E-1 Visa | Treaty Trader

What is the E-1 Visa?

The E-1 visa for treaty traders is a category of non-immigrant visa that allows traders and key employees from countries that have trade treaties with the United States to work temporarily on US territory. This visa is an excellent option for those who want to establish or develop a business in the United States.

Advantages of the E-1 visa

The E-1 visa offers several benefits for traders and key employees who obtain it. Among them are: 

  •  The E-1 visa allows applicants to work temporarily in the United States in their authorized commercial activity. This provides them with the opportunity to establish or develop a business in an internationally competitive maket.
  • E-1 visa holders can travel in and out of the United States during the validity of their visa, which gives them flexibility to manage their businesses and commercial activities in both countries.
  • The E-1 visa is initially granted for a period of up to 5 years, with the possibility of renewal. This allows applicants to have a sustained presence in the United States and develop their commercial activities in the long term.
  • E-1 visa holders can also apply for derivative visas for their spouses and children under 21 years old, which allows them to accompany the visa holder and study or work in the United States.

Eligibility requirements for the E-1 visa

To be eligible for the E-1 visa, applicants must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

  1. Nationality: The applicant must be a citizen of a country that has a trade treaty with the United States. Some of the eligible countries for the E-1 visa are Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and many others.
  2. Substantial trade: The applicant must be involved in substantial trade between the United States and their country of origin. This implies that there must be a constant and significant flow of goods, services or technology between both countries.
  3. Principal activity: The applicant’s principal activity must be international trade between the United States and their country of origin. This means that more than 50% of the applicant’s trade must be with the United States.
  4. Key role: The applicant must play a key role in international trade, either as the visa holder or as an executive or supervisor employee of the company.
  5. Benefit to the United States: The presence of the applicant in the United States must be considered beneficial to the country’s economy. This implies that the applicant’s international trade must generate employment, contribute to economic growth, and improve commercial relations between the United States and their country of origin.

E-1 Visa Application Process

The E-1 Visa application process for treaty traders consists of several steps. The main steps are described below:

  1.  Obtain Treaty Approval: Before applying for the E-1 Visa, the applicant must ensure that their country of origin has a current trade treaty with the United States. This means that there must be a formal agreement between both countries that establishes the terms and conditions of bilateral trade. 
  2. Prepare the Application: The applicant must prepare a complete and accurate application, including the necessary documentation that supports their eligibility for the E-1 Visa. This may include trade contracts, financial statements, business plans, and other relevant documents.
  3. Submit the Application: Once the application is complete, the applicant must submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the corresponding fees.
  4. Consular Interview: In some cases, the applicant may be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in their country of origin. During the interview, the applicant will need to provide additional information and demonstrate their eligibility for the E-1 Visa.
  5. Obtain Approval: If the application is approved, the applicant will receive an approval notice from USCIS. This means that they have been granted the E-1 Visa, which allows them to travel to the United States and work temporarily as a treaty trader or key employee.

Once the applicant obtains E-1 Visa approval, they can travel to the United States and start working in their authorized commercial activity. It is important to bring all original supporting documents and the Visa approval notice when entering the United States.

To maintain eligibility for the E-1 Visa, the applicant must continue to meet the substantial trade and principal activity requirements, as well as demonstrate that their presence in the United States remains beneficial to the country’s economy.

Overall, the E-1 Visa is an excellent option for foreigners with exceptional skills who want to immigrate to the United States. If you meet the requirements established by law, you will have a good chance of obtaining the Visa and starting your new life in America. However, it is strongly recommended to have an immigration legal expert to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

 

Approval statistics for the E-1 Visa in Latin America The statistics show that the approval rate for the E-1 Visa in Latin American countries is relatively good. According to the US Department of State, more than half of the applications submitted are approved, which demonstrates that this Visa offers a good opportunity for those who meet the requirements.

In countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia, the approval rate for the E-1 Visa is around 70%. This means that there are excellent opportunities for those who wish to immigrate to the United States. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have an expert immigration lawyer before starting the process. In other countries like Venezuela, the approval rate is slightly lower (around 55%), but there are still good opportunities for those who qualify. Consequently, we recommend researching the requirements and considerations before starting the process to ensure success. If you qualify for the E-1 Visa, you can find a local immigration lawyer who will advise you on the application process and help you obtain the visa as quickly as possible.

At Visa Franchise, we accompany you

Visa Franchise is one of the leading immigration advisory firms dedicated to helping candidates with the E-1 visa acquisition process. Our professional team can help you evaluate your options, prepare your application, collect necessary documents, and even advise you on presenting your case to USCIS. We also offer assistance to maintain legal status by complying with all current and updated legal requirements. If you would like more information about our services, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you obtain the E-1 visa you need.