E-1 Treaty Trader & E-2 Investor

Santa Ana E-1 and E-2 Visa Attorney

Help with E-1 Treaty Trader Visa & E-2 Investor Visa

The United States has treaties with approximately 80 countries throughout the world which will allow nationals of those countries to obtain a work visa to trade (E-1) between their country and the U.S. or to invest (E-2) in a business in the U.S. If you are planning to obtain either of these visas, it is important to work with a team of Santa Ana E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Investor lawyers who can help you achieve your goals.

U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP has an excellent record of successfully representing those seeking E-1 and E-2 visas. We have helped numerous investors and traders from various treaty countries to take advantage of this valuable program.


Contact our experienced Santa Ana E-1 and E-2 visa attorneys at (714) 786-1166 or online to start your application with confidence. 


What Is an E-1 Trader Visa?

An E-1 Trader Visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa specifically designed for foreign nationals of treaty countries who intend to engage in substantial trade activities with the United States. This includes international trade in goods, services, or technology, among others. Whether you are an entrepreneur or a high-ranking executive in a multinational company, an E-1 visa can provide an opportunity to conduct business in the vast and diverse American market.

What Is an E-2 Investor Visa?

An E-2 Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa category specifically designed for foreign nationals who wish to invest a substantial amount of capital in a business in the United States. The E-2 visa provides an opportunity for investors from treaty countries to live in the U.S. while managing, directing, or developing their investment enterprise. Furthermore, the business should have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, generating jobs or providing a service that meets a particular market need. Working with an experienced investor visa attorney can significantly ease the process of applying for an E-2 visa, ensuring that all legal requirements are adequately met.

What Are the Differences Between E-1 and E-2 Visas?

Treaty trader and investor visas, though similar are distinct in purpose. Both visas are nonimmigrant visas based on treaties and allow the visa holder to work in the United States, the key distinction lies in the nature of the activities they are designed for. The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is primarily for nationals of treaty countries who are engaged in substantial trade activities with the United States. This includes trade in goods, services or technology. On the other hand, the E-2 Investor Visa is aimed at individuals who wish to invest a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business. This requires the investor to be actively involved in the running of the business, which should also contribute positively to the U.S. economy. Therefore, the choice between an E-1 and E-2 visa largely depends on an individual's primary purpose of doing business in the U.S. trade or investment.

Ways to Obtain E-1 / E-2 Visas in the US

The process of obtaining an E-1 or E-2 visa is quite complicated and cumbersome. The requirements and manner of submission vary depending on the type of business and the consular post through which the application will be processed. The Santa Ana E-1 and E-2 visa lawyers from the U.S. Immigration Law Group, LLP have the experience necessary to ensure that your application complies with the regulations, the ability to evaluate whether an investment will be sufficient, and the knowledge of both the type and amount of evidence necessary to ensure an application is complete for submission the first time.

Below is a brief description of the E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor visas:

  • E-1 Treaty Trader: Intends to enter the U.S. solely to develop and direct a business in which at least 50% of the total volume of international commercial trade of goods and services is with the Treaty Trader’s country of nationality. The applicant must work in an executive/supervisory position or possess skills essential to the firm’s operations in the United States. Nationals of the treaty country must own at least 50% of the business as a partner, shareholder, or sole proprietorship.
  • E-2 Treaty Investor: Intends to enter the U.S. solely to develop and direct a business in which he or she has invested or is in the process of investing in, or be an essential worker of the company. The treaty investor must manage the business and not compete in the market as a skilled laborer. Nationals of the treaty country must own at least 50% of the business as a partner, shareholder, or sole proprietorship. The treaty investor must make a substantial investment of his or her own funds into the business. The funds must be “at risk.” The investment must not be “marginal”, that is, must be sufficient to ensure success in the business, and the investor must have sufficient funds to live beyond the revenues generated by the investment.

Dedicated Assistance for Treaty Trader or Investor Visas!

For more information about how to invest or trade in the U.S. with an E-1 or E-2 visa, contact the Santa Ana E-1 and E-2 visa lawyers. We can also help you explore other options for obtaining a positive immigration status in the U.S. Our team is equipped to handle all immigration cases and is driven to obtain the best results.


Contact (714) 786-1166 to schedule a consultation with our Santa Ana E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Investor visa attorneys.


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