What is an E Category Visa?The E category visa is designed to promote trade and investments between the U.S. and treaty countries. It allows people who do substantial business with the U.S. to remain here for extended periods of time, so that they can live and work in the U.S. lawfully. In order to qualify for an E visa, you must meet the following requirements: - there must be a treaty between the U.S. and the company's nation
- the majority of control/ownership of the company must be by nationals of the country with which the U.S. has a trade/investment treaty
- the person seeking a visa must be a citizen of that country
Who Can Apply for an E-1 Visa?An E-1 is a trade visa, and is available to the citizens of countries that have signed a trade and investment treaty with the U.S. and who want to stay in the U.S. for an extended period of time in order to engage in substantial business. You must have a supervisory or executive position, meaning that you will be overseeing business while you are in the U.S. What Documents Do I Need to Apply for an E-1 Visa? In order to apply for an E-1 visa, you will need to prepare and present the following: - a statement detailing your job position/title and the nature of your work;
- documents to prove ongoing trade between your nation and the U.S.;
- an affidavit of intent to leave after your visa expires;
- passport;
- birth certificate and marriage certificate, if you are married;
- copy of your U.S. visa and form I-94 (temporary visa form) if you are already in the U.S.
How Long Will my E-1 Visa Last?
Once issued to you, an E-1 visa will normally last for a period of 2 years, although it is not uncommon for the government to issue them for a period of up to 5 years. Should I See an Immigration Attorney When I Apply for an E-1 Visa?There are many forms and procedural requirements to apply for an E-1 visa. An experienced immigration attorney will make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation in order to have your visa issued to you. |
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