E-1 Treaty trader
E-2 Treaty investor
The E-1 (treaty trader) and E-2 visas (treaty investor) allow nationals of countries having commercial treaties with the United States to engage in trade or business investment activities.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for E-1 classification, the treaty trader must:
- Be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation
- 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.
To qualify for E-2 classification, the treaty investor must:
- Be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation
- Have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the United States
- Be seeking to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise. This is established by showing at least 50% ownership of the enterprise or possession of operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device.
Application and Authorization Process
A request for E-1or E-2 classification may not be made on Form I-129 if the person being filed for is physically outside the United States. Interested parties should refer to the U.S. Department of State website for further information about applying for an E-1 nonimmigrant visa abroad. Upon issuance of a visa, the person may then apply to a DHS immigration officer at a U.S. port of entry for admission as an E-1 nonimmigrant.
If the treaty trader or investor is currently in the United States in a lawful nonimmigrant status, he or she may file Form I-129 to request a change of status to E-1 or E-2 classification. If the desired employee is currently in the United States in a lawful nonimmigrant status, the qualifying employer may file Form I-129 on the employee’s behalf.
Time duration for approval
6-8 weeks
Forms required to be submitted for this application
- Form I-129
How we can help
Our attorneys are available for consultation to discuss your options and responsibilities. To start the process:
Contact Us Schedule an Appointment (Audio/Video Conference) Start Online Application
