🌍 E Visa: Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor Visas
The E visa category is designed for individuals from countries that have a trade or investment treaty with the United States. It allows eligible nationals to enter the U.S. to carry out substantial trade or to develop and direct a business in which they’ve made a significant investment.
The E visa is a great option for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and executives looking to start or grow a business in the U.S. It offers flexibility, work authorization, and the ability to bring your family along for the journey.
🎯 E-1 Visa (Treaty Trader Visa)
E-1 visa is for individuals or businesses engaged in substantial trade between the United States and their home country. “Trade” can include goods, services, banking, insurance, transportation, tourism, technology, or even certain types of professional services.
To qualify for E-1 visa:
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The applicant must be a national of a treaty country.
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The trading firm must have at least 50% ownership by nationals of the treaty country.
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The trade must be substantial and primarily between the U.S. and the treaty country.
🎯 E-2 Visa (Treaty Investor Visa)
E-2 visa is for individuals who are investing a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business. The investment must be substantial and at risk in a real, operating U.S. business.
To qualify for E-2 visa:
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The investor must be a national of a treaty country.
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The investment must be substantial, at risk, with funds committed to a real operating enterprise.
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The investor must direct and develop the business.
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The business must be more than marginal (i.e., it should generate income beyond supporting the investor and their family).
✅ Key Features of the E Visa
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Unlimited Renewals: E visas are issued for a set period (depending on the treaty country), but they can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues to qualify.
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Apply from Inside the U.S.: If already in the U.S. under another nonimmigrant status, you may apply for a change of status to E-1 or E-2 through USCIS.
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Apply from Outside the U.S.: Apply directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country through consular processing. Most applicants applying through a U.S. embassy or consulate must attend a visa interview and provide supporting documents at that time.
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Detailed Documentation Required: Applicants must submit a comprehensive business plan, financial records, proof of trade or investment, corporate documents, and evidence of nationality.
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Work Authorization: E visa holders can work only for the U.S. business that is the basis of their visa.
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Essential Employees Eligible: Certain executives, managers, or employees with specialized skills may qualify for an E visa to work for the treaty trader/investor's business.
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Family Members Included: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the main visa holder. Spouses can apply for a work permit and work for any employer. Children can attend school in the U.S. but cannot work.
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No Direct Path to Green Card: The E visa does not directly lead to permanent residency, but it can be used alongside long-term immigration planning.
🔍 Additional Resources
🔗 E-1 Visa Overview: Click here to learn more.
🔗 E-2 Visa Overview: Click here to learn more.
🔗 Case Status: Click here to check the status of your case online using your USCIS Receipt Number.
🕒 Processing Times: Click here to check current USCIS processing times.
📦 Address Changes: All non-immigrants and permanent residents are required to notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving. Click here to create an account and submit your change of address online.
