How long does the E-1 Treaty Trader (Subclass E-1) (United States) take to process?

Varies by U.S. Embassy/Consulate appointment availability, administrative processing, and case-specific review.

How long can you stay on the E-1 Treaty Trader (Subclass E-1) (United States)?

As authorized by the visa classification and Form I-94 admission period.

Can you work on the E-1 Treaty Trader (Subclass E-1) (United States)?

Work only if eligible for the category and only in the authorized specialty/professional activity.

Country Info Hub

United States

A leading destination for professionals and students worldwide, known for its strong economy, world-class universities, and diverse culture.

Visa Routes Breakdown

62 Total

Work (17)

PR (17)

Study (4)

Visit (2)

Capital: Washington, D.C.
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
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Languages: English
Time vs Colombo: -9h 30m to -15h 30m
Population: About 0 million
Calling code: +1
Drives on: Right
Climate: Mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska

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Official Visa Data

Visa Routes Breakdown

62 Total

Work (17)

PR (17)

Study (4)

Visit (2)

Back to all visas

At a glance

Government fee

USD 315 DOS nonimmigrant visa application processing fee for E category; reciprocity/issuance fees may vary.

Department of State fee table lists E treaty trader/investor/Australian specialty category fee as USD 315. Reciprocity fees depend on nationality and class.

Processing time: Varies by U.S. Embassy/Consulate appointment availability, administrative processing, and case-specific review.
How long you can stay: As authorized by the visa classification and Form I-94 admission period.
Work rights: Work only if eligible for the category and only in the authorized specialty/professional activity.
Where it leads: Temporary nonimmigrant status; not direct permanent residence.
Where you apply: Online DS-160, fee payment where required, and U.S. Embassy/Consulate appointment/adjudication.

Key requirements

Nationality of an E-1 treaty country
Substantial trade principally between the United States and treaty country
Applicant develops/directs trade or is essential employee
Sri Lanka is not listed for E-1
Official treaty eligibility must be confirmed

Step-by-step process

The verified roadmap from starting your application to the grant.

1
Confirm nationality restriction before proceeding
Before applying
Check the official treaty/category nationality list before spending on the application; Sri Lankan-only applicants are not eligible for this principal category.
2
Prepare official forms and supporting evidence
Before application submission
Complete the required online form and collect passport, photo, purpose, finance, employment, relationship, or official evidence for the category.
3
Submit DS-160/DS-260 and pay required fees
Application submission stage
Submit DS-160 or the required official form, pay the DOS visa fee unless exempt, and schedule the consular appointment.
4
Attend U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview
Interview/decision stage
Attend the U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview and provide biometrics/documents as instructed.
Proceed only if nationality is eligible; otherwise choose another route
After visa decision
If nationality is not eligible, the category should remain unavailable and another U.S. visa category must be assessed.

Document checklist

Track your progress as you gather what you need.

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Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Your ticks stay on this device.

Cost breakdown

A verified breakdown beyond just the visa fee.

Government fee: USD 315 DOS nonimmigrant visa application processing fee for E category; reciprocity/issuance fees may vary.
Agent fee: $2,591
Travel: $945
Settling in: $7,855
Monthly living cost: $2,495

More details

Important notes

Sri Lanka appears as No Treaty for E-1 in the official U.S. reciprocity/treaty tables; do not treat this as available for Sri Lankan principal applicants.
Treaty eligibility is nationality-based, not residence-based.

Streams

Treaty/FTA
Employment
Nationality restricted

Official sources

This is information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.

United States

Visa Routes Breakdown

Quick facts

Visa Routes Breakdown

Confirm nationality restriction before proceeding

Prepare official forms and supporting evidence

Submit DS-160/DS-260 and pay required fees

Attend U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview

Proceed only if nationality is eligible; otherwise choose another route

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources

Confirm nationality restriction before proceeding

Prepare official forms and supporting evidence

Submit DS-160/DS-260 and pay required fees

Attend U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview

Proceed only if nationality is eligible; otherwise choose another route

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources