E-1 Trader Visa
The E-1 is a nonimmigrant visa for businesspeople from certain treaty countries. The E-1 visa allows someone to work in the U.S. and carry out substantial trade between individuals and firms in the United States and the country of which they are a citizen or national.
There are 6 main requirements to qualify for an E-1 visa:
You must be a national of a country with an E-1 treaty with the United States.
The work you are conducting must be considered “trade”
You must have the intent to depart the US once your E-1 status ends.
The trade must be substantial
The trade must be principally between the U.S. and the treaty country.
You must be vital to the success of the company
Duration of Stay
E-1 status is valid for two year increments, with an extension of two years at each entry. Visa stamps are valid for up to five years, depending on country of nationality and visa reciprocity.
Dependents
E-1 visa applicants are permitted to include spouses and children as dependents in E-1D status. Once in the U.S., an E-1D visa holding spouse is eligible to work pursuant to status.