E-1 Treaty Trader Visa · Immigration Legal Services
No lottery. No annual cap. No employer sponsor. If you’re a national of a treaty country moving substantial, continuous trade between your home country and the U.S., the E-1 lets you live and work here directing it — renewable indefinitely.
Almost everything in business responds to effort and execution, but not standard immigration pathways
The E-1 has no cap and no lottery. You don’t need an employer to sponsor you — your company trades with the U.S., you come to direct that trade, and you renew in two-year increments for as long as it continues. For traders and business owners who qualify, it is one of the most flexible pathways available.
Nicole Gunara
Principal Immigration Attorney
7 years of experience
The E-1 visa is awarded based on the trade your business already does, not luck
Known as the treaty trader visa, the E-1 is for nationals of countries that hold a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. It covers owners and directors of a qualifying firm — and essential employees — who carry on substantial trade in goods, services, technology, banking, insurance, tourism, or transportation between the treaty country and the United States. For example, a UK national running a small consulting company that already bills a majority of its clients in the US would be well-qualified.
Instead of a lottery, it’s granted on evidence: contracts, invoices, bills of lading, purchase orders, and revenue records showing a continuous flow of transactions — and showing that more than half of your firm’s international trade is with the U.S.
There’s no fixed dollar threshold for “substantial trade”
The real question isn’t “Is my deal big enough?” It’s “Is my trade continuous, and is more than half of it with the U.S.?”
Examples of qualifying E-1 trade
Monthly shipments of manufactured goods to U.S. distributors
Recurring software and IT services contracts with U.S. clients
Ongoing consulting and engineering services billed to U.S. companies
Regular banking, insurance, or freight services between both countries
Licensing of technology or intellectual property to U.S. partners
Six requirements every E-1 treaty trader must meet
The E-1 is document-driven. There are no criteria to pick and choose from — you and your firm must satisfy all six of the following.
Small inconsistencies across your contracts, shipping records, and ownership documents are what cause delays and denials. Most of the work is presenting all six clearly and consistently.
1
Treaty country nationality
You must be a citizen of a country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. The E-1 and E-2 lists are not identical, so confirm your country qualifies for E-1 before applying.
2
Substantial trade
Trade must be continuous and ongoing — numerous, recurring transactions over time rather than a single large deal.
3
Principally with the United States
More than 50% of your firm’s total international trade volume must be between the U.S. and the treaty country.
4
Qualifying trade items
Trade can cover goods, services, technology, banking, insurance, tourism, transportation, or intellectual property — as long as items are actually exchanged.
5
Treaty-country ownership
At least 50% of the trading enterprise must be owned by nationals of the treaty country holding that nationality.
6
Your role in the firm
You must be the owner or director of the trading enterprise, or an employee in an executive, supervisory, or essential-skills role — and intend to depart when status ends.
How to apply for an E-1 visa
01
Confirm eligibility
Ensure your country has a qualifying treaty and your business meets trade requirements. Regardless of your business type or work credentials, you cannot qualify for an E-1 without the required treaty.
02
Prepare documentation
You’ll need to provide documentary evidence that shows you’re a national of a treaty country and that your business meets the trade requirements. Necessary documents can include:
• Proof of citizenship or nationality
• Documentation of trade volume and frequency
• Financial statements
• Contracts, invoices, and shipping records
• Business ownership documents
Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help you streamline the collection and submission of documents. Request a consultation with an E-1 lawyer at Manifest today to get started.
03
File the correct visa petition
E-1 visa applicants who are outside the U.S. should apply at their local U.S. consulate or embassy using Form DS-160 and Form DS-156E.
If you’re already in the U.S., you may file a change of status with USCIS using Form I-129. If an employee is already maintaining legal nonimmigrant status, the employer can file an I-129 on their behalf.
04
Attend an interview
Most applicants must attend a visa interview, where they’ll be asked about their business and trade activities. They’ll also need to pass a medical exam and provide fingerprints for background and security checks.
Taking back control is the goal. Getting the details right is how you can improve your approval odds. The E-1 can earn you the freedom to run your trade from inside the U.S., on your own terms.
Ana Gabriela Urizar
Immigration Attorney
10+ years of experience
Manifest Law was founded by immigrants, with the purpose of addressing our shared frustrations
OUR QUALITY BAR
Only the Top 1% of Attorney Applicants Are Selected
Every Manifest attorney goes through a selective, multi-stage hiring process. When you engage us, you’re getting an attorney who was chosen for how they think and how they write — not just who was available.
INSTANT INSIGHTS
Real-Time Intelligence, Always Up-to-Date
We closely monitor trends in approvals and denials to stay ahead of evolving consular and USCIS expectations. Our attorneys receive ongoing training based on the latest adjudication patterns, so your case benefits from what’s working right now.
TOTAL TRANSPARENCY
Seamless communication, fast response times
Track your case preparation progress and receive real-time notifications and updates from your legal team via the Manifest portal. You always know where your application stands and what is needed next.
DEEP EXPERTISE
Multi-layer reviews with former USCIS advisors
Every case goes through a structured, multi-level review process by experienced immigration professionals. On select plans, filings can be reviewed by former USCIS officers to pressure-test the case before it’s submitted.
Transparent Pricing
Our goal is simple: complete transparency. Every E-1 visa case is handled on a flat-fee basis — no hourly billing, no hidden charges, and no surprises. You’ll know exactly what’s included from day one, with the flexibility to choose the level of support that fits your needs.
Silver
$7,000
Your experienced attorney files your case, with clear communication and transparency every step of the way.
What’s included:
E-1 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Gold
$9,975
Looking for more peace of mind? Get a 60% money back guarantee*.
What’s included:
E-1 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Key Advantage:
60% refund or free refile*. Read T&Cs for details.
Platinum
$11,975
Looking for more peace of mind? Get an 80% money back guarantee*.
What’s included:
E-1 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Key Advantage:
80% refund or free refile*. Read T&Cs for details.
Trade documentation and entity support
Silver Plan: $1,000
Platinum & Gold Plan: Free
Many E-1 cases stall not for lack of volume, but because the trade record does not clearly show continuous transactions principally with the U.S. Add on our documentation and entity support to strengthen the core of your case.
Our clients love us because we genuinely want to help
L
Lee Jay
7 reviews
4 months ago
I had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth for my E-2 visa submission, and I could not be more satisfied with the experience. Despite the complexity of my case, Elizabeth was extremely proactive in identifying solutions and guiding the process in a way that produced the best possible outcome. Whenever questions or concerns arose, she responded promptly and thoughtfully, which helped keep my case moving forward without unnecessary delays.…
W
Wolfgang Werder
1 review
3 months ago
We worked with Manifest Law on our E-2 visa and had a very strong experience from start to finish. They were professional, responsive, and highly organized. The entire process was clearly structured and they explained exactly what was needed at each step. Our E-2 visa was approved without issues. If you want a law firm that knows the process and executes efficiently, Manifest Law is a solid choice. Highly recommended.
A
Ankit Raheja
2 reviews
6 months ago
When I started exploring the Immigration Journey, I had the credentials but no clarity on how to position them effectively. Manifest changed that completely with their advice and consulting. They took the time to understand my unique profile, identified gaps, and created actionable strategies to strengthen my case — with concrete opportunities lined up that directly enhanced my evidence portfolio.…
Individual results vary. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases
A few minutes tells you whether the E-1 is a fit for your trade, and what taking control could look like. No commitment.
Prior approvals do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.