First-Time E-1 Application Process

Step 1

Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.  Please note that E visas in Italy are processed in Rome only.  You must select Rome as the location for your application.  You will also need to submit DS-160s for each family member accompanying you.

Step 2

Register with the online Yatri system (https://ais.usvisa-info.com) and pay the visa fees for yourself and your family members.  Please note that the application fee is nonrefundable.

Step 3

Email your application and supporting documentation to the Embassy in Rome.  Please follow the below instructions carefully.  Incorrectly submitted applications will not be reviewed.

Electronic submission is the only acceptable method for E visa applications!  The entire E visa package should be submitted electronically to RomeEvisas@state.gov. 

Please use the e-mail subject line:
W11 – Your full name – Company name – E1 Visa Application

Please limit attachments to 5 MB in PDF or zipped format; you may send “zipped” files if required.  Do NOT send “linked” files, as we cannot access or open these.

All documents must be submitted in English or Italian, and should be germane to the case.

Applications should be submitted in only one email with five separate attachments, one for each of the following tabs:

Tab A: Table of Contents

Tab B: Forms

• DS-160 barcode confirmation pages for principal applicant and family members;
• Receipt showing payment of the non-refundable application fees;
• Completed DS-156E (PDF, 225KB) for principal applicant only; and
• If you will be represented in this matter by an attorney, you must submit Form G-28 “Notice of Entry of Appearance of Attorney as Representative” and should include contact e-mail address and phone number for the attorney.  If your representative is not an attorney, please submit a letter of agreement between the applicant and the representative signed by both parties.

Tab C: Applicant Information

• If principal is accompanied by family members, marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates showing relationship to principal applicant;
• Principal applicant’s resume or curriculum vitae;
• If the applicant is not the business owner but an employee, please include a job letter from the company.  This letter should describe: 
  • the business;
  • the job the applicant will do; and
  • his or her qualifications for that job;
  • Signed statement from the principal applicant of intent to depart the U.S. upon termination of E status; and
  • If applicable, please provide copies of any changes or extensions of status granted by USCIS (Form I-797).

Tab D: Ownership

Please demonstrate that nationals of Italy own at least 50% of the business.  U.S. dual citizens or Legal Permanent Residents do not qualify.

• Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) or Organization (for LLCs) for U.S. business;
• Share certificates and/or operating agreements (as applicable) to verify ownership;
• If the firm has several owners or subsidiaries or if the chain of ownership includes intermediary entities, please include the following (as applicable):
  • An organization chart with names showing the full ownership structure of the entity;
  • Legal proof of ownership within a respective chain; and
  • Color photocopies of the bio data page of the passports and the percentage of each unit holder of the definitive parent company;
  • If the firm is publicly traded with many shareholders (none of which own more than 50%) include:
    • A written declaration justly authorized by a corporate official stating all of the stock exchanges on which the firm is traded; and
    • A copy of recently issued trading information concerning the nationality of the stock’s owners; and
    • If the firm is an incorporated entity outside of the U.S., include a chart of ownership of the enterprise and a certificate of existence/registration from the state/province in which the company is incorporated.

Tab E: Trade (Maximum submission for this tab is 40 single-sided pages)

• A cover letter describing how the enterprise and beneficiary qualify for E-1 status.  The letter must address all the requirements for E-1 visa eligibility, described in depth in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 9 FAM 402.9  Address the following points in detail:
  • The trade is substantial and on-going;
  • The traded goods are easily identified and traceable; and
  • At least 50% of the trade is between the U.S. and the treaty country;
  • Evidence supporting the claims made in the cover letter.  U.S. Department of Homeland Security bills of lading are the preferred documentation to verify this requirement; however, annual reports, purchase orders or invoices, sales invoices, inventory data and insurance papers documenting commodities imported into the U.S. may be acceptable:
    • Provide a spreadsheet listing every qualifying transaction of international trade between the treaty countries during the last calendar year.  If there is a U.S. entity with separate legal status (such as an incorporated company or a LLC), all figures should refer to its trade.  Otherwise, consider the trade of the Italian company.  This table should include the date, the invoice number, and the dollar value of the transaction.  Show in a prominent place the total number and value of these transactions; and 
    • Provide copies of a representational sampling of the U.S. DHS bills of lading and/or invoices summarized in the table proving that the goods or services moved from one country to the other; and 
    • U.S. tax returns for the business for the past two years.  These must be copies of the signed and dated forms actually submitted to the IRS.

Please assemble your email package according to these guidelines.  Incorrectly formatted packages will not be processed.  Do not include brochures, photographs, or business plans that contribute little or nothing to the value of your case.  We evaluate hundreds of applications monthly.  Please think lean and demonstrate your business prowess.

Step 4

You will receive an email confirming receipt of your package.  If your package is incomplete or incorrectly formatted, it will be returned.

For general questions on E visa processing or specific questions regarding E visa cases submitted, please contact RomeEvisas@state.gov.  Do not inquire about cases that have not exceeded the current average processing time.

Step 5

Once your application has been reviewed by the E Visa Unit and any requested additional information received, you will receive an email through the online notification system to schedule an interview.

After the interview in Rome, if your case is approved, you will receive your passport(s) and visa(s) through DHL on average of one week from the interview date, assuming no additional administrative processing is necessary.