The United States government has published an official list of 55 countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for E-category nonimmigrant visas, covering Treaty Traders, Treaty Investors and Australians in Specialty Occupations. The list includes several nations such as Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand.
According to the US Department of State, the E-1 Treaty Trader visa applies to nationals engaged in substantial trade between their home country and the United States. The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is available to individuals who have committed or are actively in the process of committing a substantial amount of capital to a US enterprise. The E-3 category is reserved exclusively for Australian nationals employed in specialty occupations.
All three are nonimmigrant visas, meaning they are intended for temporary stays rather than permanent residence. Eligibility is determined by whether a country has an active treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States or has been recognised as a treaty country through legislation.
Full List of E-1 Eligible Countries
The complete list of countries whose nationals qualify for the E-1 Treaty Trader visa includes: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea (South), Kosovo, Latvia, Liberia, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom and Yugoslavia.
African Countries Not Included
Citizens of African countries not featured on the list, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, are not eligible for these specific visa categories and must explore other visa routes for entry into the United States. This follows a previous report by Legit.ng that the US listed 10 African countries whose citizens qualify for US E-1 and E-2 visas, covering treaty-based trading and investment opportunities. Major African economies including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya were not on that list either.
While Liberia’s treaty dates back to 1939, citizens of countries without qualifying treaties cannot apply for the E-2 investor visa through this route. The publication of the 55-country list provides clarity for nationals of treaty countries seeking temporary entry to the US for trade or investment purposes.
