What basic documents do I need for an E-1 visa?

To apply for the E-1 visa, you gather a set of documents that prove two things: who you are and that real, substantial trade exists between your country and the United States. The E-1 is designed for nationals of countries that have a trade treaty with the U.S.

The basic documents typically include:

• A valid passport.
• The visa application form, usually the DS-160, with a recent photo meeting U.S. Department of State specifications.
• Proof of nationality from the treaty country (such as a passport or birth certificate).
• Evidence of commercial activity with the U.S., such as contracts, invoices, bank statements, and import/export records.

When the application involves a company, corporate formation and operating documents are also helpful, and in E visa cases the supplemental form DS-156E, which details the commercial activity, is commonly required.

Because each consulate may have its own guidelines and each case is evaluated individually, confirm the current document list directly with the U.S. consulate or embassy and, if in doubt, consult a qualified specialist.

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.