How To Apply For The E1 Visa

Are you an American citizen looking to come to the United Kingdom as a visitor for work or study? Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the requirements before applying. The country's Points-Based System (PBS) determines which visas are issued. It also lists the visa types, duration, and application process. To qualify for an E1/E2/EB5 visa, a prospective immigrant must meet these three quality standards: Theoretical Knowledge. An E1 applicant must have at least one year of theoretical knowledge of English. Practical Knowledge. An E1 applicant must have a job offer from a UK employer and be able to speak English fluently or READ English correctly. Verbal Ability. An E1 applicant must show a demonstrated ability to speak English. A vague resume or letters of recommendation from previous employers won’t count.
The E1 visa for Treaty Traders allows nationals from countries that maintain an appropriate treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. to enter the U.S. to conduct trade between the U.S. and their home country.

What is an E1/E2 Visa?

An E1/E2 Visa is a particular visa issued to foreign workers who come to the UK for short-term employment. The Home Office issues the visa based on a foreign worker's skills and the ability of the worker to meet the requirements of the U.S. employer. The duration of the visa is two years, with the possibility of two one-year extensions.

How to Apply for an E1/E2 Visa

The process for applying for an E1/E2 Visa is relatively straightforward. You must: - Be a qualified or recommended candidate for an E1/E2 Visa. - Meet the basic eligibility requirements for the visa type you are applying for. - Have a valid passport with you when you apply for the visa. - Have a copy of your CV or a list of your accomplishments, skills, and achievements ready when you apply. - Be proficient in written and spoken English. - Be able to demonstrate that your skills and experience are in line with what's needed for the job opening in the UK. - Be able to demonstrate that you have an excellent working knowledge of the English language. - Be able to demonstrate that you have the integrity and character required for the position in question. - Have a good work record, either in the UK or elsewhere, of at least three years. - Have a good referral history, either in the UK or elsewhere, of at least two years. - Have access to funds of at least £1,500. - Be willing to accept a lower salary than your prospective employer offers. - Have a valid address in the UK (address can be changed while in the UK). - Have a valid phone number in the UK (can be changed while in the UK). - Be willing to accept the regular working hours and travel hours required of the job. - Be willing to accept the Language Barrier requirement. - Be willing to accept the education requirement. - Be willing to accept the health and safety requirements. - Be willing to accept the labor conditions that include the minimum wage, hours of work, holiday time, etc.

E1 Visa Eligibility – It Is Suitable For:

    Personnel including executives, managers, and specialists of a treaty nation company operating in the U.S.

•     Nationals of treaty countries seeking to enter the U.S. to carry out substantial trade
•     Immediate family members of E1 visa holders
•     Companies in treaty countries send key personnel to manage the U.S. affiliate or branch.
      Companies in treaty countries send personnel to set up a U.S. company

E1 Visa Benefits

1.     You can travel freely in and out of the U.S. while on a valid E1 visa
2.     You can stay on a prolonged basis with unlimited two-year extensions as long as you maintain good E1 status
3.     Your dependents can stay with you as long as you retain your E1 status. They can also attend school
4.     You can apply at an American Consulate abroad or for a class change if you are in the U.S.
5.     Your spouse may seek employment by applying for an employment authorization document.

When Can You Apply for an E1/E2 Visa?

You can apply for an E1/E2 Visa two months before the start of the employment period. However, applying a month in advance is better, so you have plenty of time to prepare. You can also apply for a Tier 2 Visa three months before the start of the employment period.

How to Apply for a Tier 2 Visa

You can apply for a tier 2 Visa at the same time as you apply for an E1/E2 Visa. However, first, you must complete the Tier 2 Advanced flexible program, often referred to as the Flexible program. After that, you must apply for a Tier 2 Visa and an E1/E2 Visa at different times.

How Long Does it Take to Apply for a Tier 2 Visa?

You must apply for a Tier 2 Visa at least seven months before the start of your employment period. After applying for a Tier 2 Visa, it can take up to three months for them to issue you a visa.
What is the Process for Applying for a Tier 2 Visa?

You can apply for a Tier 2 Visa online at the following website: You must also take the following actions:

 - Make sure you have a currently valid passport. 
- Make sure you have proof of your employment offer from the employer. 
- Make sure you have proof of adequate health insurance coverage. 
- Make sure you have a valid address in the UK. 
- Make sure you have a valid phone number in the UK. 
- Make sure you are willing to accept the regular working hours and travel hours required of the job. 
- Make sure you are willing to accept the Language Barrier requirement. 
- Make sure you are willing to accept the education requirement. 
- Make sure you are willing to accept the health and safety requirements. 
- Make sure you are willing to accept the labor conditions that include the minimum wage, hours of work, holiday time, etc.

What is the Difference Between an E1/E2 Visa and a B-1/B-2 Visa?

The main difference between an E1/E2 Visa and a B-1/B2 Visa is the length of stay. A B-2 Visa lasts for five years, while an E1/E2 Visa is for two years. Another difference is that an E1/E2 Visa does not allow for the employment of family members.

E1 Visa Requirements

To qualify for the E1 visa, you must fulfill the following requirements:

A. You Must Be A National of A Treaty Country

It would be best if you were a national of a country that maintains a threat of navigation and commerce with the U.S. for E1 visa purposes.

E1 visa treaty countries currently include::

B. Trading Firm Must Belong To The Treaty Country

The trading firm for which you are coming to the U.S. must have the treaty country's nationality.

C. The Trade Must Be Substantial

The international trade between your home country and the U.S. must be ‘substantial’ because of a sizable and continuing trade volume. More than 50 percent of international trade must be between the U.S. and your home country.

E1 Visa 

• Spouses of E1 visa holders may accept employment in the U.S. by obtaining an Employment Authorization Document.
• To change the purpose of your visit while you are in the U.S. on an E1 visa, you must change your visa status.
• The information provided here applies to New E1 Visa and E1 Extension.

E1 Visa Fees (Filing at the USCIS)

Filing Fee – Regular $460
Filing Fee – Premium $2,960

E1 Visa Fees (Filing at the U.S. Consulate)

Filing Fee of $205

How long does the E1 visa take to process?

The processing period for an E1 visa is determined by the caseload of the US Embassy or USCIS if you apply from within the US. However, the processing period is projected to be between two and four weeks from the moment you file your application. After the processing time has ended, you will be told whether you have been granted or rejected the visa.

How long is the E1 visa valid?

If the US Embassy or USCIS has decided that you fulfill the requirements and grant you the visa, it will have a limited validity. The E1 visa is initially valid for 2 years only. This means you are allowed to stay in the US to conduct international trade for 2 years. Afterward, there are various options for you to continue your stay, or you can return to your home country.

If you continue to meet the requirements of the E1 visa and are eligible as an international trader, you might leave the US and come back again through a Port of Entry (POE). Sometimes, the E1 visa is automatically renewed for another 2 years.

However, the most usual situation is that you will have to apply for an extension of the visa. The US allows E1 visa holders unlimited extensions if they meet the E1 visa criteria and show continuous intent to return to their home country. To file for an extension, you must file Form I-129 and Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Status.

You must also include a copy of your passport, a copy of your Form I-94, which you got when you entered the US, a copy of Form I-797, US tax documents, and proof that your stay in the US is essential to continuing the trade.

Can I apply for a Green Card with an E1 visa?

Since you will constantly have to prove your intent to return to your home country after your visa expires and your work is completed, going from an E1 visa to Green Card is difficult. However, it is not impossible. The easiest way is for you to find a job and an employer willing to sponsor your stay. You can then change your status to an H-1B visa and then apply for the Green Card.

Additionally, if you have family in the US who have permanent residence, you can apply to join them. More difficult manners to obtain permanent residence are through filing as an Alien of Extraordinary Ability or EB-1 person or you can file a National Interest Waiver (NIW) if you have advanced education and training and if you can show that your work will benefit the US.

More You Should Not Miss:

Get More You need to know before Proceeding with the Application;

• USA Immigration - https://bit.ly/usa-immigrations
• Canada Immigration  - https://bit.ly/canada-immigrations
• World Immigration - https://bit.ly/world-immigrations
• Employment Opportunities  - https://bit.ly/abroad-employments
• Education Opportunities  - https://bit.ly/abroad-scholarship-programs
• Homepage explore - https://bit.ly/immigration-center

Conclusion

The E1/E2 Visa is a particular type that allows foreign workers to come to the United Kingdom and work as independent contractors or subcontractors temporarily. The Home Office issues the visa based on a foreign worker's skills and the ability of the worker to meet the requirements of the U.S. employer. The duration of the key is two years, with the possibility of two one-year extensions.