substantial Trade
The company must engage in continuous and significant international trade.
Trade may include:
Goods
Services
Technology
Banking
Insurance
Transportation
Tourism
Other qualifying commercial activities
The trade must be ongoing — not a single transaction.
3. Majority of Trade Must Be With the United States
More than 50% of the total international trade conducted by the company must occur between the U.S. and your treaty country.
4. You Must Hold a Qualifying Position (If Applying as an Employee)
You must serve in an executive, managerial, or essential role.
This includes:
Owners
Executives or senior managers
Employees with specialized knowledge critical to the company’s operations
5. You Must Intend to Depart the United States
The E-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa.
Although it can be renewed indefinitely, you must demonstrate the intent to leave the U.S. once your authorized status ends.
You're from a country with no E-1 treaty
The trade is minimal, irregular, or mostly outside the U.S.
You can't prove your role is essential or executive
You plan to do work outside of the trade-related business
Initially granted for up to 2 years
Renewable indefinitely as long as qualifications are maintained
You can travel in and out of the U.S. freely
Proof of treaty country nationality
Evidence of substantial trade activity
Proof the trade is principally between the U.S. and the treaty country
Evidence of your essential or executive role
Business plans, contracts, shipment records, financial statements