E-1 Treaty Traders

The E-1 Treaty Trader visa is a non-immigrant visa for nationals from countries having a treaty with the U.S. E-1 treaty countries include Australia, Iran, UK, Canada, Spain, Italy, Colombia, Greece, Brunei, Pakistan, Philippines, Honduras, Ireland, France, Thailand, Taiwan and many others. There are many requirements in order to qualify for an E-1 Treaty Trader Visa. First, the applicant must be from a treaty country. Second, the company/firm in the United States must have the nationality of the treaty country. Third, the company/firm must be involved in a substantial amount of international trade, and the trade must be primarily between the United States and the treaty country.  Substantial trade is continuous and ongoing. Finally, the applicant must be employed in an executive, managerial or supervisory capacity for the company/firm.

The term "trade" is defined to include commercial intercourse in goods and trade in services and technology. Trade includes insurance, transportation, banking, tourism, data processing, advertising, accounting, and management consulting among other things. Trade must already be in progress when the visa application is filed.

Although the E-1 Treaty Trader visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa valid for two year periods, E-1 Treaty Traders may reside in the United States as long as they continue to meet E-Visa qualifications. Extensions are available indefinitely.

Derivative E-visas are available to spouses and children under age 21. Although spouses are permitted to work in the United States, children of E-1 visa holders are not entitled to work authorization.

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