The E-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows nationals of countries with which the U.S. has a treaty of commerce and navigation to enter the U.S. for the purpose of engaging in substantial trade. Here’s an overview of the E-1 visa category:

1. Eligibility: To qualify for an E-1 visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: The applicant must be a national of a country with which the U.S. has a treaty of commerce and navigation. The list of eligible countries varies and can be found on the website of the U.S. Department of State.
2. Trade: The applicant must be coming to the U.S. to engage in substantial trade, which generally refers to the continuous flow of sizable international trade items, including goods, services, and technology, between the treaty country and the U.S. This trade must be principally between the U.S. and the treaty country.
3. Substantiality: The trade conducted must be substantial in the sense that it is sufficient to ensure a continuous flow of international trade items between the U.S. and the treaty country.
4. Nationality: The majority ownership or control of the trading company must be held by nationals of the treaty country.

1. Employer or Employee: The E-1 visa can be obtained by either an employee of a qualifying company or by an owner or principal of the company who will be directly engaging in trade activities in the U.S.
2. Duration of Stay: E-1 visa holders can initially stay in the U.S. for a period of up to two years, with extensions available in increments of up to two years as long as the trade continues and the applicant maintains eligibility.
3. Spouse and Dependents: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of E-1 visa holders are eligible to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the U.S. under the E-1 derivative visa category.

Overall, the E-1 visa is designed to facilitate trade and commerce between the U.S. and treaty countries, promoting economic relations and facilitating the movement of eligible individuals engaged in substantial trade activities.