Does the E-1 require the company to be controlled by citizens of the treaty country?

The E-1 visa is aimed at citizens of countries that have a trade treaty with the United States and for companies conducting substantial trade between the country of origin and the United States. In other words, this type of visa allows business owners and employees of qualified companies to live and work legally in the U.S. while engaging in commercial activities that benefit both nations.

To meet the E-1 visa requirements, the commercial establishment in the United States must be at least 50% owned by citizens of the treaty country. This condition is essential for the company to be considered qualified and for the individual connected to the company to be eligible to apply for the visa. That is, the ownership control of the company needs to be primarily in the hands of nationals from the country that maintains the trade treaty with the U.S.

This requirement is strictly checked by immigration authorities, who analyze the company’s ownership structure and management to confirm compliance with the criteria. It is important to follow all American immigration laws and guidelines, and this verification of company ownership is just one of several requirements to be observed.

Given the complexity of the immigration process and to ensure that all legal details are properly fulfilled, it is recommended to consult reliable sources and, if necessary, seek guidance from immigration specialists. This way, it is possible to avoid mistakes, misunderstandings, and, unfortunately, some scams or unrealistic promises circulating on the internet.

In summary, yes, the E-1 visa requires that the company be majority controlled by citizens of the treaty country. Staying informed and strictly following the rules is essential for a safe and successful process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.