The E-1 Merchant Visa is a temporary immigrant visa issued to citizens of countries that have trade agreements with the United States to conduct their business activities in the United States. This visa allows individuals engaged in large-scale trade or business people who will participate in this trade to establish business contacts, participate in commercial activities and expand their business in the US.
What is an E-1 Merchant Visa?
The E-1 Visa allows citizens of countries that have entered into trade agreements with the United States to enter the United States for the purpose of commercial activity. The E-1 visa type requires regular, continuous, and large-scale trade between the United States and your home country. The E-1 visa is not limited to trade, but also includes activities such as trade representation and business development.
E-1 Visa Admission Requirements
- Citizenship:The applicant must be a citizen of a country that has a trade agreement with the U.S.(Turkey is one of these countries.)
- Trade Volume:The trade volume must be large-scale and regular. The trade must be primarily between the applicant’s country of citizenship and the United States.
- Commercial Purpose:The applicant must travel to the US for commercial purposes and play an active role in commercial activities: Establishing commercial representation, entering into trade agreements.
- Financial Capability:The applicant or the company they represent must be able to earn more than enough income to support themselves and their family.
E-1 Merchant Visa Application Process
Evaluation of Application Eligibility
It is determined that the applicant meets the E-1 criteria by analyzing the volume of trade and the nature of commercial activities.
Preparation of Required Documents
It is critical to prepare complete and accurate documents during the application process.
Required Documents:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months.
- DS-160 Form: Completed and approved online.
- Trade Documents: Invoices, contracts and trade reports.
- Company Documents: Incorporation documents and financial reports.
- Business Plan: A plan detailing the business activities.
Completing the Visa Application
Together with the documents, the application is submitted to the US Consulate or Embassy. Filling out the online DS-160 form, paying the visa fee and the visa interview are the main steps of the application.
Interview and Evaluation
The applicant attends an interview at the US Consulate. During the interview, information about the volume of trade, details of the activities and the role of the applicant is obtained.
Visa Approval and Passport Delivery
Once the application is approved, the E-1 Merchant Visa is processed in the passport and delivered to the applicant.
E-1 Visa and Family Members
The E-1 Trader Visa covers the applicant as well as the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. Important points for family members:
- Spouse: May be authorized to work in the US.
- Children: Can study in the U.S.
- Citizenship Requirement: The spouse and children may have citizenship in a different country and may not have a trade agreement with the United States. This does not affect the visa application.
E-1 Trader Visa Duration
- Validity Period:The visa validity period depends on the agreement the applicant’s country of citizenship has with the US. It usually varies between 3 months and 5 years.
- Duration of Stay in the US:The duration of stay in the US on an E-1 visa is initially limited to 1-5 years. At the end of this period, if you are staying in the US legally, you can request an unlimited number of extensions of your visa.
- Difference between Status and Visa:
- Visa: Allows entry to the U.S. and allows multiple entries.
- Status: Refers to the legal right to stay in the United States. Your status can be extended regardless of the duration of your visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Marsan Akguc Law Firm, we offer professional support for your E-1 Merchant Visa applications. Contact us to expand your business activities in America!
To check whether your home country is among these countries, you can visit the US Immigration Service's “Treaty Countries” page.
Yes, the citizenship of your spouse and children may differ from yours. The difference in citizenship does not affect the visa application.
Yes, the E-1 visa can be extended unlimited times. However, each extension request depends on the continuity of your business activities.
Individuals engaged in trade in areas such as trade in goods, trade in services, insurance, banking, transportation, tourism, technology transfer can apply.
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