How many types of business visas are available
for foreigners in the U.S.?
There
are several types of business visas for foreigners
in the US. The E1 Treaty Trader visa and the E2
Treaty Investor visa are for foreigners investing
substantial funds in a business enterprise in
the US. There are also short-term business “B1”
visas. Additionally, there are various employer-sponsored
visas including H, L, O and P visas.
Who
is eligible for the E1 Treaty Trader visa?
Foreign
citizens belonging to countries which possess
a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation
with the US and are coming to the US to engage
in substantial trade between the US and their
respective countries are eligible for the E1 visa.
The E1 visa has a validity of two years and may
be extended indefinitely.
What
are the requirements for obtaining an E1 Visa?
To
qualify for a non-immigrant treaty trader (E1)
visa, the foreign citizen must show that he/she:
1) Will be in the US solely for trade purposes
of a substantial nature between the US and his/her
country. He/she must be an employee of a foreign
person or organization engaged in trade principally
between the United States and the treaty country
of the foreign national.
2) Intends to leave the US upon the expiration
or termination of his/her treaty trader (E1) status.
Is the family of the E1 visa holder eligible for
E1 status?
Spouses and children of E1 visa holders may enter
and remain in the US holding the E1 status. In
some cases, E1 visa spouses may apply for working
permission in the US.
