E-1 Treaty Trader
I help treaty-country nationals assess whether their existing trade with the United States supports an E-1 case. The review focuses on the business ownership, the pattern of trade, and your proposed role.
E-1 requires substantial trade: a continuous flow of transactions over time, rather than an isolated transaction. The trade must be principally between the United States and the treaty country. This means more than 50% of the volume of the enterprise’s international trade must be between those two countries; domestic business is excluded from that calculation.
Start with contracts, invoices, payment records, and a breakdown of trade by country. These help explain the business more clearly than a general description of international activity.
See the State Department’s E-1 requirements and our discussion of high-value transactions and substantial trade. If the plan centers on investing in a U.S. business, review E-2 investor services.
Who This Is For
This service may be useful if you are a treaty-country national engaged in regular trade with the United States through a business, import/export operation, service company, consulting practice, or other qualifying commercial activity.
It may also be useful if you are deciding whether E-1, E-2, L-1, or another visa category better fits your business plans.
Common Issues
E-1 cases can become difficult when the trade volume is too low, the trade is not clearly documented, the treaty-country connection is weak, or the applicant’s role in the business is not explained well.
The case should show more than occasional transactions. It should present a real pattern of qualifying trade.
How I Help
I can help review your nationality, business structure, trade activity, contracts, invoices, payment records, and role in the company.
I also help with document strategy, consular preparation, and identifying whether the facts are better suited for E-1 or another business immigration option.
Before You File
Do not assume that any international business qualifies for E-1. The direction, volume, frequency, and treaty-country connection of the trade matter.
If the trade is new, irregular, poorly documented, or split across multiple countries, the strategy should be reviewed before filing.
If you are considering an E-1 treaty trader visa, a consultation can help you review the trade activity, identify possible problems, and decide on the best next step.