Treaties between the United States and many countries allow foreign nationals to come to the United States to conduct trade or to manage substantial investments (no fixed dollar amount). Those qualifying for the E-1 (Trader) or E-2 (Investor) visas can pursue long-term business objectives using these practical visas. The list of qualifying countries changes as the United States Congress ratifies new trade treaties. 

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A person may be issued an E-1 Treaty Trader visa if:

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• The individual or the firm has the nationality of the treaty country (at least half of the company must be owned by nationals of the treaty country).

• The individual is either the principal trader, who is coming to the United States to engage in substantial trade or, an executive, manager or employee with special skills essential to the company.

 

A person may be issued an E-2 Treaty Investor visa if:

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• The individual or the firm has the nationality of the treaty country (at least half of the company must be owned by nationals of the treaty country).

• The individual or the company has made or is in the process of making a substantial investment in a business in the United States;

• The individual is either the principal investor, who will direct and develop the enterprise, or an executive, manager or employee with special skills essential to the company.