E1/E2 Visas

E Category

The E Visa Category is useful for business owners, managers and employees who need to enter the U.S. to oversee or work in an enterprise engaged in trade between the U.S. and a foreign state (E-1 Treaty Trader Status) or who will oversee or work in an enterprise that constitutes a major investment in the U.S. (E-2 Treaty Investor).

Basic Requirements for both the E-1 and E-2 Category

1. Treaty exists between the U.S. and applicable country;
2. Majority ownership or control of the investing or trading company must be held by nationals of the applicable country; and
3. Person to enter in E status must have citizenship of the applicable country.

For example, if the trade or investment is between the U.S. and Germany, then

1. Applicable treaty exists between U.S. and Germany,
2. Majority ownership or control (at least 50%) must be held by national(s) holding German citizenship, and
3. Person to enter in E status must be a citizen of German.

Additional Requirements for the E-1 Treaty Trader Application

1. The trading company must be engaged in trade with the U.S. (the exchange, purchase or sale of goods or services);
2. The trade must be substantial (no minimum set dollar amount, instead the volume, number and continued course of trade is reviewed);
3. The trade must be principally between the U.S. and the applicable country (more than 50%); and
4. The person to enter the U.S in E-1 status must perform supervisory or executive services or have skills that are essential to the successful operation of the business.