1/29/2019
Jan. 29, 2019–Iranian nationals will no longer be able to apply for E-1 treaty trader and E-2 treaty investor visas. Iranian nationals with applications in progress will be receiving Notices of Intent to Deny from USCIS. The immigration agency made the announcement effective immediately. USCIS stated that it is enforcing the Oct. 3, 2018 termination of a treaty under whose auspices the E-1 and E-2 applications were permitted. The treaty was first negotiated in 1955.
E non-immigrant category is available for foreign nationals who enter the US for an indefinite period of stay under and pursuant to the provisions of a treaty of commerce and navigation between the USA and the foreign country of which the person is a national. The spouse and minor children of such an alien are eligible for the E visa also. The alien must enter to carry on trade, including trade in services or technology between the USA and the alien’s country; or (b) solely to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which the person has invested or is actively in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital.