U.S
immigration policy supports investors
and foreign commerce in a variety of
ways. The E-1 visa is one method for
ensuring healthy commerce with the
world.
The E-1 Visa is issued to individuals
known as 'treaty traders'. A treaty
trader is defined as a national of a
country with which the United States
maintains a treaty of commerce and
navigation.
You should be coming to the U.S. to
carry on substantial trade, or to
develop and direct the operations of a
business in which you have invested or
will soon invest a substantial amount of
capital. You must also be a national of
a treaty country and you must be
involved in international trade.
Your spouse and children may join you
under the same status. Your employees,
or the employees of your treaty company,
may also receive E-1 visas.
Steps
You may apply for an E-1 visa at a U.S.
Consulate in your country. We recommend
you do not apply at a U.S. Consular
Office outside of your permanent
residence, since that process is more
difficult.
Documents
To apply for an E-1 Visa, you must
supply the following documents:
A filled-in visa application
Form OF-156.
One recent photograph 1 & 1/2
inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each
applicant, with the entire face
visible. The picture should be taken
before a light background and
without head covering.
A passport, valid for travel to
the United States for at least six
months longer than your intended
visit.
Documents that establish that
your cmpany is owned by foreign
nationals.
A letter from your employer
detailing your position and stating
that you possess highly specialized
skills essential to the efficient
operation of the firm.
You may also be asked
to prove that:
Your company meets the
requirements of the law.
The trade is substantial; there
should be a continuous flow of trade
between the U.S. and the treaty
country.
You intend to leave the U.S.
after the validity date of the E-1
Visa.
