E-1 and E-2 treaty visas

• A passport and the Form DS-160 confirmation page for each applicant, plus Form DS-156E where the consulate requires it (all E-1 applicants and E-2 employees; some consulates also ask the E-2 investor for it).
• Proof of the owners' nationality and an ownership chart showing at least 50% treaty-country ownership.
• E-1: purchase orders, invoices, bills of lading, customs declarations, letters of credit and bank records that show the trade.
• E-2: evidence of the source of the funds, each transfer, and what was spent (invoices, leases, purchase agreements, escrow papers).
• E-2: a business plan with 5-year financial projections for a new business; tax returns and payroll records for an existing one.
• Business licenses and proof the business operates, such as a lease, utility bills and client contracts.
• For employees: a letter from the company and a CV showing executive, supervisory or essential skills.
• Certified English translations of foreign-language documents; USCIS requires them for every foreign-language document.

• Nationality gaps. Treaty nationals own less than 50% of the company, or shares held by U.S. green-card holders are counted toward the 50%.
• E-1 trade not principal. 50% or less of the international trade is with the treaty country, or the trade has not started yet.
• E-2 marginal enterprise. Within 5 years the plan shows only a living for the investor's family.
• Funds not at risk. Uncommitted money in a bank account, or a loan secured by the business's own assets.
• Untraceable funds. Cash deposits or transfers with no records that link them to a lawful source.
• Weak employee case. A manager title in a two-person office, or skills that are readily available in the U.S.
• Substantive change without USCIS approval. A merger, an acquisition or the sale of the employing division needs a new Form I-129.
• Citizenship by investment. A person who acquired the treaty nationality through an investment and has never held E status needs 3 continuous years of domicile in that country first.

• Your country is not on the treaty list (for example China, India or Brazil): look at L-1, EB-5 or O-1.
• You want a green card: E status is temporary. Compare EB-5.
• You want a passive investment: E-2 requires an active business that you develop and direct.
• You are a Turkish citizen: the Turkey page has the Istanbul checklist and the Turkish source-of-funds documents.

Who this is for

• Investors from treaty countries who buy or start a real, operating U.S. business and will run it: the E-2 treaty investor category. Turkish citizens: see E-2 for Turkish investors.
• Individuals and companies that already carry on substantial trade in goods or services between the U.S. and their treaty country: the E-1 treaty trader category.
• Executives, supervisors and employees with essential skills who share the nationality of the treaty company that employs them.
• Spouses and unmarried children under 21, of any nationality.

Key requirements

• Treaty nationality. Your country must be on the State Department's list for E-1, E-2 or both; Turkey (E-1 since 1933, E-2 since 1990), Germany, Japan and Mexico are examples. China (the People's Republic) is on neither list. A business has the nationality of the people who own at least 50% of it.
• E-1 trade. The trade must already exist and flow continuously in numerous transactions. More than 50% of your international trade must be between the U.S. and your treaty country. Services such as banking, insurance, transport and tourism can count.
• E-2 investment. Capital you control must be at risk in a real, operating, for-profit business. The amount must be substantial in proportion to the cost of the business; there is no fixed minimum.
• E-2 marginality. Within 5 years the business must be able to earn more than a minimal living for you and your family, or make a significant economic contribution.
• Control. An E-2 investor must develop and direct the business through at least 50% ownership or operational control.
• Intent to depart. You must intend to leave the U.S. when E status ends. You do not need to keep a home abroad.

What to check with an attorney

• Whether your funds are substantial for this particular business, and whether the business is more than marginal.
• Whether more than 50% of your international trade is with your treaty country (E-1).
• Where the money came from, and whether every transfer can be documented.
• Whether to apply at a consulate or from inside the U.S., given your current status and travel plans.
• How E status fits later plans such as a green card. E-1 and E-2 do not lead directly to permanent residence.

Fees and rules reviewed 16 Oct 2026. Sources below.

Official sources:

1. 9 FAM 402.9: Treaty traders and investors (U.S. Department of State)
2. 8 CFR 214.2(e): Treaty traders and investors (eCFR)
3. 22 CFR 22.1: Schedule of fees for consular services (eCFR)
4. State Department: Treaty countries
5. State Department: Türkiye visa reciprocity schedule
6. USCIS: E-1 Treaty Traders
7. USCIS: E-2 Treaty Investors
8. USCIS: G-1055 Fee Schedule
9. USCIS: How do I request premium processing?
10. Public Law 117-263, sec. 5902: E visas and nationality acquired by investment
11. 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3): Translations (eCFR)

What changed: added the short answer, 2026 government fees, timelines, documents, risks and the rule for citizenship by investment; Turkey-specific details moved to the new Turkey page.