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Vous faites du commerce avec les États-Unis ? Vous pourriez avoir droit à un visa
Shirin Navabi • April 3, 2025
Click here to read this article in English
Pour les propriétaires d'entreprises internationales et les entrepreneurs engagés dans le commerce transfrontalier avec les États-Unis, la possibilité d'étendre leurs activités et d'établir une présence physique aux États-Unis peut être plus accessible que prévu. Le visa E-1 Treaty Trader
est spécialement conçu pour faciliter ce type d'activité commerciale et offre une voie stratégique permettant aux personnes qualifiées de vivre et de travailler aux États-Unis tout en gérant ou en développant des relations commerciales.
Alors que l'année 2025 a été marquée par une tendance à la modification de la politique d'immigration, le visa E-1 reste une option viable et accueillante. En dépit d'un examen plus approfondi des différentes catégories d'immigration, ce visa reste adapté à ceux qui participent à des échanges commerciaux réguliers et qualifiés avec les États-Unis. Sa structure et son objectif s'alignent bien sur les réalités commerciales actuelles, ce qui en fait un choix stable, même en cas de changement de politique.
Le visa E-1 est accessible aux ressortissants des pays qui ont conclu un traité de commerce et de navigation avec les États-Unis. Pour en bénéficier, les demandeurs doivent démontrer qu'ils sont engagés dans un commerce substantiel - défini comme un flux continu de transactions internationales importantes - principalement entre leur pays d'origine et les États-Unis. Il met plutôt l'accent sur les échanges commerciaux actifs, tels que le transfert régulier de biens, de services ou de technologies.
Ce visa s'applique à un large éventail d'industries, y compris, mais sans s'y limiter, l'industrie manufacturière, la logistique, les services professionnels, le conseil, la finance, le tourisme et la technologie. Si plus de 50 % de vos échanges internationaux se font avec les États-Unis et que votre activité commerciale est cohérente et bien documentée, le visa E-1 peut correspondre à votre modèle d'entreprise actuel.
Outre sa flexibilité, le visa E-1 est renouvelable tant que l'activité commerciale se poursuit. Il offre également des avantages aux membres de la famille éligibles : les conjoints et les enfants célibataires de moins de 21 ans peuvent accompagner le titulaire principal du visa, et les conjoints peuvent demander une autorisation de travail aux États-Unis, ce qui offre un soutien supplémentaire et des opportunités financières à la famille.
Cette catégorie de visa est particulièrement adaptée aux professionnels qui opèrent déjà sur les marchés internationaux et qui cherchent à officialiser ou à étendre leur présence aux États-Unis. Elle récompense un engagement actif, des performances commerciales avérées et des partenariats commerciaux à long terme.
Si vous êtes actuellement engagé dans le commerce avec les États-Unis et que vous envisagez d'étendre vos activités commerciales, le visa E-1 Treaty Trader peut constituer une solution claire et efficace. Les avocats du cabinet Santos Lloyd Law Firm sont là pour vous aider à évaluer vos qualifications et vous guider à chaque étape du processus avec clarté, stratégie et confiance.
Ce blog n'est pas destiné à fournir des conseils juridiques et rien ici ne doit être interprété comme établissant une relation avocat-client. Veuillez prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration avant d'agir sur la base de toute information lue ici.
In 2025, the immigration landscape continues to shift under the weight of national security concerns, ushered in by Executive Order “ Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. ” This directive tasks federal agencies—including the U.S. Department of State—with implementing enhanced screening and vetting protocols for all foreign nationals seeking visas or other immigration benefits. The result? A dramatically intensified vetting process, along with mounting concerns from immigrants, attorneys, and civil liberties advocates alike. Traditionally, airport security focused on verifying travel documents and screening for prohibited items, while consular officers assessed the legitimacy of visa petitions and the admissibility of applicants. Extreme vetting, however, represents a significant shift toward a far more invasive and comprehensive investigative process. It now includes detailed background checks, biometric verification, digital forensics, and expansive scrutiny of an applicant’s online presence and criminal or financial records. Since President Trump’s second term began in January 2025, the implementation of extreme vetting has expanded rapidly. Today, border screenings go far beyond routine document checks, encompassing a full-scale evaluation of a traveler’s digital life. This pivot reflects the administration’s intensified focus on national security, but it has also triggered urgent discussions about privacy, due process, and the fairness of modern immigration enforcement. At U.S. ports of entry—especially airports—noncitizens are now subject to rigorous and invasive procedures, including: Inspection of cell phones, laptops, and other devices (including deleted content) Review of social media activity on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) Biometric scanning, including fingerprinting and facial recognition These measures are no longer confined to travelers from high-risk countries. In practice, extreme vetting applies broadly across all nationalities, and increasingly affects lawful permanent residents as well. For noncitizens, this new landscape introduces a heightened level of uncertainty and vulnerability. Delays at U.S. consulates for visa issuance or renewal are becoming routine. Travelers must now be acutely aware of these changes, and those attending consular interviews or seeking visa renewals should be prepared to provide additional documentation verifying their maintenance of status, compliance with visa conditions, and the bona fide nature of their visa applications. It is critical to organize supporting materials in advance and be ready to answer questions about employment, education, travel history, and online activity. As the U.S. government continues to expand its use of data-driven risk assessment tools, travelers must adapt to a new normal, one where preparation is essential to navigating the immigration system without disruption.
For international business owners and entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade with the United States , the opportunity to expand operations and establish a physical presence in the U.S. may be more accessible than expected. The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is specifically designed to facilitate this type of business activity and offers a strategic pathway for qualifying individuals to live and work in the United States while managing or developing trade relationships. While 2025 has brought a trend of changes in immigration policy, the E-1 visa continues to stand out as a viable and welcoming option . Despite increased scrutiny across various immigration categories, this visa remains suitable for those involved in consistent, qualifying trade with the U.S. Its structure and purpose align well with current business realities, making it a stable choice even amid policy shifts. The E-1 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States . To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are engaged in substantial trade—defined as a continuous flow of sizable international transactions—primarily between their home country and the U.S. Unlike investment-based visas, the E-1 visa does not require a fixed monetary threshold. Instead, it emphasizes active commercial exchange, such as the regular transfer of goods, services, or technology. This visa is applicable across a wide range of industries , including but not limited to manufacturing, logistics, professional services, consulting, finance, tourism, and technology. If more than 50% of your international trade is with the United States, and the business activity is consistent and well-documented, the E-1 visa may be a strong fit for your current business model. In addition to its flexibility, the E-1 visa is renewable as long as the trade activity continues. It also extends benefits to eligible family members: spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal visa holder, and spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, offering added support and financial opportunity for the family. This visa category is particularly well-suited for business professionals who are already operating in international markets and looking to formalize or expand their presence in the U.S. It rewards active engagement, proven commercial performance, and long-term trade partnerships. If you are currently engaged in trade with the United States and are considering expanding your business operations, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa may provide a clear and effective route forward. Our attorneys at Santos Lloyd Law Firm are here to help you assess your qualifications and guide you through each stage of the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
All people living in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain U.S. constitutional rights. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers come to your workplace, they must have either (1) a valid search warrant, or (2) consent from your employer to enter non-public areas. Non-public areas could include: staff break rooms, server rooms, mechanical rooms, HR department offices, private meeting rooms, etc. However, ICE can enter public areas of your workplace (lobby, reception area, parking lot etc.) without a warrant or consent from your employer. If you encounter ICE at your place of employment, it is important to stay calm . If an officer stops you, you may ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, walk away calmly. If they say no, stay where you are and do not attempt to leave. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to speak to ICE, answer any questions, or show any documents . If asked about your place of birth, how you entered the United States, or your immigration status, you may refuse to answer or remain silent. If you choose to remain silent, say it out loud: “I choose to remain silent.” If officers ask you to stand in a group based on your immigration status, you do not have to move. Be prepared to assert your rights by downloading, printing, and carrying a "red card" (available at https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas ) that states you do not wish to speak, answer questions, or sign documents. You are not required to show immigration documents . You may refuse to show identity documents that reveal your nationality or citizenship. However, never show false documents or provide false information. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to contact a lawyer immediately . Even if you do not have a lawyer, you can tell immigration officers, “I want to speak to a lawyer.” If you have a lawyer, you have the right to speak to them and, if possible, provide proof of this relationship (such as a signed Form G-28) to an officer. If you do not have a lawyer, ask for a list of pro bono (free) or l ow bono (low-cost) lawyers. You do not have to sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. If you choose to sign any documents, make sure you fully understand what they mean, as signing may waive your rights or lead to deportation. If you believe your rights have been violated , write down what happened. Be sure to include specific details such as names, badge numbers, and exactly what was said and done. Report the violation to a lawyer or an immigrant rights organization as soon as possible. If you or someone you know may be impacted by this executive order, staying informed and understanding your rights is crucial. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our trusted immigration attorneys are available to provide guidance and support during this uncertain time. Please contact us if you need assistance.
