Blog Post
Understanding the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
5/26/2025
The E-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals or businesses from treaty countries to engage in international trade with the U.S. The visa enables qualified traders and key employees to enter, work, and manage trade-related activities in the U.S. However, meeting the substantial trade requirement is essential for approval.
Not everyone can apply for an E-1 Visa. The applicant must be a national of a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Additionally, they must demonstrate that they are actively involved in ongoing, significant trade between the two countries. Meeting these conditions is the first step toward securing legal entry under this visa category.
To qualify for an E-1 Visa, applicants must meet specific legal and trade-related requirements. These include:
Nationality: The applicant must be a citizen of a country that maintains an eligible treaty with the U.S.
Trade Activities: The business must engage in international trade involving goods, services, or technology.
Principal Trade Requirement: More than 50% of the business’s total international trade must occur between the U.S. and the treaty country.
The U.S. grants this vis to legitimate traders who contribute to economic exchange between their home country and the U.S. The applicant must also prove their trade is regular, viable, and substantial. Without meeting these conditions, the visa application is unlikely to succeed.
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