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International Experience Canada (IEC)

E-1 Visa Requirements

To successfully obtain an E-1 visa, applicants must demonstrate:

Substantial and significant volume of trade between their home country and the U.S.
That the business is legitimate and actively engaging in trade.
That they hold a supervisory or executive role (if applying as an employee), or are essential to the operation.
The ability to sustain their trade operations financially.

How to Apply for the E-1 Visa

The application process for an E-1 visa involves several steps:

Confirm Treaty Eligibility: Ensure that your country is on the list of U.S. treaty countries.
Prepare Documentation: Gather proof of your trade activities, financial standing, business operations, and ownership.
Submit the Application to the US Embassy or Consulate: depending on the country of residence, each US Embassy or Consulate has a specific set of rules or requirements to follow when submitting the complete application
Schedule an Interview: Attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Await Approval: If approved, you will receive a visa stamp in your passport, allowing you to enter the U.S. to conduct trade activities.

Who Qualifies for the E-1 Visa?

To be eligible for an E-1 visa, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be a citizen of a country that has a commerce and navigation treaty with the U.S.
Your business must involve substantial trade, meaning regular and significant international transactions of goods, services, or technology.
The majority (at least 50%) of your trade must occur between your treaty country and the United States.
You must either be the principal trader or an essential employee of a qualifying trading business.

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is a fantastic opportunity for business professionals who want to engage in substantial trade between their home country and the United States.

Designed for individuals from treaty countries, this visa allows traders and their employees to conduct business operations seamlessly in the U.S.