E-1 & E-2 Visas: Treaty Traders and Investors

E-1 visas are classifications allowing a national of a treaty country to be admitted to the United States to engage in international trade on their own behalf. E-2 visas allow a national of a treaty country to be admitted into the United States to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. Treaty countries can be defined as a country with which the United States has an international agreement of trade.

How to Obtain E-1 and E-2 Visas

Those interested and qualifying may apply for an E-1 nonimmigrant visa abroad by filling out Form I-129. Upon issuance of an E-1 or E-2 visa, you may seek entrance at a United States port of entry as an E-1 or E-2 foreign nonimmigrant.

Qualifications

E-1 visas are designated for treaty traders, and E-2 visas are designated for treaty investors. To qualify for E-1 or E-1 you must meet the following criteria:

Treaty Traders

To qualify as a treaty trader, one must be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce or international agreement. Treaty traders must also carry on substantial and principal trade between the United States and the qualifying trade country.

Treaty Investors

To quality as a treaty investor, one must be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce or international agreement. Additionally, treaty investors must have invested or be in the process of actively investing capital in United States enterprise.

Period of Stay

Treaty traders and investors are allowed a maximum initial stay of two years. Extensions of stay may be requested.

Family Members of E-1 and E-2 Visa Holders

Spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21) may accompany the E-1 or E-2 visa holder into the United States. Qualifying family members must seek E-1 or E-2 nonimmigrant classification as a dependent. If approved, E-1/2 dependents will likely be granted the same period of stay as the visa holder.

Contact and Immigration Lawyer Today

The lawyers at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. have over seven decades of experience to assist you in the legal process of obtaining nonimmigrant visas. Contact a member of our team today at 312.444.1940.