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Required Format for E-1 Visa Applications
Treaty Trader (E-1), Treaty Investor (E-2) Visas

Required Format for E-1 Visa Applications

Applications must be sent as .PDF files, divided into sections clearly separated indicated by lettered or numbered tabs. You must restrict your application to 50 standard sized pages of information (excluding Tabs A-C and G-28), with a minimum type size of 10 point.  If you believe additional documents are required to support your application, you should bring them to the interview. Please note that, as a general rule, children under 14 do not need to come to the Embassy.

Tab A For principal applicant(s) and dependent family member(s): DS-160 confirmation page generated by the online system, with suitable photo.
Tab B For principal applicant(s) and dependent family member(s): Photocopy of data (photo) page of passport (DO NOT SEND ANY PASSPORTS BY MAIL); copies of the marriage certificate and birth certificates for dependents, as appropriate.
Tab C For principal applicant(s): Fully completed form DS-156E parts I, II and III. Please fill out the form online. Contact information must include an e-mail address.
Tab D Cover letter describing company, position, and beneficiary. This letter must address all requirements for E visa eligibility as defined by the Foreign Affairs Manual and US law. It should address the following in detail:

  •  that the trade is substantial, as defined in  9 FAM 402.9-5(C)(to be documented in Tab F)
  • that the trade is occurring principally between the United States and the treaty country,   9 FAM 402.9-5(D)  to be documented in Tab G)
  •  that the applicant will fill an executive/supervisory role or possesses skills essential to the firm’s operations, 9 FAM 402.9-7 (to be documented in Tab H).

If the company has previously qualified for E visa status, please include the date of the initial qualification. Also, please include a paragraph concerning the applicant’s unequivocal intent to depart US when E status ends.

Tab E Proof of treaty country ownership and controlling interest in the enterprise.
Tab F Evidence of substantial trade as defined by 9 FAM 402.9-5 (C) Mandatory: You must include a detailed spreadsheet showing all of the company’s international transactions for a period of at least one year, the value of each transaction, and a list of trading partners. This spreadsheet may be sent in .xls format.
Tab G Evidence that trade is principally between the US and the treaty country. US Customs invoices and/or purchase receipts may be submitted here.
Tab H Applicant’s résumé, certifications and degrees, etc… and, if an essential employee, evidence that employee has essential skills that the enterprise urgently needs, as well as the projected duration of this essentiality. Please include an organizational chart. You may also wish to explain why the enterprise was unable to find a qualified US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident to fill the position.
Tab I G-28 “Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative” (as appropriate), including contact e-mail address and phone number.