E – 1 Visa
Treaty Trader
What is E-1 visa?
The E1 visa for Treaty Traders is used for the purpose to conduct international trade between the U.S. and the country of majority ownership of a U.S. trading company.
Who can apply for E-1 visa?
• Executives, managers and specialists of a international trade company operating in the U.S.
• Individuals and companies of E-1 treaty countries can seek to come to the U.S. to conduct international trade.
• Companies in E-1 treaty countries can send their personnel to setup a U.S. branch company to conduct international trade.
• Companies in E-1 treaty countries can send their managers or specialists to a U.S. company to conduct international trade.
• Spouse and children of E-1 visa holders can apply for dependant E-1 visas.
Special Requirements of E-1 visa:
• The nationality of the ownership of the trading company must be a E-1 treaty Country. The U.S. State Department provides a list of the Countries that have E-1 treaty with the U.S.
• The trading company must engage in internation trade principally between the U.S. and the E-1 treaty Country.
• The E-1 visa applicant has the same nationality of the trading company.
• The trading amount between the U.S. and the E-1 treaty country of the trading company must be substantial.
• The E-1 applicant must serve in a position of specified capacity, either managerial or involving essential skills to the business of the E-1 trading company.
How to apply for E-1 visa/status?
• If you are not in the United States at this time, you should use forms DS-156 and DS-156E to apply for E-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate office.
• If you are currently in the United States and in a status other than E-1, your employer should use form I-129 to apply for the E-1 status for you. Your spouse and children should use form I-539 to apply for dependent E-1 status.
• If you are already in the United States and in the E-1 status and wish to extend the period of stay, your employer should use form I-129 to apply for the E-1 extension for you. Your spouse and children should use form I-539 to apply for dependent E-1 status extension.