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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
E-1 Visa: Manage from the U.S. the trade you've already built with your country
If your company imports, exports, or trades services and technology between your country and the United States, the E-1 visa allows you to relocate to manage that operation in person. It's not about how much capital you invest—it's about how much and how consistently you trade.
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THE ESSENTIALS
What is the E-1 visa and what does it allow you to do?
It is a nonimmigrant visa for nationals of countries with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. It allows you to move to conduct substantial and continuous international trade between your country and the United States — whether it be goods, professional services, or technology.
Unlike the E-2 visa, this one doesn't assess how much capital you risked. It assesses the volume and consistency of transactions: a real, documentable trade flow, mostly directed toward the US, not an isolated or sporadic operation.
🌎 Your country of origin — must have a current E-1 trade agreement with the U.S.
📦 Your trade volume — more than 50% of your company's total international trade must be with the U.S.
🧾 Your role in the company — owner, executive, supervisor, or employee with essential skills.
REQUIREMENTS
Who qualifies for the E-1?
The E-1 assesses two things separately: you and your company. Green: Clearly compliant. Amber: Needs proper documentation. Red: Without this, the case is not viable.
You, as a merchant
To qualify you need…
Nationality of a
country with E-1 treaty
Being the owner or manager of the trading company
Executive role, supervisory role, or essential skill (if you are an employee)
Same nationality as the company (if you are an employee)
Intention to leave after the end of business activity
BASIC REQUIREMENT
BASIC REQUIREMENT
DOCUMENT
DOCUMENT
DOCUMENT
Your company
To qualify you need…
50%+ ownership by nationals of the treaty country
More than 50% of its total trade is with the U.S.
Continuous and numerous flow of transactions
Trade in goods, services or technology
Intention to leave after the end of business activity
BASIC REQUIREMENT
BASIC REQUIREMENT
DOCUMENT
DOCUMENT
DOCUMENT
requisitos
e1 vs e2
🟢 E-1: for merchants
You already have an active and substantial import, export, or services operation between your country and the U.S.
✅ It does not require a minimum investment amount
✅ It is based on the volume and continuity of existing trade
✅ Covers goods, professional services and technology
🟡 E-2: for investors
You are going to start or acquire a business in the U.S. with your own capital, without a prior trading history.
✅ Requires a substantial investment and involves risk
✅ No international trade history required
✅ Ideal if the business is starting from scratch in the USA.
THE QUESTION EVERYONE IS ASKING
E-1 or E-2: Which is your case?
Both are treaty visas and both allow you to live in the U.S. and run your own business. The difference lies in what you demonstrate: trade or investment.
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OUR METHODOLOGY
Your E-1 visa, step by step
1
WEEK 1
Strategic assessment
We determine if your case fits into E-1 or if it should be redirected to E-2, L-1, or another category — before investing time in the wrong file.
2
THE TREATY
Country eligibility verification
We confirm that your nationality and that of the company correspond to a current E-1 treaty with the U.S.
3
THE AUDIT
International trade review
We analyzed the volume, the proportion with the US, and the continuity of the trade flow — the technical basis of the entire case.
4
THE FILE
Role and company documentation
We prepare the evidence of the company's nationality and your role as an executive, director, or essential employee.
5
THE PACKAGE
Consular preparation
We put together the complete file for presentation at the consulate, with each requirement supported by documentary evidence.
6
THE INTERVIEW
Final accompaniment
We prepare you for the consular interview and follow up until you have the visa in hand.
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