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E1 Treaty Trader Visa

The Kingdom of Thailand and the United States of America have longstanding ties both diplomatically and economically. One of the many benefits accorded to the Citizens of each of these countries is Treaty Trader visa benefits for those conducting business in either of these two countries.

The United States and Thailand share a Treaty of Amity. This Treaty can have many benefits for those Americans conducting business in Thailand. Meanwhile, Thai Nationals can travel to the USA for certain business purposes. E1 visas are not just available to Thai nationals as many countries throughout Asia have trade agreements with the United States which may accord similar benefits to Citizens of those countries.

The requirements for obtaining an E1 visa can be rather stringent and those thinking of applying should remember that United States Immigration benefits can be difficult to obtain as the US Immigration and visa application process can be rather cumbersome and complicated.

In order for an individual to obtain an E1 visa they must be a Citizen of country which has a qualifying Treaty with the United States of America. The commercial organization that the applicant is traveling to America to trade for needs to retain the nationality of the underlying treaty nation. The trade involved must be substantial as there needs to be continuous trade of a rather large amount. The trading activity should be mostly between the United States and the treaty nation. Essentially, this means that fifty percent, or more, of the bi-national, multi-national, or international trade implicated ought to be between the USA and the nation of the applicants Citizenship. Generally, the definition of trade means is the international exchange of goods, services, and technology. Title of the trade items must pass from one party to the other.*

Finally, the person submitting the application needs to be employed as a supervisor, manager, or executive. If the applicant does not meet this requirement then, as a general rule, the applicant needs to be a highly skilled person whose presence is required in order to facilitate efficiency within the organization.

The E1 visa can be an effective travel document for those wishing to travel and conduct trade activities within the United States of America. Those seeking such a visa are well advised to consult with a licensed American attorney prior to making any irrevocable decisions. Also, when discussing visa matters with an individual or company always ask to see the credentials of those who are to be working on the case, credentials can include: State Supreme Court License to Practice Law, Federal Court License to Practice Law, or Bar Association Membership Card.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1273.html#1