E2 Visa Canada: A Guide to the E-2 Visa for Canadian Citizens 

If you’re a Canadian investor eager to kickstart a new venture or manage an existing one in the United States, the E2 Visa could be ideal for you.

The E2 investor visa allows Canadian nationals to enter the United States after investing in a business or commercial enterprise in order to direct and develop that enterprise. This type of visa is an attractive alternative to the EB-5 investment visa, as it does not have a minimum investment threshold.

The E2 is also known as the Treaty Investor Visa, as it’s specifically designed for individuals from countries with which the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation.

One of the many attractive investor visas offered by the United States, the E2 aims to bolster foreign investment and streamline the movement of individuals contributing to the nation’s economy. 

Navigating the E2 Visa process as a Canadian investor may seem daunting. But we’re here to guide you through it all. In this article, we will explore the benefits of an E-2 Visa for Canadian nationals and the process involved in obtaining one.

E2 Visa Canada Key Takeaways

• The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant investor visa for Canadian citizens that allows them to start or purchase a U.S. business and actively direct and develop it, but it does not lead directly to a Green Card.
  
• There is no fixed minimum investment amount, but the investment must be “substantial,” proportional to the business cost, lawfully sourced, at risk, and sufficient to support a real, active, and non-marginal enterprise.
  
• Canadian E-2 visa holders gain significant benefits, including the ability to live and work in the U.S., bring immediate family members, allow spouses to work with authorization, travel freely, and renew the visa indefinitely in two-year increments.
  
• The application process is structured and document-heavy. It requires a solid business plan, proof of funds, evidence of ownership and control, and an interview at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, with ongoing compliance required to maintain status.

What is the E2 Visa?

The E-2 Visa is an investor visa that allows individuals from treaty countries to enter the US for the purpose of investing a substantial amount of capital in an eligible business, either by starting a new business or purchasing an existing business in the US.

Also known as the Treaty Investor Visa, the E-2 visa was introduced to facilitate foreign investment and promote economic development in the United States.

The E2 is a non-immigrant visa category, so it doesn’t provide a Green Card.

For more information on the E-2 Visa, please see our article E2 Visa USA 2025: The Ultimate Guide by Experts.

Benefits of having an E-2 Visa for a Canadian citizen? 

There are multiple benefits of the E-2 Visa, making it an attractive option for Canadian investors. For example, with an E-2 Visa, you will have access to the following benefits: 

1. You can legally live in the US, work and operate your business. 

2. Your immediate dependent family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) are included in the visa. Your spouse can get an Employment Authorization Document to work in the U.S, while your children can study in the US. 

3. Your employee can also apply for an Employee E-2 Visa under your E-2 petition, provided they are of the same nationality as you, and also meet other specific requirements.   

4. You can travel freely to and from the US without restrictions. 

5. You can renew the visa indefinitely as long as the business remains viable and renewal requirements are sustained. E-2 investors and employees are admitted to the U.S. for up to two years at a time and can renew or extend their status in two-year increments with no limit, as long as they continue to meet E-2 requirements and show your intent to leave the U.S. when your status ends. Each time you travel abroad and re-enter the U.S., you will typically be granted a new two-year stay. 

6. There is no set minimum investment. An investment will qualify as long as it is considered to be a substantial amount and is approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

E-2 Visa Requirements for Canadian Citizens

Nationality requirements

Treaty Investor (E-2) visas are designed for citizens of countries with which the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation.

As a Canadian citizen, am I eligible for an E-2 Visa?

Yes. As Canada maintains treaties of commerce and navigation with the US, Canadian investors are eligible for the E-2 Investor Visa, provided they meet the financial investment requirements. Having permanent residence in Canada doesn’t make you eligible for the E-2 Visa; you must be a citizen. 

Investment Requirements

You must make a substantial investment in a business or commercial enterprise in the US. There is no specific minimum amount required, but it must be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the business.

According to U.S Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS), a “substantial” investment means the capital must:  

• Be large enough compared to the total cost of buying or starting the business 

• Clearly show the investor’s serious financial commitment to making the business succeed 

• Be sufficient to support the investor’s ability to develop and run the business successfully 

Basically, if the business costs less to start or buy, the investor is expected to invest a higher percentage of that cost. The smaller the business, the more of the total cost the investor must personally commit for the investment to be considered substantial. 

A ‘bona fide enterprise’ refers to a real and active business that makes goods or provides services for profit. It should also meet all the legal requirements to operate in its area.

• The business must employ mostly American citizens 
• The investment must be classified as a real operating enterprise, rather than a passive or speculative investment. The funds you invest must be at risk and committed to the enterprise, meaning that you must have a personal financial stake in the success of the business.   
• The investment cannot be marginal or idle. It means the business should be established for more than just the purpose of supporting you and your family. While no minimum jobs are required (unlike EB-5 Visa), showing economic impact strengthens the application. 
• The capital invested must be lawfully acquired. In other words, you cannot use money obtained directly or indirectly through illegal means.      
• The business should have profitability, being able to generate more than enough income to provide a living for you and your family, as well as to make a significant economic contribution.   
• As the primary investor, you must be actively involved in the development and direction of the business. You mustown at least 50 percent of the enterprise or have operational control through a managerial position.

What are the benefits of having an E-2 Visa for a Canadian citizen?

There are multiple benefits of the E-2 Visa, making it an attractive option for Canadian investors. For example, with an E-2 Visa, you will have access to the following benefits:

1. You can legally live in the US, work and operate your business.
2. Your immediate family (spouse and unmarried children under 21) is included in the visa. Your children can also study in the US.
3. You can travel freely to and from the US without restrictions.
4. You can renew the visa indefinitely as long as the business remains viable and renewal requirements are sustained.
5. There is no set minimum investment. An investment will qualify as long as it is considered to be a substantial amount and is approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

A Step-by-Step Guide to an E-2 Visa Application 

1. Step 1: Plan Your Investment: Decide on the business or commercial enterprise you want to invest in, whether it’s purchasing an existing business or starting a new one. Calculate the amount of money you need to invest and develop a solid business plan that outlines your investment, the nature of the business, and its potential to be profitable.
2. Step 2: Establish the Enterprise: Make the investment in a treaty enterprise.
3. Step 3: Submit the Application: Prepare all the necessary documentation for your application and complete the Online Visa Application (DS-160) form if you are applying from outside the US. If you are applying from within the country, you need to file Form I-129 to request a change of status to E-2 classification. If you are an employee, your eligible employer must file Form I-129 on your behalf. Visa applicants or employers must send the forms and documents to the USCIS.
4. Step 4: Schedule and Attend Your Visa Interview: All Canadian E-2 interviews are conducted at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto. Be prepared to answer questions about your investment, the nature of your business, and your intentions while in the US.
5. Step 5: Provide Biometric Information: You, as the principal applicant, and your family will need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs, during the visa application process.
6. Step 6: Receive E-2 Visa: If successful, you will receive a positive decision on your application, and the E-2 Visa, allowing you to enter the US. The visa allows you to work only for the business you invested in, and your family members can accompany you to the US.
7. Step 7: Maintain E-2 Status: Now you have to maintain your treaty investor status by actively managing and operating the business. You can renew your E-2 Visa (usually every two years) for as long as you continue to meet the visa requirements.

Document Checklist for the E-2 Visa 

When applying for the visa, you will need to submit a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. Here is a detailed list of the necessary documents. Please note that additional documents may be required, depending on your circumstances:

• DS-160 confirmation page: A completed and printed DS-160 confirmation page (if applying from outside the U.S), which is the online non-immigrant visa application form.
• Passport: Your valid passport with a minimum of six months validity beyond your intended period of stay in the US.
• Photograph: One passport-sized color photograph that meets the US visa photo requirements.
• Business plan: A detailed business plan outlining your investment, the nature of the enterprise, and its potential for profitability.
• Proof of investment funds: Documents demonstrating that the funds underpinning the investment are legitimate and legally acquired.
• Proof of bona fide enterprise: Documentation proving that the business you plan to invest in is a real, active, and operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking.
• Articles of Incorporation/Registration: If the business is already established, provide the articles of incorporation or registration.
• Lease agreement or property ownership: If you have already secured a location for your business, include the lease agreement or documents showing property ownership.
• Financial statements: If applicable, provide the financial statements for the business the past two to three years, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Market research and projections: Any market research or projections that support the potential success of your business.
• CV/Resume: Your curriculum vitae or resume, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.
• Employment details: Information about any employees you plan to hire in the US, along with their roles and responsibilities.
• Proof of managerial role: If you will be managing the business, provide evidence of your managerial position.
• Proof of treaty country citizenship: Documents showing your citizenship in a treaty country eligible for the visa.
• Payment receipt: A receipt confirming payment of the visa application fee.
• Corporate documents (if applicable): If the enterprise has multiple owners or shareholders, provide corporate documents showing ownership percentages.
• Additional supporting documents: Any additional documents that can strengthen your case, such as contracts, licenses, or permits.

E2 Visa Costs and Fees

The total cost of an E-2 Visa differs depending on where you apply, whether you use premium processing and the scale of your investment. The biggest expense for this visa category is the business investment which must be substantial and sufficient to operate a non-marginal enterprise.

The table below shows a snapshot of E2 Visa Costs

E2 Visa Processing Times

E-2 Visa processing times vary depending on whether you apply through a U.S. consulate abroad or file a change of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Generally, E-2 visas can take anywhere from two weeks to several months from submission to approval, depending on consular workload, USCIS processing queues, and the completeness of the application (U.S. Department of State; USCIS).

• Consular applications (outside the U.S.) typically take a few weeks to several months, depending on interview availability and consulate processing times 
• Change of status applications (inside the U.S.) filed with USCIS usually take several months under regular processing
• Premium processing is available only for USCIS filings (change of status or extensions) and not for first-time consular applications. For an additional fee of $2,500–$2,805, USCIS aims to issue a decision within 15 business days, although this does not affect consular interview scheduling or visa issuance timelines

Since timelines can vary and delays may occur due to Requests for Evidence or administrative processing, many applicants choose to work with an experienced E-2 visa lawyer to help streamline the process and reduce the risk of delays. 

Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.

• We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. We have a team of immigration lawyers, and immigration advisers specialized in US immigration.
• Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
• Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
• All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
• Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
• The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.