E-1 Treaty Trader
work · United States
The E-1 is for nationals of treaty countries engaged in substantial international trade (sizeable, continuing volume) where over 50% of the trader's international trade is between the US and the country of the trader's nationality ('principal trade'). Items of trade include goods, services, banking, insurance, transportation, tourism, technology, journalism, etc. Existing trade (not prospective) is required. Initial 2 yrs; renewable in 2-yr increments indefinitely. Spouses may apply for work authorization.
- Minimum stay / validity
- 2 yrs renewable indefinitely
- Processing time
- Consular typically faster than USCIS I-129
- Official source
- https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-1-treaty-traders
- Last verified
- May 2026
Requirements & criteria
- [Mandatory] No criminal record
- [Mandatory] National of a US treaty-trader country