E-Visas: Your Guide

Interested in applying for an E-Visa, but feeling overwhelmed? No problem. The process is complex and can be overwhelming.

Below is some basic information to get you started. While this is a helpful starter guide, we strongly suggest working with a Board Certified immigration attorney to ensure that you proceed with the best course of action for your unique situation.

E-Visa Basics

The E category of visas includes investors and treaty traders coming to the United States under a treaty of commerce and navigation between their home country and the U.S. If there is no such treaty, the prospective E visa applicant should explore whether they could qualify using the qualifying nationality of a relative. Australian specialty occupation workers are also included in this category.

There are three E-Visa categories, outlined below:

  • E-1: Treaty Traders – These individuals conduct substantial trade in goods between the U.S. and the country where they are citizens or nationals.
  • E-2: Treaty Investors – E-2 visa holders have invested or are currently investing a substantial amount of money in an enterprise, and now direct its operations.
  • E-3: Australian Specialty Occupation Worker – These workers perform services in specialty occupations.

 E-Visa Application

 The E-Visa application process includes the following steps:

  1. You must apply with the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country before entering the United States. *For nonimmigrants who are already in the U.S., your company may file a change of status to E-1 or E-2, if you qualify.
  2. Once you are approved by USCIS, an approval notice will be sent to your company. This will include your Form I-94, denoting your work authorized nonimmigrant status. Your employer should provide this form to you.
  3. Complete this form and provide the supporting documentation required.

More Information on E-Visas

For additional information on E-1, E-2, or E-3 Visas, contact Shane & Shane today. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help walk you through the entire process from start to finish to ensure that everything goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.