What counts as trade?

Goods, services, banking, insurance, transportation, tourism, technology, and similar international exchanges can all qualify.

Is there a minimum dollar amount of trade?

No fixed minimum. Officers look at the volume and number of transactions and whether the trade is continuous.

Can my employees get E-1 visas?

Yes, if they share the company's treaty nationality and serve in an executive, supervisory, or essential skills role.

E-1 or E-2: which is better?

E-1 is built on trade volume and E-2 on investment. Some businesses qualify for both. We compare them on a strategy call.

For Investors and Founders

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa

The E-1 visa is for citizens of treaty countries whose business carries on substantial trade in goods, services, or technology, principally between the United States and their home country.

Start Your Case

Free to qualify. Complete your intake, then book your free strategy call with an attorney.

Flat attorney fee $6,500

Who this is for

Importers and exporters
Service, technology, logistics, and consulting firms with steady U.S. trade
Executives, supervisors, and essential employees of an E-1 company

Key requirements

You are a citizen of a treaty country
The trade is substantial, meaning a continuous flow of sizable transactions over time
More than 50 percent of the company's international trade is between the United States and the treaty country
The trading company is at least 50 percent owned by nationals of the treaty country

What your flat fee includes

Eligibility review and case strategy
Complete preparation of all forms and the supporting legal brief or cover letter
Customized document checklist in your portal
Attorney review, signature, and filing
Response to any Request for Evidence on a case we file
Preparation for any government interview
Weekly status updates and scheduled attorney calls

We prepare you for every government interview, and that preparation is included in your flat fee. Attorney attendance at an interview is not included. If you would like your attorney to attend a USCIS interview with you, attendance is available for a separate fee.

Fees

Attorney fee

E-1 Treaty Trader$6,500
E-2 or E-1 Employee (company already registered)$3,500
E-2 or E-1 Renewal$4,500

Government fees (paid separately)

Consular visa application fee (applying at a consulate): $315 per applicant
Paid to the Department of State when applying abroad.
Form I-129 (change of status inside the United States): $1,015
$510 for small employers and nonprofits.
Asylum Program Fee (applies to Form I-129 and Form I-140): $600, $300, or $0
$600 for employers with 26 or more full-time employees; $300 for employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees and for individuals who self-petition; $0 for nonprofits.
Form I-539 for dependents: $470
Visa Integrity Fee: $250
A $250 fee enacted in 2025 may apply when a nonimmigrant visa is issued at a consulate.

Government fees shown as of October 2, 2026 and subject to change. We confirm current fees in your written quote.

How the process works

1
Strategy call and trade volume review
2
Trade documentation compiled (invoices, contracts, shipping and payment records)
3
Application filed with the U.S. consulate or USCIS
4
Interview preparation and visa interview
5
Visa issued; renewal calendared

Common questions

Related visas

For Investors and Founders

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

Learn more →

For Investors and Founders

L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa

Get Started

Ready to start your business immigration case?

Click Start Your Case and complete a brief intake. A licensed immigration attorney will review your situation within 72 hours, and you can book a free strategy call as soon as your intake is done. There is no cost to qualify.

Start Your Case, Free to Qualify

Free to qualify. Complete your intake, then book your free strategy call with an attorney.

No hourly billing. No retainer. One flat attorney fee, stated before you begin.