BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
E-1 Visa for Traders, Service Providers and Their Employees
The E-1 visa benefits foreign business owners and their employees who wish to come to the U.S. to trade in goods or services. It can be extremely useful for companies who have established trade relationships in the U.S. and abroad and who wish to build stronger U.S. operations.
Who qualifies for the E-1 visa?
The E-1 visa is available to businesses and individuals from countries who have signed trade treaties with the U.S. The visa requires certain trade activities both inside and outside the U.S., but it can benefit business owners and employees who have the nationality of the treaty country.
How long can an E-1 visa holder stay in the U.S.?
There is no limit to how long an E-1 visa holder can stay in the United States. The E-1 visa allows for an initial period of stay of two years, but the visa may be renewed indefinitely if certain requirements are met. Renewing the E-1 visa is typically easier than renewing certain other visa types.
CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING FOR A BUSINESS IMMIGRATION VISA.
Can an E-1 visa lead to a green card?
An E-1 visa can not lead to a green card. The E-1 visa does not lead to permanent residence, and one of the requirements for the visa is that the visa holder intend to leave when no longer in E-1 status.
Can the E-1 visa benefit the family members of the visa holder?
Yes, an E-1 visa does benefit the family members of the visa holder. The spouse and minor children of the visa holder also qualify to enter the U.S. based on the approved E-1 application.
Can small businesses obtain E-1 visas?
Yes, small businesses can obtain an E-1 visa. Immigration regulators have issued specific guidance on how officers should evaluate applications by small businesses. Our Atlanta business immigration attorneys are familiar with the types of evidence officers will expect to see.
Is there a minimum amount of money a company has to invest in the U.S. to qualify for an E-1 visa?
No, there is no minimum investment required for the E-1 visa.
Can a brand new business obtain an E-1 visa?
A brand new business may qualify to obtain an E-1 visa. One of the requirements for the E-1 visa is established trade. Still, various activities may qualify as trade, and our business immigration attorneys love to help clients who wish to start businesses in the Atlanta area evaluate whether they are ready for the E-1 application process.
Let one of our Atlanta immigration attorneys evaluate your case today.
One or more E-1 visas may be the best way for your business to grow in the U.S. and especially in the Atlanta market. We will be excited to help you find the best fit for your business’s needs and goals.
