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E-1 Treaty Trader Visa Attorney | Harari Law

By Talia Harari, Attorney at Law. Updated September 2026.

The E-1 visa is for citizens of treaty countries whose business carries on substantial trade with the United States. It lets the owner, or key employees of the same nationality, live in the U.S. to direct that trade, and it can be extended for as long as the trade continues.

Key Takeaways

  • Your country needs a qualifying commerce treaty with the U.S.
  • Most of the company’s international trade must be with the U.S.
  • Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come with you.

Who Qualifies

The core criteria are set out on the USCIS E-1 treaty trader page.

  • You are a national of a treaty country, and the company is at least half owned by nationals of that country.
  • The trade is substantial: a continuous flow of numerous exchanges, not one large deal.
  • The trade is principal: more than half of the company’s international trade is between the U.S. and your treaty country.
  • Employees hold executive, supervisory or essential-skills roles.

How We Handle It

  1. Consultation. We learn your business and its trade.
  2. Strategy session with our legal team. We confirm nationality, ownership and where to file.
  3. Evidence and preparation. We document the volume and flow of your trade.
  4. Review and filing. You review the application with us, then we file.

Investing rather than trading? See the E-2 visa. Moving staff within a multinational? See the L-1 visa.

Ready to talk through your E-1 case?

Request a Consultation

Flat fee, quoted in full before we begin. Admitted in New York, representing clients nationwide and abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the E-1 and the E-2?

The E-1 rests on existing trade with the U.S.; the E-2 rests on a substantial investment in a U.S. business. Some companies could use either.

Is there a minimum amount of trade?

No fixed amount. A continuous flow of numerous transactions matters more, so a smaller business can qualify.

Does the E-1 lead to a green card?

Not directly. It is temporary, and a green card needs a separate path, which we can map with you.

Related: all the visas we handle, E-2 visa, E-2 vs E-1.

This article is general information from Harari Law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law and agency policy change; outcomes depend on individual facts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.