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Nonimmigrant Visa Unit

E-1 and E-2 Visas (Treaty Traders & Treaty Investors)

What is an E visa?

An E visa is for certain people who wish to live and work temporarily in the United States. The United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with Colombia. Colombian nationals may therefore qualify for an E visa to conduct the following activities: carry on substantial trade, including trade in services or technology, principally between the United States and Colombia; develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which the national has invested; or invest a substantial amount of capital.

Applicants have the burden of demonstrating eligibility for E visa classification as an investor or employee, and the requirements for an E-1 (Treaty Trader) or E-2 (Treaty Investor) visa are substantial. All E visa applicants should review the legal requirements for E visa status as enumerated in 9 FAM 41.51. Decisions about eligibility are made only by the consular officer who reviews the application and then only after all of the information requested by the consular officer has been received.

Spouse and Children of an E Principal Alien

Spouses and children under the age of 21, regardless of nationality, can apply for and receive E visas to accompany or follow-to-join the principal alien in the United States. Derivatives receive the same visa classification as the principal alien.

How do I apply for an E visa?

Follow the below steps in order to apply for an E visa at the Embassy:

  1. Purchase a personal identification number. If you are in the United States, skip this step and go to step 2.
  2. Contact our Visa Information Center to schedule an appointment with the consular officer. 
  3. Pay the nonrefundable visa application fee. 
  4. Appear at the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit on the date/time of your visa interview appointment.

What documents are required in order to apply for an E visa?

Every E visa applicant must provide the following documents:

  • A valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining. Note that we are unable to process visas for applicants whose passports contain any type of powder. Also, we cannot accept damaged passports.

  • A completed and signed Form DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application). You may obtain Form DS-156 at any authorized Banco Helm office, or you may download the form from our website. If you download it from our website, make sure to print both pages of the form on one letter-size (8.5 inches by 11 inches) sheet of paper, front and back. You must take the completed form to Banco Helm when you pay the nonrefundable visa application fee. 
     

  • Completed Form DS-156E. 
     

  • For applicants who are at least 14 years of age but under 80, a completed and signed form DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application). You may obtain form DS-157 at any authorized Banco Helm offices, or you may download the form from our website. 
     

  • A photograph. Glue the photograph to the front of the Form DS-156 in the photograph space. 
     

  • A Colombian national identity card (cédula de identidad personal) for citizens of Colombia 18 years of age and older, a Colombia residency card for residents of Colombia 18 years of age and older, or an identification card for citizens and residents of Colombia under 18). If you just turned 18 and have not yet received your cedula or residency card, you must present the receipt issued by the Registraduría as well as the corresponding annotation on the passport.

What other documents may be required for E visa applicants?

Applicants for an E visa should be prepared to provide the following additional documents at the visa interview:

  • All documentary or other evidence necessary to demonstrate that the applicant meets the requirements for Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor status under 9 FAM 41.51. Such evidence may include but is not limited to evidence that:
    • The individual and/or business possess the nationality of the treaty country.
    • The activities constitute trade within the meaning of the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically INA 101(a)(15)(E).
    • Such trade is substantial.
    • Such trade is principally between the United States and Colombia.
    • The applicant, if an employee, is destined to an executive or supervisory position or possesses skills essential to the firm’s operations in the United States.
    • The applicant intends to depart the United States when E status terminates.  

Important Note: As a result of strict security procedures, some applications may require longer processing times. The application process cannot be accelerated, so you should not make final travel plans or purchase nonrefundable tickets until/unless you receive your visa. Visa applicants should never assume that their application will be approved.