E-1
Treaty
Trader Visa
Expand Your Business Through
International Trade with the United States
The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa enables nationals of qualifying treaty countries to enter the United States to engage in substantial international trade—goods, services, technology, and more. Kameli Law advises traders, executives, and essential employees through every stage of the E-1 process, from eligibility and documentation to visa issuance and renewals.
Request an E-1 Eligibility Review
Find out if your trade activity qualifies for E-1 classification.
What Is the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa?
The E-1 visa is a nonimmigrant classification that allows individuals and companies to conduct continuous, principal trade between the U.S. and their treaty country. It covers tangible goods and intangible services—such as consulting, software licensing, logistics, banking, insurance, and media—and permits executives, owners, and key staff to develop and direct U.S. trade operations. While the E-1 does not lead directly to a green card, it can be renewed indefinitely as long as qualifying trade continues.
Core Eligibility Requirements
To qualify under 8 CFR § 214.2(e), applicants must demonstrate:
Treaty Nationality
At least 50 % ownership by nationals of a treaty country.
A continuous flow of trade transactions—goods, services, or technology.
Qualifying Trade
Substantial Trade
Frequent, ongoing transactions that reflect significant volume.
Over 50 % of total international trade must occur between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Principal Trade
Qualifying Role
Applicant is the principal trader, an executive/manager, or an essential-skills employee.
Must maintain intent to leave the U.S. when E-1 status ends.
Intent to Depart
What Counts as Qualifying and Substantial Trade
Qualifying Trade includes documented exchanges of goods or services across borders—supported by invoices, contracts, payment records, or bills of lading.
Substantial Trade Indicators:
- Numerous transactions over time (frequency matters more than one-off large deals).
- Stable or growing trade volume with verifiable financial records.
- Active pipeline of purchase orders or executed contracts.
- Over 50 % of trade must occur between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Digital and service-based businesses—such as SaaS, consulting, and logistics—can qualify when documentation proves real cross-border exchange.
View Treaty Country List
Check whether your country maintains a qualifying treaty with the United States.
Key Benefits of
the E-1 Visa
Advantages of the E-1 Visa
- Renewable indefinitely while trade remains qualifying.
- Spouse may apply for U.S. work authorization; children under 21 may study.
- Quick deployment of executives and key staff.
- No fixed investment minimum.
Limitations of the E-1 Visa
- No direct path to permanent residence.
- Must maintain qualifying ownership and trade ratios.
- Applicants must preserve nonimmigrant intent.
Step-by-Step E-1 Application Process
Strategic Assessment
Confirm treaty nationality, trade data, and company structure.
Gather contracts, invoices, shipping documents, and corporate proof of ownership.
Evidence Development
Form Preparation
Complete DS-160 and DS-156E for consular filings, or Form I-129 for a change/extension of status within the U.S.
File with USCIS or at a U.S. consulate, depending on your location and goals.
Submission
Interview Preparation
Ensure consistency in describing trade flow, ownership, and role.
Upon approval, receive E-1 visa and enter the U.S.; dependents receive E classification.
Visa Issuance & Admission
Ongoing Compliance
Track trade ratios, ownership changes, and renewals before expiration.
Required Documentation
Primary Documents
- Proof of treaty nationality (passport, shareholder registry)
- Ownership and control evidence (cap tables, agreements)
- Trade documentation (contracts, invoices, bills of lading)
- Financial records (bank statements, audited reports)
- Role evidence (résumé, org chart, job description)
Supporting Documents
- Market analysis or business plan
- Trade pipeline (LOIs, purchase orders)
- Payroll or lease documentation
- Calculation of U.S.–treaty trade ratios
Processing Times and Validity
- Visa Validity: Up to 5 years, depending on reciprocity; each entry grants 2 years of stay.
- Extensions: Renewable indefinitely while trade qualifies.
- Processing: Consular processing times vary; USCIS change-of-status cases follow posted timelines.
Maintaining
Compliance
Common Challenges & Kameli Law Solutions
| Challenge | Our Approach |
|---|---|
| Limited transaction frequency | Develop documentation of consistent trade flow and future contracts |
| Mixed ownership (non-treaty investors) | Restructure or document treaty-national majority |
| Weak evidence for service-based trade | Strengthen with deliverables, payment trails, and engagement letters |
| Inconsistent financial or narrative data | Reconcile filings with accounting and trade ledgers |
| Complex interviews | Personalized coaching and role-specific prep |
E-1, E-2, and L-1 Compared
| Visa Type | Primary Focus | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | International Trade | No set investment minimum; based on trade volume |
| E-2 | Investment | Requires substantial, at-risk investment in U.S. business |
| L-1 | Intra-company Transfer | For executives/managers relocating to U.S. affiliate |
Some E-1 traders later transition to immigrant categories such as EB-1C (link) or EB-2 NIW (link) when business growth supports permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum dollar amount for E-1 trade?
No. The trade must be substantial, continuous, and primarily bilateral.
Can employees qualify?
Yes, if they share the same nationality as the principal trader and hold executive, managerial, or essential roles.
Can I hire U.S. staff?
Yes; while not required, it supports business credibility and operational substance.
Can I get a green card through E-1?
Not directly, but many traders later pursue immigrant investor or employment-based visas.
How long does preparation take?
Typically 4–12 weeks, depending on documentation readiness and consular appointment availability.
Schedule Your E-1 Strategy Consultation
Whether you’re expanding global trade or deploying key personnel, Kameli Law will structure, file, and defend your E-1 case with precision.