E1 Visa for treaty trader
E-1 US nonimmigrant visa permits a person who is a sole trader or a company with trade representatives to go to the U.S and continue the trading operations. Trade must be between the US and an E1 visa country with which the US has a trade and investment treaty countries.
There are no exclusions in terms of the type of industry that the trade must occur it can be transportation, communication, banking, advertising, management, etc. The trade of products or services should be done in bulk and should be continuous.
To be eligible for the E1 visa,
- The applicant must be from a country that has a trade treaty with the US and applicant must be involved in international trade.
- The applicant must have a senior position such as a supervisor, manager, or executive.
- At least 50% of the company must be owned by people who are citizens of a trade treaty country.
1. From within the US through USCIS
- If the applicant is engaged directly in international trade then the applicant must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. If the applicant will be working for someone who is engaged in international trade as a supervisor or manager then the company must file a petition Form I-129.
- The applicant must also submit receipts of the fees paid, documents to prove trade relationship, and intent to return to your home country.
- USCIS will validate all documents and if the visa is granted USCIS will give the applicant or the employer a Form I-797, Approval Notice.
2. From outside the US through a US Embassy
Outside the USThe applicant must apply through US Embassy in their country.
Step by step E1 visa application process
- Complete Form DS-160
- Pay Fees
- E1 visa documents
- Attend Interview
STEP 1:Complete form DS-160
- Complete Form DS-160 -form fill.
- After successfully completing the application, you will receive a confirmation number a 10-digit number.
- This confirmation number is required for setting up of visa interview appointment. Set up the visa interview
STEP 2:Pay Fees
- Applicant -Visa Application Fee of $205.
- Any additional fees -Based on the country there is a Visa Issuance fee.
STEP 3: E1 visa documents
- A copy of current passport with all pages and any previous passports available.
- Receipts of payments made for all applicable visa fees.
- To complete the form, the applicant needs a photo in the acceptable format Photo Requirements.
- Visa interview appointment letter.
- Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Filled Form DS-156E, Treaty or Trader Investor Application.
- Evidence of the applicant’s intentions to return to their home countries such as property deeds, apartment lease, or other documents.
- If the applicant is an employee of a company, need to provide documents which prove the nationality of the company and that it belongs to a treaty trade country.
- Letter from employer relating to the applicant’s position and how important is the role of the applicant as an employee to international trade.
- Letters or documents which prove you or the company you work for have substantial trade with the US.
STEP 4: Attend interview
All applicants must attend an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in their home country where they are applying. The necessary checks on all documents will be made and interview will be scheduled by NVC.
