Treaty Trader Visa for U.S.

Learn how the E-1 Treaty Trader visa works for nationals of treaty countries who carry on substantial trade with the US. Contact a Miami immigration attorney.

Treaty Trader Visa for U.S.

Very similarly to the Treaty Investor visa, the Treaty Trader (E-1) visa for U.S. is issued for foreign citizens who originate from countries with which the U.S. maintains treaties of commerce and navigation. The person who applies for this type of visa has to:

•    engage in an important trade, including trade in technology or services, in qualifying activities, mainly between the U.S. and the treaty country;
•    carry on such trade on his or her own behalf or as a qualifying employee of a treaty trader company.

You can rely on immigration lawyers in Miami for obtaining this visa, as well as a  residence permit in USA.

Qualification criteria for the Treaty Trader visa in the U.S.

In order to qualify for the Treaty Trader visa for the U.S., the applicant has to meet the following criteria:

•    He or she has to be a citizen of a treaty country;
•    The trading business for which he or she intends to come to the U.S. must have the nationality of the treaty country (individuals with the nationality of the treaty country have to own at least 50% of the business);
•    The international trade has to be substantial, with a sizeable and continuous trade volume;
•    More than 50% of the international trade activity has to be between the U.S and the treaty country;
•    Trade implies the international exchange of goods, services and technology. The title of trade items has to be exchanged between one party to the other;
•    The visa candidate has to be a key employee, hired in a supervisory or executive position, or he or she must have extremely specialized skills crucial for the efficient operation of the business. Average skilled or unskilled professionals do not qualify. Our immigration lawyer in USA can provide more information on this matter. They can also offer details on USA citizenship.

Application process for the Treaty Trader visa in the U.S. 

The application process of the Treaty Trader visa for U.S. implies several steps. The order of these steps and how they are accomplished can vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the candidate applies for this type of U.S. visa. 

Generally, the visa applicant will have to:

•    complete an Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and print it;
•    make a photo;
•    attend an interview with a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the Treaty Trader visa for U.S. in the applicant’s country of origin; since 2 September 2025 an in-person interview is generally required regardless of age (limited exceptions apply);

If you need more details about this visa for the U.S., please contact our immigration attorney in the United States. They will also guide you in obtaining a residence permit in USA.

Responsible attorney: , Florida Bar No. 55549 · Last updated 29 October 2026Sandra I. Murado is President and Managing Attorney of Law Offices of Sandra I. Murado, P.A. in Coral Gables, Florida, and has been a member of The Florida Bar since 1995.