Unlimited Visas
Initial Validity
Renewable Forever
Treaty Countries
Your pathway to U.S. market access through international trade
The E-1 Treaty Trader visa allows nationals of countries with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation to enter the U.S. for the purpose of conducting substantial trade. This visa is ideal for businesses engaged in import/export activities, international commerce, and cross-border trade operations.
Like the E-2 visa, the E-1 visa can be renewed indefinitely in 5-year increments as long as your trade continues and you maintain eligibility. There is no maximum time limit on E-1 status, making it ideal for long-term international business operations.
You must be a national of one of the 50+ countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Additionally, at least 51% of your total international trade must be between the U.S. and your treaty country. Popular treaty countries include: Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and many more.
Four essential criteria for E-1 Treaty Trader status
You must be a citizen of a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Over 50 countries qualify for E-1 status.
At least 51% of the company's total international trade must be between the United States and your treaty country. This is the principal trade requirement.
Trade must be substantial, continuous, and ongoing. This means numerous transactions over time, not just one or two large deals. Quality and frequency matter more than absolute dollar value.
You must hold an executive/supervisory position or possess specialized essential skills that are critical to the trade operation. Administrative or clerical positions typically do not qualify.
Important: Both the company conducting trade AND the E-1 applicant must be nationals of the same treaty country. You must demonstrate intent to depart the U.S. when E-1 status ends (nonimmigrant intent).
What qualifies as substantial trade for E-1 visa approval
Unlike E-2 visa which requires substantial investment, E-1 has no minimum dollar value for trade. Instead, USCIS focuses on:
The following do NOT count as qualifying trade for E-1 visa:
At least 51% of your company's total international trade volume must be between the United States and your treaty country.
Example 1: QUALIFIED
Example 2: NOT QUALIFIED
Trade must be continuous and ongoing, demonstrated by numerous transactions over time, not just one or two large deals.
Quality and frequency of transactions matter more than absolute dollar value. USCIS prefers seeing $500K in trade with 50+ transactions over 12 months rather than $2M in just 2-3 large deals. Regular, sustained commercial activity is key.
Step-by-step guide to obtaining your E-1 Treaty Trader visa
Confirm that your country of citizenship has an E-1 treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.
Gather comprehensive evidence of substantial trade between U.S. and your treaty country over past 12+ months.
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) on the Consular Electronic Application Center website.
Prepare comprehensive documentation proving trade volume, continuity, and your essential role.
Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee and schedule your visa interview appointment.
Appear at the embassy/consulate for your interview with all documentation. Be prepared to explain trade operations in detail.
Comprehensive documentation package for E-1 treaty trader application
E-1 visa approval depends heavily on proving substantial, continuous trade. You must document 51%+ principal trade between U.S. and treaty country with numerous transactions over 12+ months. Incomplete trade records are the #1 reason for E-1 denials.
Before your visa interview, ensure you have (originals + copies):
Bring your family and spouse can work anywhere in the U.S.
E-1 spouses automatically qualify for work authorization just like E-2! They can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and work for any employer in the United States—no sponsorship needed.
Unmarried children under 21 can accompany or join E-1 principal trader in the United States.
Children lose E-1 dependent status when they turn 21 or get married. Plan ahead for their transition to F-1 student status, H-1B work visa, or other immigration pathway before they age out.
E-1 dependent children cannot work automatically. However, they can:
Common questions about E-1 Treaty Trader visa
Substantial trade means a continuous flow of trade items between the U.S. and your treaty country. There's no minimum dollar amount, but trade must be sufficient to ensure continuous flow and numerous transactions.
USCIS focuses on:
E-1 is not a dual intent visa, meaning you must maintain intent to return to your home country when your E-1 status ends. However, you can pursue green card through other pathways:
Green Card Options from E-1:
Over 50 countries have E-1 treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. You must be a citizen (not just resident) of a treaty country to qualify.
Popular E-1 Treaty Countries Include:
Yes! This is one of the biggest advantages of the E-1 visa.
E-1 spouses can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and work for any employer in the United States. There are no restrictions on:
Children under 21:
E-1 dependent children can attend school but cannot work unless they obtain their own work authorization through another visa category (like F-1 OPT after turning 21).
Trade includes both tangible goods and intangible services that cross international borders between the U.S. and your treaty country.
Qualifying Trade Types:
E-1 visa processing typically takes 2-4 months from application submission to visa approval. However, timing varies based on several factors:
Processing Timeline Breakdown:
Factors Affecting Processing Time:
Schedule a free consultation with our E-1 visa specialists to get personalized answers for your specific trade situation.
The E-1 Treaty Trader visa offers businesses an excellent pathway to access the U.S. market through international trade. Our experienced immigration consultants help you navigate the complex E-1 application process, from trade documentation and 51% calculations to interview preparation.
Trade experts • Documentation support • Proven success
Deep E-1 international trade knowledge
Precise principal trade analysis
Comprehensive trade evidence
Proven E-1 success record
Compare E-1 with alternative visa options
For treaty country nationals investing in or starting a U.S. business. Ideal for entrepreneurs.
Transfer from foreign company to U.S. branch/subsidiary. For established international companies.
For individuals with extraordinary ability in business, sciences, education, or athletics.
| Feature | E-1 Treaty Trader | E-2 Treaty Investor | L-1 Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Requirement | Substantial trade (51%+ U.S.-treaty country) | Substantial investment ($100K-$200K+) | Foreign company with U.S. branch |
| Validity Period | 5 years (renewable indefinitely) | 5 years (renewable indefinitely) | L-1A: 7 years, L-1B: 5 years |
| Treaty Requirement | Yes - 50+ countries | Yes - 80+ countries | No - All countries |
| Investment Needed | No minimum | $100K-$200K+ | No minimum (substantial) |
| Trade Requirement | Yes - 51%+ principal trade | No | No |
| Spouse Work Authorization | Yes - EAD | Yes - EAD | Yes - EAD |
| Processing Time | 2-4 months | 2-4 months | 2-4 months |
| Green Card Path | No direct path (pursue separately) | No direct path (pursue separately) | Can transition to EB-1C |
Choose E-1 if you:
Choose E-2 if you:
Choose L-1 if you: