The United States government is considering proposals put forth by India regarding a potential pact addressing social security for non-resident Indians.
The discussions include the possibility of conferring "treaty country status," a development that could open up new avenues for E1 and E2 visa options for Indian business professionals travelling to various American cities, as announced by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Treaty Trader visas (E-1) and Treaty Investor visas (E-2) are specialised non-immigrant visas designed for nationals of countries with which the United States maintains treaties of friendship, commerce, and navigation. Both visas facilitate temporary business activities within the United States.
Minister Goyal's statement comes in the wake of bilateral discussions between the Indian delegation and the visiting U.S. Trade Representative, Katherine Tai. The two sides have reached agreements on measures aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two nations.
During the 14th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting on Friday, India raised concerns regarding the challenges faced by domestic businesses in securing timely visas for the United States and advocated for an expedited visa-issuing process specifically tailored for traders and investors.
The Indian proposal outlines a step that could potentially assist Indian nationals in obtaining either the E1 (treaty trader) or the E2 (treaty investor) visas, providing temporary access to the U.S. without conferring permanent residency or a green card. Recognition as a "treaty nation" by the U.S. government is a prerequisite for these visa categories.
As of now, the United States has granted treaty country status to nearly 100 nations, including Pakistan, China (Taiwan), Bangladesh, Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
