Who the E-1 is for
#- Owners or executives of treaty-trading companies
- Key employees with specialized or executive responsibilities
- Nationals of a treaty country with qualifying trade activity
Official guidance to review
#Use the category-specific USCIS page and State Department resources before applying.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- Treaty country nationality
- Substantial trade volume and frequency with the U.S.
- Evidence of ownership or operational control of the business
- Intent to depart after E-1 status ends
- Treaty traders must show substantial trade with the U.S.
Documents and evidence
#Prepare credentials, job or program details, and evidence that matches your visa category. Consular posts may request additional documents based on your case.
- Trade invoices, contracts, shipping records, and bank statements
- Company ownership documents and organizational charts
- Role description, resume, and evidence of specialized knowledge
- DS-160 confirmation and passport
Step-by-step overview
#- Compile trade history and company ownership evidence.
- Complete the DS-160 and pay the visa fee.
- Attend the consular interview with business documentation.
- Enter the U.S. and maintain trade activity to renew as needed.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#Verify Department of State visa fees and any USCIS filing fees that apply. E visas may have reciprocity fees depending on nationality.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS filing fees
Processing times
#Timelines depend on USCIS petition steps (if required) and consular interview availability. Consular interview wait times vary by post and season.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Submitting weak evidence of trade volume or frequency
- Unclear ownership/control structure of the U.S. enterprise
- Incomplete role or specialized knowledge documentation
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
How much trade is considered "substantial" for E-1?
There is no single dollar threshold. Consular officers look for frequent, sizable transactions that show ongoing trade between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Can employees qualify for E-1 status?
Yes. Executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge of the trading enterprise can qualify if they share the treaty nationality.
Do I need a USCIS petition for E-1?
Most E-1 applicants apply directly at a U.S. consulate using DS-160, unless applying to change or extend status inside the U.S.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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