BACKGROUND:
The applicant, a citizen of Canada, solely owned a small business in Canada that sold, installed, and serviced industrial equipment.
The applicant wanted to travel periodically to the U.S. to consult with his U.S. clients and expland his business.
SOLUTION:
We determined that the TN visa Management Consultant category was not a viable fit for these activities for several reasons. For example, engaging in sales activities generally does not fall within the Management Consultant category. Also, because the applicant had multiple U.S. clients, this may have required applying for a TN for each one.
We also determined that the L-1 transfer visa was not a good fit since the applicant’s business model did not require setting up a U.S. office presence with physical office space and employees.
But because the applicant had several U.S. clients, had a history of transactions with these clients, and anticipated an increase in this U.S. business, we believed he was a strong candidate for an E-1 treaty trader visa.
The E-1 visa classification allows citizens of certain countries to enter the U.S. to engage in “substantial” international trade activities.
We prepared a complete application including DS-160 and DS-156E forms, proof of the applicant’s Canadian business, evidence of the applicant’s substantial U.S. trade for the past 4 years, and proof of the applicant’s education and experience in the field.
FILING PROCESS:
We filed the E-1 visa application electronically with the U.S. Consulate in Toronto in July 2026.
The applicant was scheduled for their interview at the Consulate in Nov. 2026.
The Consulate approved the application without issue.
Statements regarding prior application approvals our office has obtained are provided for informational purposes only. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Learn more about the E-1 visa requirements and process
U.S. immigration lawyer Brian D. Zuccaro has over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate the U.S. visa process.
