E-1 and E-2 Work Visa Information

E visas were created to foster trade and investment between the United States and certain countries with whom the U.S. has made treaties. The E visa category is only applicable to citizens of such countries.

What is the difference between an E-1 and an E-2 visa?

E-1 visas are intended for employees of foreign companies engaged in trade with the U.S., known as 'treaty traders.'

E-2 visas are meant for employees of foreign companies engaged in business in the U.S. that represents a substantial investment here. Those companies are known as 'treaty investors.'

How long can I stay in the United States with an E visa?

The initial stay is one year. However, it can potentially be extended well beyond that.

What are the requirements for an E-1 or E-2 visa?

There must be a treaty between the United States and your country of citizenship. This requirement doesn't apply to citizens of Sweden and Australia, which, for E visa purposes, are treated as though there is a treaty.

You must be a citizen of the treaty country under which you're applying.

The company sponsoring your E visa application must be primarily owned or controlled by nationals or citizens of the treaty country.

Specifically for E-1 visas, the company sponsoring your application must be engaged in a substantial amount of trade principally between the U.S. and the treaty country, you must either be a manager, executive or owner of the company or have special essential skills used at the company.

Specifically for E-2 visas, the business's investment must be both substantial and active, the investment must not be marginal (meaning that it supports only the investor's immediate family and doesn't create jobs in the United States) and you must be either an investor who will "develop and direct the investment," a manager, executive or owner or have special essential skills necessary for the development of the investment.

Durrani Law Firm can help guide your company through the E visa application process and understand the many rules that apply to each qualifying element. You can reach us by phone at 866-DURRANI or email at info@durrani.com.