E-1 is for import/export companies abroad or in the U.S. that handle a majority of their trade between the U.S. and their home country. Executives, managers and people with specialized knowledge can work in the U.S. office. The owners of at least half the company must be the same nationality as the beneficiary of the E-1 visa.

There must be a substantial amount of trade. The immigration looks at both the dollar amount of trade and the frequency of the trade. One large transaction is not as good as many smaller transactions.

E-1 has many of the advantages of E-2. E-1 can be extended forever as long as the business continues to do well.The spouse of E-1 can apply for work authorization.The children of an E-1 worker may go to public school.

The main difference is, with E-2 you need a large investment; with E-1 you need a large amount of international trade between the U.S. and your home country.

The normal procedure is to apply at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Korea. If the person is already in the U.S. the person can apply in the United States for a change of status to E-1. This allows the person to live and work in the U.S. but it is not a visa. You can not travel without a visa.

For Koreans E-1 visa is normally for five years. For citizens of other countries the duration varies. Each time you enter the U.S. you will be given two years. As long as you travel once every two years you do not have to apply for an extension. If you do not travel you must apply for an extension. Keep track of each family member's duration. Sometimes they are different if one person travels and another doesn't.