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 visa aims to bolster business investments 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 application process.

Read more about:

• What is the E2 Visa?
• E-2 Visa Requirements
• Benefits of E-2 Visa for Canadian citizens

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.

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 direct path to a Green Card (or permanent residence). To gain permanent residency, Canadians can apply for EB-5 Investor Visa or employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3).

E-2 Visa Requirements

To meet the E-2 Visa requirements, applicants must be from a treaty country, make a substantial investment in a profitable US business, and actively manage it.

Nationality requirements

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

Canada is a treaty country with the US, which makes Canadian citizens eligible for the E-2 Investor Visa. Canadian investors must make a substantial investment and be actively involved in the qualifying US business.

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.

The US Foreign Affairs Manual does not quantify what “substantial” is, but the rule of thumb is to invest at least $85,000 to $100,000. However, this is not an official guideline, and some treaty investors have been able to invest less and be granted an E-2 Visa.

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.

Control and ownership requirements

As the primary investor, you must be actively involved in the development and direction of the business. You must own at least 50 percent of the enterprise or have operational control through a managerial position.

How much investment is required for an E2 Visa for Canadians?

The E-2 Visa doesn’t have a set amount of money to invest; the investment sum depends on your business. To meet the investment eligibility requirements:

• The investment must be classified as a real operating enterprise. 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. You can’t invest in a passive or speculative investment.
• 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. The capital invested must be lawfully acquired. In other words, you cannot use money obtained through illegal means.
• The business continues to generate profit. The business venture must generate more than enough income to ensure efficient operation, provide a living for you and your family, and make a significant economic contribution.

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:

• You can legally live in the US, work, and operate your business.
• Your immediate family (spouse and unmarried children under 21) is included in the visa. Your children can also study in the US.
• You can travel freely to and from the US without restrictions.
• You can renew the visa indefinitely as long as the business remains viable and renewal requirements are sustained.
• 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 

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:

• Cover letter: A brief document describing the company, beneficiary, and position.
• DS-160 confirmation page: A completed and printed DS-160 confirmation page, which is an online 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 for 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: When you bring employees to the US on an E-2 Visa, you must provide detailed information about 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 documentation: Any additional documents that can strengthen your case, such as contracts, licenses, or permits.

How long does E2 Visa processing take for Canadian citizens?

The E-2 visa processing time from Canada varies from about two weeks to four months. But the entire process from start to finish with the US Consulate can take from four months to a year, depending on current wait times and backlogs. For an extra fee of $2,805, premium processing can speed up some of the process to 15 business days. Premium services are only available for the Form I-129 petitions filed with USCIS.

Processing times can vary greatly depending on the specific embassy or consulate you apply to in Canada (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Halifax, Ottawa). Some consulates are busier than others when working with E-2 Visa applications, especially those in Toronto and Vancouver.

As of June 2025, many US embassies and consulates in Canada have wait times of over a year for non-immigrant visa interviews with a consular officer. Canadian residents may need to wait at least 12 months to get an appointment. Submitting a thorough and accurate application with all required documents can reduce the risk of delays and rejections when getting E2 Visa from Canada.

How much does an E-2 Visa cost from Canada?

The E-2 Visa doesn’t have a fixed minimum investment requirement, but $85,000 to $100,000 can help you get started. You might also need to pay for biometrics, required forms, application processing, and translating documents.

The application fees for a change of status include:

• Form I-129: $510 to $1,015
• Form I-539: $470
• Form I-907:  $2,805 for premium processing (optional)

The application fees for consular processing include:

• Form DS-160: $315 for processing fee
• Form I-907: $2,805 for premium processing (optional)

E-2 Visa Travel Restrictions

Here are some travel restrictions Canadians with an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa should know about:

• Temporary nature: The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa, which means you have to prove your intent to leave the US once the E-2 status expires.
• Re-entry “resets” your stay: Every time you re-enter the US with a valid E-2 Visa, you can get a fresh two-year period of authorized stay as long as your visa stamp is still valid.
• Overstaying can cause problems: Overstaying in other countries while on an E-2 Visa can affect your status. The E-2 Visa requires you to develop and direct a US business. Spending too much time elsewhere may hinder you from fulfilling this basic requirement.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

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. 
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About the E2 Visa Canada

Does Canada have an E2 visa?

Yes, Canada is an E-2 Visa country, which means it has an ongoing treaty agreement with the United States. To be eligible, Canadians must invest capital that’s considered substantial. That investment goes into a new or existing business, which requires active management.

What are the E2 visa requirements for Canadian citizens?

The E-2 Visa requires Canadians to make substantial investments in a US business, enough to show they are serious and committed. The investment must provide funds to establish the business, create jobs, and boost the US economy. The investment funds must be at risk and not a passive investment.

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

There are many benefits to becoming an E-2 treaty investor for a Canadian citizen, including the right to legally live in the US and the freedom to travel in and out of the country. Plus, the E-2 visa processing is often faster than other business-related visas.

What is the success rate of an E2 visa from Canada?

The E-2 Visa approval rate for 2023 was 90.71 percent. The rate of E2 visa issuance in North America has increased by 9.53 percent from 2013 to 2023, with Canada contributing significantly to the rise.

What types of businesses qualify for the E2 Visa from Canada?

The E-2 is a versatile visa, which means any business can qualify. But our Canadian clients often choose to invest in real estate businesses, restaurants, healthcare offices, consulting firms, tech startups, or a manufacturing company that produces services.

Can my family members join me in the United States if I have an E-2 Visa? 

Yes, your immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) can apply for derivative E-2 visas, and they do not need to be the same nationality as you. Children can attend school, and your spouse can legally work in the US without needing to apply for an Employment Authorization Document.

Can I apply for the E-2 Visa if I'm already in the US on another visa?

Yes, you can apply for a change of status to E-2 if you are eligible and meet the requirements. As the principal applicant, you will have to fill out Form I-129 and send it to the US USCIS requesting treaty investor status. You will also need to provide information on your investment enterprise.

How long is the E-2 Visa valid for Canadian investors?

The E-2 Visa lasts up to five years for Canadian citizens and can be extended as long as qualifying investors maintain their E-2 status. The E-2 often provides multiple entries into the United States while the visa is active.