E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

Trade between your home country and the United States.

The E-1 visa is for individuals who carry on substantial trade between the United States and their treaty country. Trade includes goods, services, technology, and other qualifying activities.

If a meaningful share of your company’s trade is already with the United States, you may qualify on the strength of the trade you are doing right now, not trade you have to promise.

Request a Consultation Call 281-503-1455

E-1 Visa Requirements

To qualify for an E-1 treaty trader visa:

You must be a citizen of a country with a treaty of commerce with the U.S.

You must be engaged in substantial trade — principally between the U.S. and your treaty country

Trade must be continuous and represent the principal activity of the business

You must be in a supervisory or executive role, or possess essential skills

What Qualifies as 'Trade'?

Trade includes the exchange of goods, services, insurance, banking, technology, and transportation between the U.S. and the treaty country. The trade must be substantial (frequent, continuous transactions rather than a single deal) and principally between the U.S. and the treaty country (more than 50% of total trade volume).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between E-1 and E-2?+

E-1 is for traders (buying and selling between countries), while E-2 is for investors (investing capital in a U.S. business). The requirements are different, but both require a treaty with the U.S.

Can I switch from E-1 to a green card?+

Like the E-2, the E-1 doesn't directly lead to a green card, but other pathways can be pursued simultaneously.

Related Practice Areas

E-2 Treaty Investor L-1 Transfer H-1B Visa

Back to All Practice Areas