An E-1 Visa is known as a “Treaty Trader” visa. The general qualifications necessary to obtain an E-1 visa include:

• Be a national of a country that has a trade treaty with the U.S.;

• Carry on “substantial trade,” which can include goods, services, banking, transportation, technology, etc.;

• Maintain a “continuous flow of sizable trade items,” but no minimum monetary value is required;

• Carry on “principal trade” between the U.S. and home country (e.g., if you are a Mexican citizen, over 50% of your international trade is between the U.S. and Mexico).

• The initial E-1 Visa may be granted for up to two years, and the visa holder may apply for unlimited extensions in two-year increments.

• Spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for E-1 dependent status, and the spouse may also obtain U.S. employment authorization (work permit).

An E-2 Visa is known as a “Treaty Investor” visa. These visas are reserved for persons who seek to enter the U.S. “solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise.” General qualifications necessary are:

• Be a national of a country with which the US maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation;

• Have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise in the U.S.; and

• Seek to enter the US to develop and direct the investment enterprise (shown by at least 50% ownership of the enterprise or possession of operational control through a managerial or executive position).