E-1 International Trade

The United States Government offers a visa for professionals engaged in international trade. This visa is also known as E-1.

What are the requirements?

• The principal trader must be in an executive or in a supervisory position.
• Trade must consist of a substantial exchange of goods and/or services between the United States and the treaty country.
• The applicant intends to leave the country once his or her E-1 status terminates.
• The trade executive must be a citizen of a treaty country.

Where do I check if my country of citizenship is part of the treaty of commerce?

• Click here for a list of the treaty countries.

What is a treaty country?

• A treaty country is a country that has an agreement with the United States to keep mutual peace and prosperity alive, which allows them to trade goods and services, and invest from each other.

Do I have to be in my home country to apply?

• No, you may also apply for this visa if you are in the United States under a different lawful status. However, our firm works with international clients as well.

Who may apply for this visa?

• Individuals who wish to engage in trade with the United States.
• Individuals who own 50% of the trading corporation or is an employee of a corporation who owns 50% of the company.

How long is this visa valid for?

• This visa is valid for five years, but it can be renewed continuously.

How long can I stay in the country?

• You can stay as long as you continue to work in trade, you just need to renew your status every two years and assure your visa does not expire.

What is the difference between an E-1 visa and an E-1 status?

• A visa is a document that grants an individual legal entrance to the United States, and a status is what renders certain rights based on the visa that was issued. For instance, E-1 status grants people the opportunity to work in the trade industry and live legally in the United States for two years at a time, whereas the visa allows individuals to legally enter the country.

What are some of the common trade items?

• International banking
• Products
• Insurance
• Transportation
• Tourism
• News Communications
• Technology
• Services

When you call our immigration lawyers in Los Angeles, they will explain and help you through the entire process step-by-step from start to finish. Call us today and schedule a consultation.