e2 Visa for Canadian 2025: Requirements & Application

E2 visa remains an attractive pathway to invest in America in 2025. Canadian investors and entrepreneurs might be eligible for the visa. In this passage, we will discuss what is E2 visa, E2 visa requirements, how to apply for E2 visa for Canadians, fees, processing time, and some concerning issues.

What is E2 Visa

The E2 Visa, also known as the Treaty Investor Visa, is a non-immigrant visa that allows nationals of specific countries to enter the United States for the purpose of business or investment. Foreigners can stay in the US for 5 years on this visa and renew it to continue running a business. Please note that it does not automatically lead to permanent residence, but the visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children to obtain a dependent visa to study or work in the US.

E2 Visa Requirements for Canadians

E2 visa is only designed for specific individuals. To be eligible for it, applicants must satisfy the following E2 visa requirements.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be citizens of the 78 countries with which the US has signed the Treaty of Commerce, including Canada. The Treaty aims to regulate trade relations, establish tariffs, and facilitate economic cooperation between the US and other countries.

Investment Requirements

Investment in a business or a commercial enterprise based in the US is required. The fixed minimum amount of investment is not rigidly defined but it ought to be sufficient enough to guarantee the sustainable operation of the enterprise.

Generally, applicants must either fully or partially own and/or invest in an enterprise, preferably at least a 50% shareholding. The investment must be active instead of passive stock-buying. Additionally, the investors should be actively involved in operating the business.

The investment must have a distinct purpose of creating or safeguarding employment opportunities for US workers. For instance, when planning to establish a local retail store, make sure to consider the potential number of local workers and the overall contribution to the local economy.

How to Apply for E2 Visa as Canadian Citizens

e2 visa for Canadian should be applied at the US embassy or consulate in Canada. After confirming your qualification for the E2 visa, you can file the e2 visa application through the steps below.

Fill out the Application Form

All non-immigrant visa applicants must complete the DS-160 form which is available on the Department of State portal.

• Visit the official website of the US Department of State. Choose where you apply from, enter the verification code, and click on the “START AN APPLICATION” button.

• Read the terms and conditions and agree to them. Set the security questions and click on the “Continue” button.

• Fill out the online form and provide all required information, including personal information, travel details, passport information, work/educational experience, etc. Make sure what you enter is authentic and accurate. If you want to quit midway, note down the application ID at the top right corner and return to the same form later.
• Print out the DS-160 confirmation page with a bar code after completing it.

Create a User Profile

To apply for an e2 visa for Canadian citizen, applicants must create an online account to submit supporting documents, pay application fees, and schedule an appointment.

• Go to the official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service for Canadians and click on the “Create an Account” button. If you already have an account, just log in directly.

• Select your conditions and click on the “Continue” button.

• Read the statements and click on the button at the end to agree to them.

• Provide the required fields (marked with an asterisk). Check the box and the end to agree to the terms and conditions. Finally, click on “Create Account” button.
• Return to the website again and sign in.

Submit the Application

After everything is ready, submit the e2 visa application and pay the application fees according to the instructions on the website. Please note that your application will not be accepted until the payment is fulfilled.

Schedule an Interview

Once your application is received and reviewed, the authority will inform you of the date to have a visa interview. If you are unavailable on that day, just follow the official guidelines to arrange another appointment, which can be done on the visa through the US Visa Appointment Service. As you have to have the interview in 90 days, make sure to schedule it as soon as possible in case of missing the deadline.

On the date of appointment, go to the selected US embassy or consulate in Canada and bring the required documents listed in the notification. It is suggested to dress decently and arrive about 15 minutes earlier. During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about your business plans, investment intentions, and your ties to Canada. Be prepared to answer the questions honestly and explain how your US business will succeed.

Receive the Visa

The visa office takes a few weeks to process your application. Once it is approved, you will be notified to return to the same consular office and pick up the passport with the visa stamp. During this period, you can check the case status on the embassy or consulate website.

Can a Canadian PR apply for USA E2 visa?

It depends on your nationality. The E2 visa requirements focus on nationality instead of country of residence. Being a Canadian permanent resident will not make you qualified unless you own citizenship in the following countries and meet the investment requirements.

Required Documents for E2 Visa

Applicants must submit a set of documents to prove their identity and qualifications. Here is a list of general required documents.

• DS-160 confirmation page;
• A passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of leaving the US;
• A passport-size photograph: that complies with the official US visa photo requirements;
• Business plan: describe the business model, target market, marketing and sales strategies, projected financials, and employment plans;
• Proof of Investment: bank statements, investment agreements, property appraisals, etc.;
• Proof of bona fide enterprise: indicate the target business is a real and active business or commercial enterprise;
• Articles of Incorporation or Registration (if applicable);
• Lease agreement or property ownership certificate (if applicable);
• Financial statements of the business (If applicable): balance sheets, income statements, or cash flow statements for the past 2-3 years;
• Market research and projections proving the potential of your business;
• CV/Resume: indicate educational background, work experience, and qualifications;
• Employment details: information about any employees, job positions, responsibilities, income, etc.;
• Proof of managerial role;
• Payment receipt for the visa fee;
• Corporate documents of ownership percentages or shareholders structure (if applicable);
• Extra supporting documents.

How Much Money is Required for E2 Visa

The E2 visa fee consists of several parts, including:

• DS-160 application fee (regular processing): USD 205 (approx. CAD 260)
• Biometric service fee: USD 85 (approx. CAD 108)
• Expedited processing fee: USD 1440 (approx. CAD 1829)

The fees can be paid by credit/debit card, money order, or mobile payment. There might be extra service if you hire an attorney or consultant. It ranges from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.

How Long does It Take to Get E2 Visa

It generally takes 1-2 weeks to prepare the supporting documents and submit an application. After receiving your application, the embassy or consulate will take about 6 to 8 weeks to deal with it. Candidates will have an interview in about 1 week and receive the visa 1 week after the interview. In a word, it takes at least 7-12 weeks to get the E2 visa. However, the waiting time might vary according to your nationality, the complexity of the case, and the workload of the consular office.

Benefits of E2 Visa for Canadians

For Canadians, the E2 visa offers multiple benefits. It allows them to start or invest in a US business. They can stay in the US for up to 5 years and renew it. During this period, the visa holders are not required to live in the US consecutively. The Spouses can get work authorization, and unmarried children under 21 can study in the US. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity to expand business horizons and experience life in the US while maintaining non-immigrant status.

FAQ

Does an E2 visa lead to a green card?

No. An E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, so it does not directly lead to a green card, officially known as a permanent residence card. However, E2 visa holders may adjust their status to explore other pathways to a green card, such as through employment-based petitions or family sponsorship.

How many Canadians get E2 visa each year?

The exact number is not published publicly. It is estimated that thousands of Canadians get E2 visas every year.

Can I bring family member with E2 visa?

Yes. You can bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 as dependents to the US.

Conclusion

Canadian citizens who intend to start a business and invest in an existing US company can apply for an E2 visa. Now that you have a thorough understanding of E2 visa requirements, the application process, fees, and processing time, just start applying confidently and seize the opportunity to expand your business in 2025.