What is E1 Treaty Trader Visa?
The E1 Visa allows businesspeople from specific countries to have easier access to the United States for the purposes of simplifying trade. At least 50% of the firm must be owned by citizens of a treaty country. The firm must also conduct a substantial volume of trade in the United States and at least half of the firm’s business must be conducted there. If you meet these and other qualifications, the E1 Visa could simplify your ability to trade and do business with the United States.
Benefits of E1 Treaty Trader Visa
- E1 visas can initially be granted for up to two years, during which time the holder may travel freely in and out of the U.S.
- An E1 visa can be renewed in two-year increments an unlimited number of times. This can allow the Treaty Trader to remain in the U.S. for a prolonged period to ensure the continued success of the business.
- An E1 holder who travels abroad may generally be granted an automatic two-year period of readmission when returning to the U.S.
- An E1 holder will receive authorization to work legally in the United States for the trading firm.
- Unlike the L1 visa, there is no requirement for qualified employees to have worked for the Trader for at least one year previously.
- Visas are available for an E1 applicant’s accompanying spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years of age).
- The applicant’s spouse may apply for work authorization in the United States without restrictions as to the place of employment. However, the children may not accept employment.
E1 Treaty Trader Visa program
Business Plan is Key
In our experience the preparation of a business plan that demonstrates how your business clearly meets the requirements of the E visa program is critical. For that reason our Wharton MBA lawyers work with a specialist team of business analysts to prepare business plans that meet the approval of the toughest immigration and consular officers.
List of E1 Treaty Countries
Click here for a list of countries that have an active E1 treaty with the United States.
Dependents
The spouse of minor children of an E1 visa holder can apply for dependent E visa status. With E1 dependent status the spouse of an E-visa holder may lawfully work in the United States.
Green Card
Although there are options and our firm assists client adjust from E visa status to that of “green card” holder, an E1 visa does NOT directly lead to permanent residency (also called a “green card”). In fact, an E1 applicant must have the intent to return to his or her country of origin once the visa expires.
If your goal is to eventually become a permanent resident of the United States, other options may be more suitable for you, such an L1 visa, or the EB5 Immigrant Investor Program
How Can We Help?
Davies & Associates is a specialized immigration law firm. A substantial part of our practice focuses on assisting business owners and investors with E1, E2, L1 and EB5 visas. Through our international presence we have specialist knowledge of the specific procedures in multiple embassies and consulates around-the-world. While there can never be any guarantees, in fifteen years we have yet to have any E visa application we have prepared denied.
Please feel free to contact our E-visa team with any additional questions you may have.