E-1 and E-2 Visa

Jessica Weiss represents clients in both E-1 treaty trader visas and E-2 treaty investor visas, helping entrepreneurs, investors, and companies establish and grow their presence in the United States.

These visa options are often considered together because they are both based on treaty countries and allow individuals to live and work in the U.S. while actively managing a business. The right strategy depends on whether your business is based on investment or ongoing international trade.

We work closely with clients to structure their case from the beginning, prepare strong documentation, and guide them through every step of the application process.

To qualify for an E-1 or E-2 visa, the applicant must be a national of a treaty country and be coming to the United States to engage in qualifying business activity.

For an E-2 treaty investor visa, the applicant must make a substantial investment in a U.S. business and be in a position to develop and direct that enterprise.

For an E-1 treaty trader visa, the applicant must demonstrate substantial trade, with the majority of that trade occurring between the United States and their treaty country.

In both cases, the applicant must take on an active role in the business, typically in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge position.

While the E-1 and E-2 visas share similarities, the key difference comes down to how the business operates.

The E-2 visa is best suited for individuals investing in and building a U.S.-based business.

The E-1 visa is ideal for companies already engaged in international trade that want to expand operations into the United States.

We help clients determine which option aligns best with their business model and long-term goals, and we often advise on how to structure operations to meet the requirements of each visa category.