Does the E-1 require the foreign company to be from the same treaty country?

The E-1 visa is intended for citizens of countries that maintain a commerce and navigation treaty with the United States. It is important to emphasize that, to qualify, it is not enough to only consider the investor’s country of origin – the company or business conducting transactions between the United States and the treaty country must also meet certain requirements.

This means that the applicant must be a citizen of one of the treaty-signatory countries, and the foreign company must have a majority ownership – generally 50% or more – held by nationals of the treaty country. This requirement exists to ensure that the principal trade involving the United States occurs between the applicant’s country and the U.S., as well as to guarantee that the benefits and obligations of the treaty are effectively applied.

It is essential to strictly follow the United States immigration laws and regulations. Given the complexity and importance of the documentation and meeting specific requirements, it is recommended to seek information from official sources and, when necessary, professional assistance to avoid complications and possible scams promising easy solutions or guaranteed results.

In summary, yes, when applying for the E-1 visa, the foreign company must have majority participation by citizens of the country that maintains the treaty with the United States, ensuring that the international trade benefited by the treaty occurs effectively and as provided by law. It is always wise to confirm updated details and strictly follow legal procedures to avoid future issues.

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.