If you are a textile merchant from a treaty country with the United States, you can expand your operations in the American market with the E-1 visa. The E-1 Treaty Trader visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who want to enter the U.S. to engage in a substantial volume of trade between the U.S. and their home country. This visa is designed for citizens of countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. It is an excellent option for business owners, executives, and essential employees whose work is directly tied to the trade. This article discusses everything you need to know about the E-1 visa in 2025, including eligibility requirements, application process and benefits.

An Overview of the U.S. Textile Market

The United States is the second-largest exporter of textile-related products in the world. The U.S. textile industry is an essential component of the country’s economy, with total imports and exports exceeding $60 billion in 2024. In 2025, the textile industry remains one of the most dynamic drivers of global trade, spanning raw materials, fabrics, apparel, and innovative manufacturing technologies. According to a report by Sheng Lu, textiles and clothing labelled “Made in the USA” are growing rapidly in high-tech product categories, such as medical textiles, protective clothing, and industrial fabrics. Additionally, regional free trade agreements, such as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), have accounted for over 70% of U.S. textile and apparel trade for several decades. With the U.S. textile market size estimated to reach $277.4 billion by 2033, merchants from treaty countries have an opportunity to expand their businesses and establish long-term trade relationships in the global market.

Benefits of the E-1 Visa for Textile Traders

The E-1 visa offers several benefits for international textile traders looking to expand their business in the U.S. 

• Renewable Status 

  The E-1 visa is granted for an initial period of 2 years. It is renewable indefinitely for up to 2 years each time, as long as your qualifying trade activities between the U.S. and your country are maintained. 

• Family Inclusion

  One significant advantage is that your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also apply for dependent E-1 visas. Spouses of E-1 visa holders are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD), which grants them the legal right to work for any employer in the U.S. without restriction or to start their own business. Children can attend U.S. schools and colleges.

• Freedom of Movement and Residence

  As an E-1 visa holder, you can reside anywhere in the U.S. and travel freely in and out of the country, facilitating ongoing international business operations and personal travel. This flexibility is vital for textile traders who might need to visit suppliers, attend trade shows, or meet with clients both within the U.S. and in their home country.

• Flexibility for Employees 

  Eligible staff members of your treaty company, such as managers, sales representatives, or logistics specialists, are also eligible to apply for the E-1 visa. This can help your business streamline trade operations in the U.S. 

  Eligibility Criteria for the E-1 Visa for Textile Traders

  To qualify for the E-1 Treaty visa, textile merchants must meet specific requirements, including the following:

• The applicant must be a citizen of a country that maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. 
• Applicants must demonstrate that their trade with the U.S. is substantial, meaning that it involves frequent and continuous transactions of significant value. 
• More than 50% of the applicant’s international trade must be conducted with the United States.
• Applicants must be entering the U.S. to engage in trade on their own behalf or as an essential employee of a treaty trading company. 
• Applicants must demonstrate that they intend to leave the U.S. upon expiration of their visa.

  How to Apply for an E1 Visa as a Textile Merchant in 2025

  Once you have determined you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the E-1 visa. Begin by gathering your documentation. Some of the required documents include:

• A valid passport
• Business registration documents and licenses
• Evidence of substantial trade, such as shipping invoices, contracts, purchase orders, bills of lading, and proof of textile imports/exports.
• Financial statements, tax returns, and trade records showing that more than 50% of the trade is with the U.S.
• Business plans and organisational charts if applying as an employee of a treaty trading company. Then visit the U.S. Department of State website and complete the DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and the DS-156E (Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor Application) forms. Afterwards, pay the application fee of $315. Upon completion of your online application, book and attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your textile trade, its volume, and how your specific position is essential to the success and development of the business in the U.S. Processing times for the E-1 visa typically range from 2 to 4 months, although they may vary. If your visa is approved, you can travel to, live, and work legally in the U.S.

  Conclusion

  The E-1 visa offers textile merchants an opportunity to expand their businesses and strengthen global trade connections. However, the application process can be complex, particularly with the strict interpretation of substantial, principal, and continuous trade. To avoid mistakes that could lead to delays or refusals, it is often wise to consult a U.S. immigration lawyer.  An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements, prepare the correct documents, and help you ensure compliance with evolving trade and immigration policies. Their expertise can be invaluable in anticipating and resolving any challenges that may arise, ensuring your application is successful. Meta Title: A Guideline on E-1 Visa for Textile Merchants in 2025 Meta Description: Foreign textile traders from treaty countries can apply for the E-1 visa to conduct substantial and continuous trade between their country and the U.S.