E Visa

The E-1 and E-2 visas are available to citizens of certain countries with which the United States has a qualifying treaty. The E-1 visa is for persons entering the United States for the purpose of carrying on substantial trade between the U.S. and the treaty country. The E-1 visa holder must be a national of the treaty country who is working in a managerial capacity or as an essential employee of the U.S. entity with which the overseas entity is conducting at least 50% of its trade.

The E-2 visa is for persons who make a substantial investment in a business in the U.S. and are entering the United States for the purpose of managing their investment, or as a managerial or essential employee of the company that has made the investment. The E-2 visa holder must be a national of the treaty country and at least 50% of the U.S. company must be owned by citizens of the treaty country.

The E-3 is a type of visa reserved for Australian nationals who seek to work for a U.S. entity in a position that generally requires a baccalaureate degree in a specific field. It is similar to the H-1B temporary worker visa but with some distinct advantages. Unlike the H-1B visa, E-3 visas are not subject to the strict numerical limitations of the H-1B and a pre-approved petition by the USCIS is not necessary before the visa can be issued by the U.S. Consulate.

Spouses of E-1, E-2 and E-3 visa holder may apply for authorization to work in the United States. Individuals may extend E status indefinitely, provided they continue to qualify for E status.

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