Can the E-1 involve only brokerage services?

The E-1 visa was created to allow individuals from countries with which the United States maintains trade treaties to operate businesses that engage in substantial trade between the two countries. It is primarily intended for commercial import and export activities that demonstrate the flow of goods or services meets the legal requirements of ‘substantial trade’ and ‘essential’ to the business activity.

In the specific case of brokerage services, the simple act of brokering, without a direct transaction involving the purchase and sale of products or the provision of services related to international trade, may not be sufficient to meet the criteria of the E-1 visa. For approval, it is expected that the business actively participates in regular commercial transactions, moving goods or services between the United States and the treaty country.

Brokerage activities that include direct negotiations and active participation in the financial and operational logistics of the transactions may satisfy the requirements. However, if the role is limited exclusively to connecting the parties without direct involvement in the commercial transactions, the absence of the substantial trade element may be understood.

It is essential to strictly follow U.S. immigration laws and seek reliable guidance to avoid misunderstandings and ensure legal compliance. Each case has particularities, so it is prudent to obtain detailed information to ensure that all legal requirements of the E-1 visa are met.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.