Published: February 10, 2022
The E-1 visa grants lawful entry to nationals of a qualifying country to be admitted to the United States for the sole purpose of engaging in international trade on their behalf. The mechanics, processes, and requirements of this visa can be complicated. To help you understand the E-1 visa better, we prepared some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Who qualifies for an E-1 visa?
E-1 visa holders or treaty traders should have the following qualifications:
• Nationals of treaty countries or countries that have an existing treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation or one that US laws deem as a qualifying country
• Carry on substantial trade
• Carry on principal trade between the United States and the treaty country, which qualified the treaty trader for E-1 classification.
How long can an E-1 visa holder stay in the US?
Qualified E-1 visa holders are initially allowed a maximum stay of two years. After the first two years, they may request an extension that may be granted in increments of up to two years each. There is no limit to how many extensions an E-1 nonimmigrant may be granted.
What is considered substantial trade?
Substantial trade refers to a continuous flow of trade items between the US and the qualified treaty country. It covers multiple transactions, not a single transaction, despite the monetary value involved.
Can E-1 visa holders bring their families to the US?
Yes. Applicants for E-1 visa holders may be accompanied or followed by their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old. The accompanying family members may not have the nationality as the treaty trader. Generally, the said family members may live in the United States within the same duration as the E-1 visa holders. Spouses and children are designated as E-1S and E-1Y, respectively.
Can spouses of E-1 visa holders work in the US?
Yes. Spouses of E-1 visa holders may work. Certain E-1 dependent spouses may qualify for the automatic extension of their existing Form I-766 EADs if they meet specific conditions.
Do You Need Legal Support?
Processing an E-1 visa (or any other visa for that matter) can be a long and arduous journey. Allow ALG Lawyers to simplify things for you! Our Los Angeles immigration lawyers have extensive experience on this matter. You can count on us for a seamless and trouble-free transaction.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)