INDIVIDUALS E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

VM Gokea Law Group has all-embracing experience in helping foreign people and foreign companies start a new American enterprise and assist their owner/manager obtain E-1 visa to do business in the USA.

A person may be issued an E-1 Treaty Trader visa if:

• The individual or the company has the nationality of the treaty country (at least half of the company must be owned by nationals of the treaty country)
• There is substantial trade (more than 50 percent of the company’s international trade) between the United States and the treaty country. “Trade” includes the exchange, purchase, or sale of goods or services; the transfer of technology; and binding contracts that call for the immediate exchange of items of trade. Such trade must be continuous and ongoing
• The individual is either the principal trader who is coming to the United States to engage in substantial trade, or an executive, manager, or employee with special skills essential to the company

Benefits to E-1 visa holders: 

• Grow their foreign business in the American consumer market.
• The spouse and children of E visa holder do not require treaty country nationality.
• Spouses in E status are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document and work for another American enterprise.
• Children may attend public school in the USA.

Countries with treaties for E-1 visas:

For updated country-specific information, see http://travel.state.gov/visa/reciprocity/country_pick.htm

How Long Can E-Visa Holders Remain in the United States?

E visas are generally issued for five years. Extensions of stay in the United States may be granted as long as eligibility continues and the treaty remains in force.

At the border, E visa holders are admitted to the United States for two years at each entry (notwithstanding the visa validity period). Extensions of stay in the United States may be granted for up to two years at a time from the appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service center.

An E visa may be reissued for up to five years at the home consulate with submission of appropriate documentation establishing the ongoing trade or continuing operation of the business investment enterprise. The spouse and children of E visa holder do not require treaty country nationality. Children may attend school and spouses in E status are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document.