E-1 and E-2 Visas: Treaty Traders and Investors
E-1 and E-2 visas for nationals of treaty countries: trade or investment requirements, initial two-year stay with unlimited extensions, employees and family work rights.
Page reviewed October 17, 2026.
What it is
The E-1 and E-2 are nonimmigrant visas for nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty with the United States.
The E-1 is for people carrying on substantial international trade principally between the United States and their treaty country. The E-2 is for people investing a substantial amount of capital in a real, operating U.S. business they will develop and direct. The initial stay is up to two years, extensions come in two-year increments with no limit, and the holder must intend to leave when the status ends.
- Initial stay
- 2 yearsExtensions in 2-year increments, with no limit.
- Nationality
- Treaty countryA qualifying treaty with the United States.
- Family
- Same statusSpouses in E status can work.
- Intent
- Intent to departYou must plan to leave when the status ends.
E-1 and E-2
- E-1 treaty trader: carries on trade of a substantial nature that is international in scope, principally between the United States and the treaty country of which the person is a national.
- E-2 treaty investor: has invested, or is actively investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise, and is seeking entry solely to develop and direct it.
- Employees of a qualifying treaty trader or investor, with the same nationality as the employer, can also qualify if they work in an executive or supervisory role or have special qualifications that make their services essential.
Treaty countries
Only nationals of a treaty country qualify. A treaty country is a country with which the United States has a qualifying treaty of friendship, commerce or navigation, or an equivalent agreement, or one accorded treaty visa privileges by legislation. The Department of State publishes the current list, and it changes, so check it before relying on any list.
Stay, extensions and re-entry
- The initial stay is up to two years.
- Extensions and changes of status are granted in increments of up to two years each, with no limit on the number of extensions.
- Someone who travels abroad can generally be readmitted for an automatic two-year period if the border officer finds them admissible.
- The holder must maintain an intention to depart when the status ends. A pending or approved immigrant petition alone is not a reason to deny an E application.
Family
The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 holder can receive the same classification. Spouses in E status are employment authorized incident to status.
How to apply
Someone in the United States in a lawful nonimmigrant status can request a change of status on Form I-129. Someone outside the United States applies for the E visa through the Department of State at a U.S. embassy or consulate, because Form I-129 cannot be used from abroad for this.
Related guides
Pricing
E-1 and E-2 pricing
$10,000
flat fee, any visa
What the fee includes
- Eligibility strategy mapped to the requirements of your visa
- Support, expert and reference letters drafted and coordinated for you
- The full legal brief and every exhibit, prepared and filed
- RFE responses included at no additional cost
- Real-time updates in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese
- One team from first call to approval. No handoffs.
- If USCIS denies a petition Lando filed, Lando refunds its fee. Terms apply.
USCIS government filing fees are separate and paid directly to USCIS.
Why Lando
How Lando compares
A plain comparison with the way immigration petitions are commonly handled. Terms vary by firm, so check any provider's terms before you hire.
Price
Lando$10,000 flat fee per visa, published on the visa pages.
Commonly elsewhereOften billed hourly or by stage, so the total can change as the case grows.
Request for Evidence
LandoResponses are included at no extra cost.
Commonly elsewhereSometimes charged separately. Ask before you hire.
If USCIS denies
LandoLando refunds its fee for a petition it filed. Terms apply.
Commonly elsewhereNot always offered. Ask what is refunded.
Retainer
LandoNo retainer to begin, and no surprise invoices later.
Commonly elsewhereA retainer paid up front is common.
Who does the work
LandoOne team from first call to decision. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys.
Commonly elsewhereVaries. Ask who will work on your file.
Languages
LandoCase updates in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese.
Commonly elsewhereVaries by firm.
Legal advice
LandoLando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Commonly elsewhereA law firm can give you legal advice and represent you directly.
General comparison, not a statement about any named firm. USCIS fees are separate and are paid directly to USCIS. No one can promise a USCIS decision.
How it works
From first call to filed petition
1. Evaluation
You get an honest answer.
We review your situation on a 15-minute call and tell you honestly whether the visa fits and what would make the case stronger. No retainer. No commitment.
2. Strategy
You know exactly what your case looks like.
We map which company documents and evidence prove each requirement, and what is still missing. You see the full picture before we file anything.
3. Preparation
Your petition is built without you lifting a finger.
Our team drafts the support letters and the legal brief, curates every exhibit, and reviews the full petition before it leaves our hands. You approve. We file.
4. Filing
Filed. You get on with your life.
Your petition is filed at USCIS and we manage every communication from there. We handle any RFE at no extra charge.
Common questions
What is the difference between the E-1 and the E-2?
The E-1 is for treaty traders carrying on substantial international trade principally between the United States and the treaty country. The E-2 is for treaty investors who invest a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise.
Who is eligible for an E visa?
Nationals of treaty countries, and certain employees of qualifying treaty traders and investors who share the employer's nationality. The Department of State publishes the list of treaty countries.
How long does an E-1 or E-2 last?
An initial stay of up to two years, with extensions in increments of up to two years and no limit on the number of extensions.
Do E visa holders need to intend to leave the United States?
Yes. They must maintain an intention to depart when the status ends, although a filed or approved immigrant petition alone is not a reason to deny an E application.
Can an E visa spouse work?
Yes. Spouses in E status are employment authorized incident to status.
Is Lando a law firm?
No. Lando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys. For advice about your own situation, speak to a licensed immigration attorney.
Sources
Lando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys.