Non-Immigrant Investor Visas: E-1, E-2

“Substantial trade” refers to regular, meaningful international commerce between the U.S. and your treaty country. Immigration officers look for consistent trade activity, not one-time shipments.

Immigration law firms often recommend some numbers in annual trade or high-frequency transactions that demonstrate active business operations. It is true but it depends on the sector what is “high-frequency transaction”.

Yes. Your business should be fully active, with several months of documented trade. A business visa attorney can help you prepare the required evidence for your E-1 petition.

Yes. You can be the owner and manager of the U.S. company if you're a national of a treaty country and meet the treaty trader visa requirements.

The E-1 applicant’s business must be U.S.-based and engaged in trade with the treaty country. You don't need a foreign company, but your trade must primarily involve your home country.

E-1 visas are available to owners, executives, or essential employees of U.S. businesses that are at least 50% owned by treaty country nationals.

Yes, but only if it’s actively trading and can provide evidence of ongoing trade with your treaty country. A law firm specializing in E-1 visas can help you document this properly.

Absolutely. The E-1 visa covers goods and services — tech, consulting, finance, logistics — as long as they involve cross-border transactions between the U.S. and your treaty country.

At least 50% of your international trade must be with your treaty country. Additional international trade is allowed but can't outweigh treaty-based transactions.

Not directly. The E-1 is a non-immigrant visa, but some E-1 holders later adjust status via employment-based green card routes (like EB-1 or EB-5). Ask your immigration lawyer near you for options.