E-1 Treaty Trader Visas for UK Nationals

What is a Treaty Trader Visa?

A treaty trader visa is a visa that allows the holder to work in the United States for the purpose of promoting trade between the individuals home country and the United States.

What is the difference between an E-2 and and E-1 Visa?

For a UK National who does not qualify for an E2 visa an L visa may be an option for starting a business in the United States.

In order to qualify for an L visa a business owner, employer or investor needs to have a related foreign business outside the United States.

L visas may be available where less investment is involved than is possible with an E2 investor visa.

Principal Disadvantage of an E-1 Visa

One of the disadvantages of an E-1 visa is that it requires that trade between the home country and the Unites States remain “substantial”.

If at any point trade with other countries starts to grow the impact can be the automatic invalidation of the E-1 visa.

Example

The Cheshire Cheese US Export Company, Ltd. produce a limited amount of cheese each year. All the cheese is exported to the United States.

Rather than relying on US distributors Cheshire decide to send a salesman to the United States. An application is filed in the US consulate in London and approved with the result that a salesman relocates to the US.

While cheese sales are string in the US exports to Germany suddenly take off and exceed exports to the US. Under these circumstances trade with the US is no longer deemed “substantial” and the E-1 visa is automatically invalidated.

Why Select D&A As your E-1 Visa Lawyers?

• D&A’s lawyers are recognized as leaders in the field of investor and small business visas. Our lawyers speak on these topics all over the world and are sought for their expertise in successfully resolving difficult cases.
• D&A lawyers are also business lawyers. We focus on understanding your business and frequently assist clients with the set-up and growth of their US business,
• With a presence in London and the US D&A are uniquely positioned to assist UK Nationals for their business in the US and apply for the applicable visa in a US consulate.

Davies & Associates in the United Kingdom

We are recognized as a leading US law firm specializing in E-2 visa applications for UK Nationals.

Our resources across the US are available to help to assist you with the formation or acquisition of your US business.

Our team in London can assist you with every step of your E2 visa process.