Juan is a citizen of Colombia and has a degree in computer engineering. He lives in Spain where he owns a small business that manufactures small electronic devices. On a recent trip to Miami, he discovers a market for his devices and decides to sell them in mall kiosks.
On his most recent trip to Miami, he is told by a CBP officer that he needs an E visa to conduct trade in the US. Juan applies for an E1 visa in Spain and his application is denied. He is told at his interview that one of the requirements of the E1 visa is that ≥50% of the applicant’s trade is conducted between the country of citizenship of the applicant and the US. Since Juan is not a Spanish citizen, he cannot be issued an E1 visa under these facts.
