Nonimmigrant visas
Types of visas - Treaty Trader (E1)
REQUIRED FORMAT FOR E1 VISA APPLICATIONS
Applications must be submitted in a binder divided into sections clearly separated by lettered or numbered tabs. A cover letter from the applicant’s representative may be included outside the binder. Applications that do not follow these guidelines will be returned unread.
| Tab A or 1 |
DS-156 nonimmigrant visa application, one 5X5 cm photograph with a white background, a receipt from Shinhan Bank for the visa processing fee. |
| Tab B or 2 | Two completed copies of Form DS-156E. Contact information must include an e-mail address and fax number. Please ensure that the form is filled out in its entirety. |
| Tab C or 3 |
A photocopy of the entire passport of each applicant. Please include copies of all prior US visas and approved change of status notices (Form I-797). Please bring your original passport and any prior ones containing U.S. visas with you at the time of the interview. Courier service receipt will be needed to return your passport to you after the visa issuance. Each passport has a separate courier service form attached. Courier forms are available at the Embassy or courier service offices. |
| Tab D or 4 |
A record of the immigration arrivals and departures for each person; and please submit the following documents to prove family relationship. Each certificate must be issued within one month of the application date.
|
| Tab E or 5 | Cover letter describing company, position, and beneficiary. This letter must address all requirements for E visa eligibility as defined by the Foreign Affairs Manual (http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/87220.pdf) and US law. It should address the following in detail:
If the company has previously qualified for E visa status, please include the date of the initial qualification. Also, please include a paragraph concerning the applicant’s unequivocal intent to depart US when E status ends. |
| Tab F or 6 | Proof of treaty country ownership (at least 50%) and controlling interest in the enterprise. Articles of Incorporation, stock certificates and ledgers, Secretary of State certificates, Minutes of Board of Directors’ meetings showing who the officers are and the distribution of capital and other documents of this nature may be included. |
| Tab G or 7 | Evidence of substantial trade as defined by 9 FAM 41.51 N6 (see www.foia.state.gov/masterdocs/09fam/0941051N.pdf) |
| Tab H or 8 |
Evidence that trade is principally between the US and the treaty country as defined by 9 FAM 41.51 N7 |
| Tab I or 9 | Applicant’s resumé.
If the applicant is applying as an employee with Executive and Supervisory Responsibility, evidence that he or she meets the criteria outlined in 9 FAM 41.51 N14.2. This should also include an organizational chart. If the applicant is applying an essential employee, evidence that employee has essential skills that the enterprise urgently needs, as well as the projected duration of this essentiality. You should include relevant diplomas, job training certificates or letters from previous employers in this section. Please include an organizational chart. You may also wish to explain why the enterprise was unable to find a qualified US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident to fill the position. You should address the criteria contained in 9 FAM 14.51 N14.3 |
| Tab J or 10 | G-28I or G-28 "Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative" (as appropriate), including contact e-mail address and phone number. |



