The “E” visa is based on treaties between the U.S. and certain foreign countries that are intended to encourage trade and investment.

E-1 “treaty investors” visas are available for personnel of companies engaged in trade with the U.S.

E-2 "treaty investors" visas are available for personnel of companies engaged in business in the U.S. which represents a substantial investment in the U.S.

The “E” visa is only available for citizens of certain countries which have entered into the requisite treaty with the U.S. The initial “E” visa period is for the term of one year. However, the visa can be extended almost indefinitely.

Principal Requirements:

There must be a treaty in force between the United States and the particular country of which the visa applicant is a citizen. Note: For “E” visa purposes, Sweden and Australia qualify even though no specific treaty exists.

Each visa applicant must be a citizen of the treaty country.

The particular company sponsoring the visa applicant must be primarily owned or controlled by nationals of the treaty country.

Specific Requirements for E-1 Treaty Traders visa:

The company sponsoring the visa applicant must be engaged in a substantial amount of trade principally between the U.S. and the treaty country; and

The visa applicant must be either a manager or executive (including an owner), or one who has essential skills.
 

Specific Requirements for E-2 Treaty Investors visa:

The investment in the U.S. must be active and substantial. Passive investments that do not create jobs in the U.S. or investments that will only benefit members of the investor’s family generally will not qualify.

The visa applicant must be either an investor who will "develop and direct the investment", a manager or executive, or a specially trained employee necessary for the development of the investment.

Which Countries Qualify For Trade and Investor Treaty Visas?

The list of qualifying countries changes as new trade treaties are ratified by the U.S. Congress.

Trade Countries Qualifying For The E-1 Visa

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Yugoslavia), Brunei, Canada, China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia (Yugoslavia), Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liberia, Luxembourg, Macedonia (Yugoslavia), Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Slovenia (Yugoslavia), Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, U.K. and Yugoslavia.

Investor Countries Qualifying For The E-2 Visa

Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Yugoslavia), Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, China (Taiwan), Colombia, Croatia (Yugoslavia), Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire), Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Luxembourg, Macedonia (Yugoslavia), Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia (Yugoslavia), Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, and Yugoslavia.

Back to Kelan Roy CPA Home Page

---

Source, used with permission: www.u-s-a-immigration.com

For More Information and Legal Assistance in Applying for an E Visa
Contact:
The Law Offices of Steven Hayden
1720 Regal Row Suite 230
Dallas Texas 75235
Phone 214 - 678 - 9663
Fax 214 - 631 - 2375