The E-1 Treaty Trader visa allows nationals of qualifying treaty countries to enter the United States to engage in substantial international trade. This non-immigrant visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, executives, and key employees whose businesses rely heavily on continuous trade between the United States and their home country.
Who Qualifies for an E-1 Visa?
To qualify under the E-1 classification, an applicant must demonstrate:
- Nationality: The business owner or at least 50% of the enterprise must hold citizenship from a treaty country.
- Substantial Trade: The business must already be engaged in active and ongoing trade. There is no set dollar minimum, but the volume and frequency of transactions must show continuity.
- Principal Trade with the U.S.: More than 50% of the company’s total international trade must be between the United States and the treaty country.
- Qualified Role: The applicant must be coming to the U.S. to operate, direct, or provide essential skills to the trading business.
What Counts as “Trade”?
Trade may include goods, services, technology, consulting, tourism, logistics, and more. The key requirement is that the transactions are real, traceable, and recurring, not speculative.
Benefits of the E-1 Visa
- Renewable indefinitely as long as trade continues
- Spouses can apply for work authorization in the U.S.
- Allows travel in and out of the United States
- No minimum investment amount required
How YA Law Helps
At YA Law Corporation, we prepare complete E-1 visa packages, including business documentation, trade evidence, corporate structure, and legal strategy tailored to your treaty-based business.
Contact our U.S. Immigration team in Vancouver to start your E-1 Treaty Trader application.