The E-1 visa is designed for citizens of countries that have trade agreements with the United States. It allows traders and key employees of companies involved in substantial trade between their home country and the U.S. to enter and work in the U.S. to conduct business.

Who Can Apply for the E-1 Visa?

1. Individual Merchants:some text
   • Must be engaged in substantial trade in goods or services between your home country and the US.
2. Key Employees:some text
   • Key employees of a company engaged in substantial trade between your country and the U.S., such as executives or specialized employees.
3. Companies:some text
   • Companies engaged in substantial export or import trade between the U.S. and the applicant's home country.

E-1 Visa Requirements

1. Nationality of a Treating Country:some text
   • Applicant must be a national of a country that has a trade agreement with the U.S.
2. Substantial Trade:some text
   • Trade between the U.S. and the home country must be substantial, meaning that a substantial volume of trade in goods or services must take place.
3. Commercial Activity of the Company:some text
   • The company must be actively involved in trade between the U.S. and the home country.
4. Commercial Companies:some text
   • The company requesting the visa must be an active entity primarily involved in trade between the two countries.
5. Position and Function of the Applicant:some text
   • If the applicant is an employee of the company, he/she must occupy a position of importance, such as an executive or a specialized worker with knowledge essential to trade between the two countries.

E-1 Visa Application Process

1. Form DS-160 - Nonimmigrant Visa Application:some text
   • Completing this form is the first step in applying for an E-1 visa.
2. Supporting Documentation:some text
   • Proof of applicant's nationality.
   • Evidence of substantial trade between the U.S. and the country of origin.
   • Proof of ownership or control of the company conducting the trade.
   • If applying as an employee, evidence of key position within the company.
3. Consular Interview:some text
   • The applicant must attend an interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in his/her country of residence.
4. Application Fees:some text
   • The standard application fee is $205 USD (subject to change). Additional fees may also apply depending on the embassy or consulate.

E-1 Visa Processing Times

• Standard Processing:some text
  • Generally, processing takes between 1 and 3 months, although it may vary depending on the consulate or embassy.
• Premium Processing:some text
  • Expedited processing is available for an additional fee (currently $2,500 USD) and allows the application to be processed within 15 business days.

E-1 Visa Duration and Renewal

• Initial Duration:some text
  • The E-1 visa may be issued for a period of up to 2 years.
• Renewal:some text
  • The E-1 visa may be renewed indefinitely as long as substantial trade between the U.S. and the home country remains valid and the applicant continues to play a key role in trade.

E-1 Visa Benefits

1. Possibility to Live and Work in the USA:some text
   • E-1 visa holders may live and work in the U.S. while continuing to do business.
2. Family Reunification:some text
   • Spouses and dependent children under the age of 21 may accompany the E-1 visa holder under an E-2 visa (for spouses and children) and may also study or work in the U.S.
3. No Employer Transfer Limit:some text
   • E-1 visa holders may change employers within the same industry or trade without losing their immigration status, as long as they continue to meet the requirements.

Important Considerations

• The E-1 visa does not lead directly to permanent residence in the U.S., although the holder may apply for permanent residence if certain requirements are met in the future.
• The E-1 visa is suitable only for persons engaged in trade between the treaty country and the U.S. It does not apply to all types of trade, so the applicant must demonstrate that he or she is engaged in substantial trade.

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How to hire our services for your visa application?

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Before starting the process, we recommend that you schedule a 1-hour immigration consultation with our expert U.S. immigration attorney. During this session, you will resolve your doubts and receive personalized advice about your case.

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 Exclusive benefit: The cost of the consultation will be applied as an advance to the fees of the application process for this type of visa.

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 Schedule your appointment here: https://www.immilandcanada.com/law/estados-unidos

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If you prefer to know more details about this service and its costs, please visit the following link:

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https://www.immilandcanada.com/law/contratacion-servicios-usa