Benefits
The main benefit of the E1 visa is that they may be extended by 2 years at a time indefinitely as long as the applicant continues to meet the original criteria. It is common for foreign nationals to migrate to the United States on temporary visas and begin a Green card application.
E1 Treaty Trader Eligibility Requirements
The E1 visa is specifically for applicants migrating from a country where the United States has a commercial treaty in place. Applicants must have the intention of undertaking “substantial” trade with the US involving international exchange of the requisite goods, technologies, services or monies. The trade must be between the US and the treaty country. Each case is assessed on an individual basis. Applicants as employees of E1 registered companies must hold either an executive or supervisory role or be classified as an “essential employee” that can offer speciality knowledge and skills which are essential to the organisation.
Participating Countries
Please refer to the US Department of State website to see which countries have a treaty in place.
Dependent and Spouse Immigration
Spouses and dependants are allowed to enter with the applicant and spouses will be required to apply for an EAD card if they wish to work. Dependent children under 21 years of age are not allowed to work in the United States under this visa.
