What is the E-1 treaty trader visa?

The E-1 visa lets treaty-country nationals manage substantial, continuous trade between their country and the US.

How much trade volume is needed for an E-1 visa?

There is no fixed dollar minimum; what matters is substantial, continuous trade, with the majority between the US and the treaty country.

Can E-1 visa holders work in the US?

Yes, E-1 status grants the right to work for the qualifying treaty-trader company, and spouses may apply for work authorization.

How long is the E-1 visa valid?

E-1 visas are typically granted for up to 5 years and can be renewed as long as qualifying trade continues.

Treaty Trader Visas

E-1 Visa

A special visa route designed for individuals and companies conducting substantial and continuous trade between the two countries under the trade treaty between Türkiye and the US.

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What Is the E-1 Visa?

The E-1 visa allows nationals of a treaty country to come to the US to manage substantial and continuous trade between the two countries. Because Türkiye is among the countries with an E-visa treaty, Turkish nationals may qualify for this route.

The application considers not only the existence of trade, but also its volume, continuity, predominance between the US and Türkiye, and the applicant’s role in the company.

Trade-Based

An application route based on trade in goods, services or technology.

Renewable Structure

Periodic renewal may be considered as long as eligibility is maintained.

Family Included

Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the application.

Managerial/Key Role

A managerial, partner or essential-skill employee profile is important.

Benefits of the E-1 Visa

The E-1 visa offers a strong option for companies seeking to put their trade activity between Türkiye and the United States on a professional footing. When trade volume, company ownership, role definition and supporting documents are structured correctly, the application can become part of a long-term business development plan.

This visa provides operational flexibility for executives and key employees of companies with a regular flow of trade to the US market.

Commercial Expansion

Commercial relationships in the US market can be structured.

Renewal Option

Periodic renewal can be planned as long as the requirements are maintained.

Family Coverage

Joint planning can be done for spouse and children.

Company Focus

Commercial reality is placed at the center of the application file.

E-1 Visa Requirements

An E-1 application expects the applicant to be a treaty-country national, the business to hold treaty-country character, and the trade to have substantial volume. A significant portion of the trade must occur between the US and the treaty country.

For employee applications, whether the person holds a managerial or supervisory role, or the special skills essential to the efficient operation of the business, is also assessed.

Treaty Country

The applicant and the business must demonstrate a qualifying treaty-country connection.

Substantial Trade

Commercial activity must be regular and of meaningful volume, not one-off.

Predominantly US-Türkiye

A significant portion of trade must be between the US and Türkiye.

Role Alignment

A managerial, supervisory or key-skill role must be clearly demonstrated.

E-1 Application Process

The process begins with a review of the company ownership structure, trade volume, contracts, invoices, logistics records and the applicant’s role definition in the company.

The application strategy, supporting document set and interview narrative are then prepared with a cohesive file logic.

Trade Analysis

Trade volume, direction and continuity are assessed.

Document Map

Company, invoice, contract and financial records are classified.

Application File

Forms and supporting narrative are prepared together.

Interview Preparation

The commercial model and application role are worked out in clear language.

How We Manage the Process

01.

Profile Assessment

We conduct a detailed situation analysis to determine the visa or investment route best suited to your background.

02.

File Preparation

Your entire official portfolio is prepared legally and convincingly in line with the current expectations of US authorities.

03.

Corporate Review

With no external outsourcing, we officially initiate all your legal processes under the direct control of our own corporate legal team.

04.

Operational Follow-up

Even after your entry into America, we remain by your side whenever you need — for company management, status maintenance or your investment.

Why Citil Law.

Tailored Strategy

We offer personalized solutions aligned with your goals.

Experienced Legal Team

We are by your side with our attorneys specialized in US immigration law.

Global Service

We serve through both our Istanbul and US offices.

Process Management

We manage and track the entire process from the first consultation to your visa approval.

Success Stories

"Our E-2 application process went far more smoothly than expected. We received professional support at every stage, from document preparation to the interview. We obtained our visa without issues in about 4 months."

Mehmet K.E-2 Visa

"For our E-1 application, we presented our trade volume and company documents far more systematically. At every stage we clearly understood which document was needed and why."

Ayse D.E-1 Visa

"Accurately reflecting our US business plan in the application file was critical for us. The Citil Law team prepared our file from both a legal and commercial perspective."

Burak S.Treaty Trader Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out which visa type I qualify for?

Your profile, trade history, company structure, US plan and current trade volume are evaluated together. After the preliminary analysis, a roadmap is clarified for E-1 or an alternative visa route.

How long does the visa application process take on average?

Timelines vary by document readiness, the scope of trade documents and consular workload. Strategy, document collection and application preparation typically span from a few weeks to a few months.

Can my family members be included in my application?

Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the application. Work authorization options for the spouse and the status of family members are also assessed.

Which documents do I need to prepare?

Company documents, records showing trade volume, financial records, contracts, invoices, bank transactions and personal documents form the basis of the application file. The list is customized to your profile.

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