E-1 / E-2 Visas: U.S. Market Access for Traders & Investors

The E-1 and E-2 are nonimmigrant visas for individuals from treaty countries who engage in substantial trade (E-1) or invest significantly in a U.S. business (E-2). These visas are ideal for entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, managers or essential employees expanding operations into the U.S.

Key Benefits

Work Authorization for Principal Applicant

Permission to work is included for the primary applicant within their own business or sponsoring employer.

Spousal Employment Eligibility

Spouses can apply for unrestricted work authorization (EAD) once inside the U.S.

No Foreign Residence Requirement

Applicants are not required to maintain a residence abroad, though they must intend to depart when their status ends.

Education Access for Children

Children under 21 may attend U.S. public and private schools.

Flexible Path to Long-Term Stay

Offers a pathway to remain in the U.S. long-term without needing to immediately pursue permanent residency.

Ideal Candidates

This visa is well-suited for:
Entrepreneurs or investors
from treaty countries who want to establish or buy a U.S. business (E-2).
Executives, managers, and essential employees
of qualifying companies with the same nationality as the treaty country.
Family-oriented individuals
looking for U.S. education
and employment opportunities for their dependents.
Business owners involved in international trade
between their country and the U.S. (E-1).

What you get with Trotter?

Free Entry Point Services
Tailored Discovery and Planning
Documentation Strategy and Oversight
Petition Assembly and Filing
Government Liaison Management
Interview Navigation Support
Response to Government Inquiries
Post-Filing and Long-Term Support
1

Initial free consultation

A no-cost screening to determine if you meet the criteria for an E-1 or E-2 visa and to discuss your goals and background.

2

Tailored Discovery and Planning

Fact-Finding Questionnaire

  • Designed to collect detailed applicant and business data.

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Strategic Planning Framework

  • Development of a visa roadmap suited to your personal and business profile.
  • Identification of any potential grounds for denial.
  • Guidance for sponsors or employers, if part of your petition.
3

Documentation Strategy and Oversight

Document Matrix

  • A checklist outlining required personal, business, and financial records.

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Evidence Optimization Support

  • One-on-one support for gathering strong supporting documents.
  • Vetting and prioritization of materials to align with adjudication trends.

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4

Petition Assembly and Filing

Petition Drafting

  • Comprehensive preparation of your visa form and petition letter.

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Forms Completion

  • Department of State (DS-160/DS-156E) or USCIS (I-129 and supplements) forms prepared for accuracy and clarity.

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Execution & Submission

  • All forms are signed, compiled, and submitted to the proper immigration authority.
5

Government Liaison Management

Agency Engagement Handling:

  • Proactive follow-up with USCIS or the U.S. consulate.
  • Real-time updates and case monitoring.

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Optional Fast-Track Filing:

  • Premium processing filing where available, for quicker adjudication.
6

Interview Navigation Support

Agency Engagement Handling:

  • Proactive follow-up with USCIS or the U.S. consulate.
  • Real-time updates and case monitoring.

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Optional Fast-Track Filing:

  • Premium processing filing where available, for quicker adjudication.
7

Response to Government Inquiries

RFE Response Services

  • In-depth legal analysis of any request for further evidence.
  • Customized response packet prepared and submitted on time to reinforce your case.
8

Initial free consultation

Process Transparency

  • Regular updates at each milestone of the case lifecycle.
  • Follow-Up Assistance

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Strategy Adjustments

  • Tactical pivoting if changes in fact patterns or rules occur

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