Expert Legal Guidance for E-1 Treaty Trader Visas

E-1 TREATY TRADER

This is an excellent working visa category and relatively easy to qualify for. The E-1 is limited to nationals of countries that have a trading treaty with the U.S.

E-1visa is for nationals of E-1 Treaty Countries who engage in substantial trade with the United States. In order to qualify for an E-1 visa, an individual must be from a country with an active E-1 treaty [LINK], must demonstrate “significant trade” between the treaty country and the U.S., and the business must be at least 50% owned by nationals of the treaty country.

Approval rates are around 90%, and an E-1 spouse may apply for a work permit. The U.S. entity must carry on principal trade (over 50% by volume) with the treaty country of the treaty trader’s nationality. 

Items of trade for E-1 purposes include but are not limited to goods, services, international banking, transportation, communications, data processing, advertising, accounting, management consulting, tourism, technology, and news-gathering. Goods are considered tangible items or merchandise with extrinsic value; services are ‘legitimate economic activities that provide other than tangible goods.

The key is actual trade: there must be an actual, meaningful, substantial exchange of qualifying commodities (goods, money, or services). The goods must flow between the U.S. and the treaty trading country in a manner that can be traced and identifiable. Title of the goods must pass from one treaty party to the other.

Trade must be “substantial,” meaning an amount of trade sufficient to ensure a continuous flow of international trade between the U.S. and the treaty country. To be substantial, trade cannot be based on a single transaction, but must be comprised of a continuous flow with numerous attendant transactions over a period of time.

Our firm, located in Hobe Sound, Florida, specializes in immigration law with a focus on E-1 Treaty Trader applications. We understand the importance of seamless international trade and are committed to providing expert legal support to traders and businesses aiming to expand their operations in the U.S. Our mission is to empower clients by offering comprehensive legal solutions that align with their strategic business goals.