Live in the United States to manage your international trade with the U.S.
E-1 IMPORTER/EXPORTER VISA
Entrepreneurs and traders from treaty countries may relocate to the United States to develop substantial and ongoing trade between their home country and the U.S., with the guidance of an immigration attorney.
WHAT IS THE E-1 IMPORTER/EXPORTER VISA?
It is a non-immigrant visa for nationals of countries with which the United States has a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, allowing them to enter the country to develop substantial and ongoing international trade between their home country and the United States. Unlike the E-2 visa, it does not require a capital investment — it is based on the volume and continuity of trade (not on how much money was invested).
🔹 It applies to:
Companies that import or export goods between the U.S. and the treaty country
Service traders (consulting, engineering, software, architecture, professional services)
Technology traders (technology transfer, licensing, digital products)
Executives, supervisors, or essential skilled employees of trading companies
BENEFITS
✅ You can live in the United States while managing your business operations
✅ Includes your spouse and unmarried children under 21
✅ Your spouse may apply for work authorization (EAD) in the United States
✅ Renewable indefinitely as long as substantial and continuous trade is maintained
✅ Covers trade in goods, services, and technology — not only physical merchandise
✅ Does not require a minimum investment amount (unlike the E-2 visa)
✅ Can be processed at a consulate or, in some cases, through a change of status within the United States
REQUIREMENTS
✔ Nationals of an E-1 treaty country with the United States (official Department of State list)
✔ Traders who demonstrate a continuous and substantial volume of transactions, not a single isolated operation
✔ Individuals who can document that more than 50% of the company’s total international trade is between the U.S. and the treaty country
✔ Companies with at least 50% ownership held by nationals of the treaty country
✔ Executives, supervisors, or essential skilled employees (sharing the same nationality as the company)
OUR METHODOLOGY
At US Visa LATAM, we begin with a strategic evaluation to determine whether the case fits the E-1 category or whether it is better suited for E-2, L-1, or another visa category. From there:
We verify treaty country eligibility
We audit international trade activity
We document continuous trade flow
We verify company nationality requirements
We document the applicant’s role (employee)
We prepare the consular package
We provide support during the consular interview
We do not take cases we do not believe in. In E-1 cases, this is especially important: a company that does not meet the 50% rule cannot be “adjusted” — either the trade flow exists and can be documented, or the case is not viable.
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW YOUR APPROVAL CHANCES FOR THE
E-1 IMPORTER/EXPORTER VISA ?
Fill out the form below and we will contact you.
