E-1 Treaty Traders &
E-2 Treaty Investors 

The E-1 visa allows a national of a treaty country to be admitted to the U.S. to engage in international trade on his or her own behalf.  Certain employees of such a person or of a qualifying organization may also be eligible for this classification. 

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The E-2 visa allows a national of a treaty country to be admitted to the U.S. to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.  Certain employees of such a person or of a qualifying organization may also be eligible for this classification.  

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You could find a current list of the treaty countries here. 

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Eligibility Criteria

For a E-1 visa, the treaty trader must:

• Be a national of a treaty country

• Carry on substantial trade

• Carry on principal trade between the U.S. and the treaty country

• Trade includes goods, services, international banking, insurance, tourism, technology and transfer, etc.

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For a E-2 visa, the treaty investor must:

• Be a national of a treaty country

• Have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a business in the U.S.

• Be seeking to enter the U.S. to develop and direct the investment business. This is established by showing at least 50% ownership of the enterprise or possession of operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device.

 

The investment must be at risk, obtained from lawful activities. It could be funds and/or other assets.