Nonimmigrant visa

Green card

Treaty Traders

National Interest Waiver

International traders, Export managers, Import managers, Trade specialists, International marketing managers, International sales managers, Commodities traders, Shipping coordinators

Entrepreneurs, Researchers, Physicians, Industry experts, Innovators, STEM professionals

• Both you and the trading firm must be nationals of a treaty country.

• Your primary purpose for entering the U.S. must be to engage in substantial trade activities between the U.S. and the treaty country.

• Over 50% of the company's international trade must occur between the U.S. and the treaty country.

• Trade with the U.S. must be significant and ongoing.

• You must hold an executive, supervisory, or essential role within the company.

• You must hold an advanced degree (master's or higher), possess a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive work experience, or demonstrate exceptional ability in your field by showing at least 3 of 6 requirements, such as maintaining membership in professional associations and earning recognition for your contributions to your industry from peers or professional organizations.

• Demonstrate that you will work on a proposed endeavor with substantial merit and national importance, and provide evidence that you are well-positioned to advance this work.

• Enables businesspersons from treaty countries engaged in substantial trade with the U.S. to relocate themselves or key staff to the U.S.

• Renewable indefinitely, offering long-term business and residence opportunities in the U.S.

• Spouses can obtain work authorization, improving family well-being and financial flexibility.

• Provides complete flexibility to work, live, and study in the U.S.

• Flexible requirements, making it suitable for a variety of profiles.

• Does not require employer sponsorship or a job offer, providing significant independence.

• Eliminates the need for the lengthy labor certification process.

• Requires extensive documentation to prove substantial trade activities.

• Trade must primarily occur between the U.S. and the treaty country, which could limit expansion opportunities into other markets.

• Requires a high burden of proof to demonstrate both national interest and exceptional ability.

• USCIS has broad discretion in deciding whether your permanent residency aligns with the national interest.

Not required in the traditional sense

Not required

2 years

Permanent residency

Indefinitely, in 2-year increments

Every 10 years

4-6 months

24-30 months¹

15 business days

45 business days

Yes

Yes

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¹Applicants from India, China, or Mexico may experience longer wait times.