<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="work-visas" data-vt-code="E-1"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/work-visas">Work & business</a><span>›</span><span>E-1</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Employment-based</span><span>Treaty country nationals</span><span>No annual cap</span><span>Spouse may work</span></div> <h1><span>E-1</span> Treaty Trader</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For nationals of treaty countries who carry on substantial trade, mainly between the U.S. and their home country, and for their key employees.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · Department of State · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/e-1">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Who can apply</dt><dd>Nationals of an E-1 treaty country (54 listed)</dd></div><div><dt>Trade test</dt><dd>More than 50% of the firm’s international trade is between the U.S. and the treaty country</dd></div><div><dt>Admission</dt><dd>Up to 2 years per entry</dd></div><div><dt>Extensions</dt><dd>2-year increments, no limit on number</dd></div><div><dt>Visa fee</dt><dd>$315 + reciprocity fee where applicable</dd></div><div><dt>Spouse</dt><dd>Work-authorized incident to status</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Treaty country required.</strong> Only nationals of countries on the <a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department’s treaty list (9 FAM 402.9-10, updated February 17, 2026)</a> with an E-1 treaty qualify. At least 50% of the trading company must be owned by nationals of that country.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">The E-1 classification is for a national of a treaty country who comes to the U.S. solely to carry on substantial trade, mainly between the U.S. and that country. It also covers employees of the same nationality who work in an executive or supervisory role or who have skills essential to the business (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-1-treaty-traders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>). Trade includes goods, services, technology, international banking, insurance, transportation and tourism.</p> <p class="b">“Substantial” means a continuous flow of sizable trade transactions. “Principal trade” means more than 50% of the firm’s international trade is between the U.S. and the treaty country. The business must have the treaty country’s nationality, meaning nationals of that country own at least 50% of it.</p> <p class="b">The State Department’s <a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">treaty table</a> lists 54 countries with E-1 privileges. Examples are Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Portugal (added March 15, 2024). Some countries have E-2 privileges but not E-1, and the reverse; Greece and Brunei, for example, are E-1 only. Most applicants apply for an E-1 visa at a U.S. consulate. Someone already in the U.S. in another status can ask USCIS for a change of status.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">The trader (or trading company) must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Have the nationality of a treaty country. If a company, at least 50% must be owned by nationals of that country.</li><li>Carry on substantial trade: a continuous flow of numerous transactions over time, not a single deal.</li><li>Carry on principal trade between the U.S. and the treaty country, meaning more than 50% of its international trade by volume.</li><li>Intend to leave the U.S. when E-1 status ends.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">An employee must also</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Have the same treaty nationality as the employer.</li><li>Work in an executive or supervisory role, or have special qualifications essential to the business.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial admission</th><td>Up to 2 years (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(e)(19)</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td>Up to 2 years each, with no limit on the number (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-1-treaty-traders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Travel</th><td>Each return normally brings a new 2-year admission period</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Visa validity</th><td>Set by the reciprocity schedule for the applicant’s nationality, separate from the admission period</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Passport rule</th><td>Admission generally cannot run more than 6 months past the passport’s expiration</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">E visas are usually issued at a U.S. consulate. USCIS fees apply only when filing inside the U.S. All USCIS amounts come from the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS fee schedule (G-1055, edition 10/01/26)</a>.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Visa application fee (E category)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$315</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Charged per applicant, including dependents.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa issuance (reciprocity) fee</td><td class="amt">Varies by nationality</td><td>Applicant</td><td>Set by the <a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reciprocity schedule</a> for the applicant’s country. The same schedule also sets visa validity and number of entries.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-129 (change of status or extension in the U.S.)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,015 paper / $965 online</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Small employers and nonprofits pay $510.</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee (with Form I-129)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$600</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>$300 for small employers; $0 for nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (optional)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Available for E-1 and E-2 petitions filed with USCIS.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-539 (dependents extending or changing status)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$470 paper / $420 online</a></td><td>Dependent</td><td>Spouses and children extend on Form I-539.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Public Law 119-21 (signed July 4, 2025), section 100007, requires a <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ21/html/PLAW-119publ21.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Integrity Fee</a> of at least $250 when a nonimmigrant visa is issued. As of October 1, 2026, the State Department’s fee schedule (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 22.1</a>) lists no Visa Integrity Fee and no implementing notice has been published in the Federal Register, so the amount actually collected at visa issuance should be confirmed with the consulate.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing (I-129)</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n">USCIS timeframe for <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">premium-eligible classifications</a>, including E-1 and E-2.</dd></div><div><dt>Readmission period</dt><dd>2 years</dd><dd class="n">Each readmission gives a new period of up to 2 years (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(e)(19)</a>).</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">Consular wait times vary by embassy. Many posts have their own E-visa submission procedures. Regular USCIS processing for in-country filings varies; check <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Check treaty eligibility</div><div class="tx">Confirm that the applicant’s country has an E-1 treaty and that the company is at least 50% owned by nationals of that country.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Document the trade</div><div class="tx">Gather invoices, bills of lading, contracts and similar records showing substantial trade, more than half of it between the U.S. and the treaty country.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Complete the forms</div><div class="tx">File the online DS-160. E-1 applicants also submit Form DS-156E (<a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9 FAM 402.9-11</a>).</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Pay fees and book the interview</div><div class="tx">Pay the $315 application fee and follow the embassy’s E-visa submission process. Most applicants must interview in person.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Enter the U.S.</div><div class="tx">On admission, CBP issues an I-94 for up to 2 years. Spouses receive E-1S annotations.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">6</span><div><div class="tt">Extend as needed</div><div class="tx">Extend by traveling abroad and being readmitted, or by filing with USCIS (Form I-129 for the principal, Form I-539 for dependents).</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the business</h3><ul><li><span>Evidence of company ownership and nationality (share registers, articles of incorporation)</span></li><li><span>Trade records: invoices, purchase orders, letters of credit, bills of lading, customs records</span></li><li><span>Business licenses and financial statements</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>From the applicant</h3><ul><li><span>Passport showing treaty nationality</span></li><li><span>DS-160 confirmation and DS-156E</span></li><li><span>Evidence of an executive or supervisory role or essential skills (for employees)</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may receive E-1 status, whatever their own nationality. Visas for dependents who are not treaty nationals follow the principal’s country reciprocity schedule (<a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9 FAM 402.9</a>).</p> <p class="b">A spouse in E-1 status is <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-10-part-b-chapter-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">employment authorized incident to status</a>. An unexpired Form I-94 annotated E-1S (issued since January 30, 2022) is acceptable proof of work authorization; a separate EAD is optional. Children (E-1Y) are not authorized to work but may study.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">E status is not dual intent, but no foreign residence is required. A clear intention to leave the U.S. when E status ends is normally sufficient (<a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9 FAM 402.9</a>). Someone with an approved immigrant petition must still show they intend to depart at the end of the authorized stay.</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">Employment- or investment-based petition</div><div class="tx">E workers and investors may pursue permanent residence through an employer petition (e.g. EB-2 or EB-3) or, for investors, the separate EB-5 program with its own investment thresholds.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Adjustment or consular processing</div><div class="tx">Once a visa number is available, the person applies to adjust status in the U.S. or for an immigrant visa abroad. Travel and extensions in E status while a green card case is pending need care.</div></div></div> <p class="b">There is no direct conversion from E-1 or E-2 to a green card.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/e-2"><div class="c">E-2</div><div class="n">Treaty investor</div><div class="tx">For treaty nationals investing capital in a U.S. business.</div></a><a href="/visa/l-1a"><div class="c">L-1A</div><div class="n">Intracompany manager</div><div class="tx">Transfers within multinational companies, without a treaty requirement.</div></a><a href="/visa/tn"><div class="c">TN</div><div class="n">USMCA professional</div><div class="tx">Option for Canadian and Mexican professionals.</div></a><a href="/visa/e-3"><div class="c">E-3</div><div class="n">Australian professional</div><div class="tx">Treaty-based specialty occupation visa for Australians.</div></a><a href="/visa/b-1"><div class="c">B-1</div><div class="n">Business visitor</div><div class="tx">Short trips to negotiate deals without working in the U.S.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Is there a minimum amount of trade?</summary><p>No fixed dollar amount. The trade must be substantial, meaning a continuous flow of sizable transactions, and more than 50% of the firm’s international trade must be between the U.S. and the treaty country.</p></details><details><summary>Can an E-1 spouse work?</summary><p>Yes. Spouses in E-1 status are employment authorized incident to status, and an I-94 annotated E-1S is acceptable proof. Children cannot work.</p></details><details><summary>How long can someone stay on E-1?</summary><p>Each admission is for up to 2 years, and extensions in 2-year increments have no set limit. The person must still intend to leave when E-1 status ends.</p></details><details><summary>Is the visa valid as long as the admission?</summary><p>Not necessarily. Visa validity and fees come from the reciprocity schedule for each country. Admission on each entry is up to 2 years regardless of visa validity.</p></details><details><summary>Which countries qualify?</summary><p>Only countries listed with E-1 in the State Department’s treaty table (9 FAM 402.9-10). The table is updated as treaties change; Portugal, for example, was added in 2024.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-1-treaty-traders" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · E-1 Treaty Traders</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · 9 FAM 402.9 — Treaty Traders, Investors (incl. treaty country table)</span><span>state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/treaty-trader-investor-visa-e.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Treaty Trader and Investor Visas</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(e) — Treaty traders and investors</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-10-part-b-chapter-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Policy Manual Vol. 10, Part B, Ch. 2 — E and L spouse employment</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Fee Schedule (G-1055)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 22.1 — Consular fee schedule</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Mar 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fees adjusted for inflation.</strong> A final rule published January 12, 2026 (91 FR 1059) raised premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026; the I-907 fee for E-1 petitions is now $2,965. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 expands entry restrictions.</strong> Signed December 16, 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, it continues the June 2025 restrictions and adds more countries. Nationals of fully restricted countries are barred from entry on any visa unless an exception applies; for partially restricted countries, consular officers are told to shorten the validity of nonimmigrant visas other than B, F, M and J. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Oct 1, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Narrower visa interview waivers.</strong> Since October 1, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants need an in-person interview. The exceptions are mainly diplomatic and official visa classes (including TECRO E-1 applicants) and certain B-1/B-2 and H-2A renewals. Consular officers can still require an interview in any case. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Visa Integrity Fee enacted.</strong> Public Law 119-21 created a non-waivable Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250, due when a nonimmigrant visa is issued. As of October 1, 2026, the State Department’s fee schedule does not list it. <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ21/html/PLAW-119publ21.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Apr 1, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>New USCIS fee schedule and Asylum Program Fee.</strong> The USCIS fee rule published January 31, 2024 took effect April 1, 2024. It set separate Form I-129 fees for each classification, created reduced fees for small employers and nonprofits, and added an Asylum Program Fee to I-129 petitions. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/31/2024-01427/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 15, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>Portugal added as an E-1/E-2 treaty country.</strong> Under Public Law 117-263, the State Department confirmed reciprocity, and E-1 and E-2 visas have been issued to nationals of Portugal since March 15, 2024. <a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040209.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/e-1">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Work & business", "item": "https://visatypes.com/work-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "E-1", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/e-1"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Is there a minimum amount of trade?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No fixed dollar amount. 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