United States: E-1 Treaty Trader 2026

E-1 Treaty Trader: no fixed salary/investment minimum. Must conduct substantial trade with US.

Best For

Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

Not Ideal For

Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications

At a Glance

Visa Type
Skilled Worker Visa
Region
Americas
Visa Duration
2 years
Processing Time
2–4 months
Min Income (annual)
Min Investment
Application Fee
€189
Path to PR / Citizenship
Yes
Difficulty
5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education Required
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsor RequiredYes
Remote Income AllowedNo
Family Accompaniment AllowedYes
Language Requirement

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against United States's E-1 Treaty Trader.
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant United States immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€189). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 2–4 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary
Minimum Monthly Income
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€189

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
RenewableYes
Path to PRYes
Path to CitizenshipNo
Years to Citizenship
Dual Citizenship AllowedYes
Spouse Work RightsYes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the E-1 Treaty Trader?

E-1 Treaty Trader: no fixed salary/investment minimum. Must conduct substantial trade with US.

Who is the E-1 Treaty Trader best for?

Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

How long does the E-1 Treaty Trader take to process?

Processing typically takes 2–4 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the E-1 Treaty Trader cost?

The application fee is €189. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the E-1 Treaty Trader lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway has a path to PR.

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Official source: https://www.uscis.gov

Last verified: 2026-04-09

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