What is the difference between E-1 and E-2?

E-1 (Treaty Trader) requires carrying on substantial trade between the U.S. and the treaty country. E-2 (Treaty Investor) requires making a substantial investment in a U.S. enterprise. E-1 focuses on trade; E-2 focuses on investment. Both require treaty-country nationality, can be renewed indefinitely, and allow spouses to obtain EADs. The choice depends on the applicant's type of business activity.

Can mainland Chinese nationals apply for E-1?

No. There is no Commerce and Navigation treaty between mainland China and the United States, so mainland Chinese nationals are not eligible for E-1. However, Taiwan nationals qualify. Ethnic Chinese holding passports from other E-1 treaty countries (such as Canada, the UK, or Australia) may also apply. Mainland Chinese nationals may consider the L-1 visa or H-1B as alternatives.

How is "substantial trade" defined?

"Substantial trade" requires a continuous flow of international trade transactions between the U.S. and the treaty country. There is no minimum dollar amount per transaction, but the overall volume and frequency must be sufficient to constitute a continuous flow of trade. Numerous smaller transactions may be more favorable than a single large transaction. Trade encompasses goods, services, technology, insurance, banking, and more.

Can E-1 lead to a green card?

The E-1 visa itself does not provide a direct path to a green card. However, E-1 holders may pursue permanent residence through other channels: (1) EB-5 investor immigration; (2) employer-sponsored PERM/EB-2/EB-3; (3) EB-1A extraordinary ability (if eligible); (4) NIW National Interest Waiver. E-1 status can be renewed indefinitely while waiting for the green card process.

Can E-1 spouses work?

Yes. The E-1 principal's spouse may apply for an EAD (Form I-765), and once approved, may work for any U.S. employer without industry or occupation restrictions. E-1 children may attend school in the U.S. but may not work.

The Peng Law

E-1条约贸易商签证

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

E-1条约贸易商签证允许与美国签有商业和航海条约的国家公民，在美国从事"实质性贸易"（Substantial Trade）活动。

2-4 weeks贸易文件准备

1-4 weeks领事面签

2-4 monthsUSCIS审批（境内转换）

2 years初始居留期

Overview

概述

E-1条约贸易商签证允许与美国签有商业和航海条约的国家公民，在美国从事"实质性贸易"（Substantial Trade）活动。贸易必须主要在美国和条约国之间进行（超过50%的贸易额需在美国与条约国之间）。E-1签证不受年度名额限制，初始有效期为2年，可无限期续签。E-1条约贸易商的关键员工（管理/主管人员或具有特殊资质的专业人员）也可以获得E-1身份。E-1配偶可以申请EAD工卡。需要注意的是，中国大陆公民不符合E-1条约国要求，但中国台湾地区公民符合。

Eligibility

申请条件

申请人必须是与美国签有商业和航海条约的国家公民（如台湾、日本、韩国、英国、加拿大等）

申请人（或其雇主公司）必须在美国和条约国之间从事"实质性贸易"

贸易必须以美国-条约国之间的贸易为主（超过50%的国际贸易额在美国与条约国之间）

"贸易"包括货物、服务、银行业务、保险、运输、旅游、技术转让等的国际交换

贸易必须是"实质性的"——需要有持续的贸易交易流量（不要求单笔最低金额）

关键员工须担任管理/主管职位，或具有企业运营所必需的特殊资质

Application Process

申请流程