E-1 Visa vs. E-2 Visa: What are the main differences?

The United States offers several visa options for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to expand their businesses in the American market. Among them, the E-1 (Trader) and E-2 (Investor) visas are often confused. However, they serve very different purposes: one promotes international trade, the other direct investment in the American economy.

The E-1 visa: for international trade

The E-1 visa, or Treaty Trader , is for citizens of countries that have signed a trade treaty with the United States. It is intended for companies or entrepreneurs who conduct substantial and regular trade between their home country and the United States.

Main conditions:

• At least 50% of trade must be with the United States;

• Exchanges may concern goods, services or technologies;

• The applicant must be an officer or key employee of the company;

• Exchanges must be frequent and meaningful.

Example: A French company regularly exporting food products to the United States could apply for an E-1 visa for its manager.

The E-2 visa: for investment in the United States

The E-2 visa, or Treaty Investor , is for foreign investors wishing to create, purchase, or manage a U.S. business. Its objective is to encourage foreign investment that creates jobs and value in the country.

Main conditions:

• Be a national of a country that is a signatory to an investment treaty;

• Make a substantial, risky investment (generally starting at $100,000 depending on the project);

• The business must be real, active and generating income;

• The applicant must actively develop and direct the business.

Example: A Canadian entrepreneur investing in a restaurant franchise in Florida could obtain an E-2 visa.

The key differences between the two visas

Criteria	E-1 Visa	E-2 Visa
Objective	International trade	Direct investment
Nature of the activity	Exchange of goods or services	Creation or acquisition of a business
Amount required	No fixed minimum	Substantial investment
Economic link	50% of trade with the USA	Sustainable local activity
Job creation	Not mandatory	Recommended
Duration	2 to 5 years (renewable)	2 to 5 years (renewable)

How to choose?

• Opt for the E-1 visa if your business relies heavily on international trade with the United States.

• Consider the E-2 visa if you want to actively invest in a U.S. business and live there to manage it.

In both cases, these visas offer the opportunity to work and live legally in the United States with one's family, and are renewable indefinitely as long as the conditions are met.

The Bottom Line

The E-1 visa supports trade, while the E-2 visa promotes investment. The choice therefore depends on the nature of your business project and your development strategy in the United States.