E-1 Treaty Trader Visa: Bring Your International Trade to the U.S.
If you’re actively involved in international trade and your home country has a qualifying treaty with the United States, the E-1 visa could offer you a powerful opportunity to expand your business in the U.S. market.
Ee help traders and professionals navigate the visa process with clarity and confidence—so you can focus on growing your business across borders.
What Is the E-1 Visa?
The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of certain treaty countries to enter the U.S. to carry out substantial trade between the United States and their home country.
The U.S. currently has treaties with more than 80 countries, including Mexico, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. If you’re a national of one of these countries and your business is already involved in international trade, you may qualify for the E-1.
E-1 Visa Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
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Be a citizen of a treaty country
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Engage in substantial trade between your country and the U.S. (e.g., goods, services, or technology)
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Ensure that more than 50% of your trade is between your home country and the U.S.
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Enter the U.S. to direct or develop your trading business—or
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Be an essential employee with supervisory, executive, or highly specialized skills
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Have worked for the treaty trader or qualifying company for at least 1 year in the past 3 years
Trade must be ongoing and substantial—not just one-time transactions. A solid business plan, trade records, and financial documentation will be essential to support your application.
What the E-1 Visa Allows You to Do
With an approved E-1 visa, you can:
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Live in the U.S. for an initial period of up to 2 years
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Conduct and manage trade operations in the U.S.
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Extend your visa indefinitely, as long as your trade continues to meet the requirements
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Bring your spouse and children (under 21) as dependents
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Have your spouse apply for work authorization and work for any employer in the U.S.
This makes the E-1 visa one of the most flexible and renewable options for international business professionals looking to establish a lasting presence in the U.S.
Does the E-1 Visa Lead to a Green Card?
The E-1 is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning it doesn’t provide a direct path to permanent residency. However, many E-1 visa holders later explore other options, such as:
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EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
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Employment-Based Immigrant Visas (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)
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Adjustment of Status through family or employer sponsorship
Our legal team can advise you on long-term strategies if permanent residency is your goal.