Types of E Visa USA

E-visas USA are meant for individuals who want to visit the country to carry out substantial trade, or to develop operations of an enterprise in which the country has invested or is in the process of investing. There are different types of e-visas. For example, Treaty Traders (E-1), and Treaty Investors (E-2), and Australian Specialty Occupation Workers. Keep reading to learn more about the E visa types, application process, Evisa processing time, visa validity, list of E visa treaty countries, and more.

What is an E visa USA?

E visa USA are granted to individuals for 2 different reasons. These are as follows:

1. Substantial trade. (Mainly between the US and the treaty country E1)
2. Create or direct the operations of a company in which the US has invested or is in the process of investing.

Click here to learn how to get a student visa for USA

What are the different Types of E Visa USA?

The are 3 different types of E visas. These are Treaty Traders (E-1), Treaty Investors (E-2) visa, and the Australian Specialty Occupation Worker (E-3). The visas are explained in detail below:

Treaty Traders (E-1), and Treaty Investors (E-2)

The Treaty Traders here refer to those who are taking up substantial trade in goods. For example, services and technology, principally between the U.S. and their country of nationality. On the other hand, the Treaty investors direct the operations of a company in which they have invested or actively investing. 

The employees of the treaty investors and the treaty traders receive the same classification as their employer for E-visa USA. For example, the nonimmigrant employee of a treaty trader is admitted to E-1 status. Similarly, the treaty investor’s employee is given E 2 status.  Moreover, the spouses of E-1 and E-2 category applicants can apply for employment in the USA.

However, before entering the USA, the eligible applicant must receive the E-1/E2 visa from a US embassy or consulate overseas.  Additionally, a US company is eligible to request a change of status/extension for a non-immigrant in the US under the E1-E2 Category.

Australian Specialty Occupation Worker (E-3)

The Australian Speciality Occupation Worker refers to a worker who delivers services in a speciality occupation. Before entering the United States, the candidates under this category must apply for a visa, from a US consulate/embassy. Moreover, a US company can apply for a change of status for a nonimmigrant who is already in the country for an E-3 visa. Similarly, E-3 nonimmigrant workers can also apply for an E-visa USA  extension. Moreover, the spouses of the E-3 visa holders are eligible to apply for the E-3 visa classification. 

Learn about the most common types of visas.

What is the Decision Time to get an E visa USA?

The time taken to get an E visa USA can vary depending on the visa type. Generally, it takes around 3-5 weeks to get an Evisa. After the visa is processed, the applicant will get the know about the decision regarding the visa. The Consulate will deliver the document regarding the same. It can take an additional 2 working days.

On the other hand, the applications that come under Section 221(g of the INA Act (pending) can take approximately 60 days. In certain cases, it can even take around 6 months!  Those who have applied under the visa waiver ineligibility category might take 6-8 months to get the visa. However, nationals of the countries under the visa waiver program and applying through the Electronic Travel Authorization System for a visa for a short period can get a response within 72 hours,.

What is the E Visa USA Processing Time?

The E-Visa USA processing time can vary depending on the visa type. Therefore we have provided the list of USA visas and the processing time.

Visa Type	Processing Time
E-1 visa	2 to 4 weeks
E-3 visa	4 to 6 weeks
E-2 visa	2 months
F-1 visa	immediately after the interview
J-1 visa	1 to 4 months
F-2 visa	A few days to 2 weeks
Q-1 visa	15 days to 3 months
B-1 visa	A couple of weeks to 2 months
M-1 visa	At least 4 weeks
B-2 visa	A couple of weeks to 2 months
H-1B1 visa	4 to 6 months
H-1B visa	3 to 6 months
H-2A visa	Varies
H-4 visa	Varies
H-3 visa	4 to 6 weeks
L-2 visa	15 days to 1 month
L-1 visa	3 to 4 months
K-1 visa	A few months
K-1 visa	A few months
R-1 visa	8 to 9 months
I visa	10 days
P-1 visa	3 to 6 months
C visa	5 working days
O visa	2 to 3 months
U visa	12 to 18 months

E Visa USA Application Process

The application process for the Evisa does not include visiting the embassy or consulate. The E visa application’s main requirement is a passport with a validity of at least 6 months. The E Visa USA application can be made by visiting the website of the embassy or the consulate of the USA. Fill out the application form, make the necessary payment, and receive the email verification. The visa is generally sent to the official email address of the applicant. The e-visa cost can vary from country to country.

E Visa Treaty Countries 

There are several E-visa treaty countries.  Some of these counties are provided below along with the E visa classification. Note: India does not come under this list.

E Visa Treaty Countries	Classification
Argentina	E-2
Australia	E-1, E-2, E-3
Bangladesh	E-2
Canada	E-1, E-2
Egypt	E-2
France	E-1, E-2
Germany	E-1, E-2
Italy	E-2
Korea (South)	E-1, E-2

Learn in detail about the USA Visa Application Process 

FAQs

We hope you now understand what E visa USA is, its requirements, the application process, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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