What is the E visa?

The E visa is a nonimmigrant category designed for entrepreneurs, traders, and investors who are citizens of countries with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce or investment. It allows entry to conduct business activities or manage an enterprise, and is not a direct path to a green card.

In practice, it is divided into two main categories:

• E-1 (treaty trader): for those who engage in substantial and continuous trade between their home country and the United States.
• E-2 (treaty investor): for those who invest a relevant amount in a U.S. enterprise and help develop it, with the potential to generate economic activity and jobs.

One attractive feature of the E visa is that close family members, such as a spouse and children, may accompany the principal applicant and reside lawfully in the country. In certain situations, the spouse may also obtain work authorization.

Since each category has its own detailed requirements, defined by immigration law, it is worth confirming current requirements with official sources (such as the Department of State and USCIS) or with a specialist before filing a petition.

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.