E-2 Investor Visa for Canadians

Start or Buy a U.S. Business with a Clear, Fast Immigration Strategy

Canadian citizens have one of the most efficient and flexible pathways to live and do business in the United States: the E-2 Treaty Investor visa. Unlike many other U.S. visa categories, the E-2 allows qualified Canadians to start or purchase a U.S. business and actively manage it, often with processing measured in weeks rather than years.

We are U.S. immigration attorneys based in Phoenix, Arizona, and we regularly represent Canadian entrepreneurs across the United States, not only in Arizona. Most of our Canadian clients apply through the U.S. Consulate in Toronto while establishing businesses throughout the U.S.

This page is designed to answer the most common questions Canadians ask when searching for E-2 visa processing time, costs, and business eligibility, and to help you determine whether the E-2 is the right option for you.

What Is the E-2 Visa for Canadians?

The E-2 Investor Visa is available to Canadian citizens and allows you to:

• Invest a substantial amount of capital in a real, operating U.S. business
• Direct and develop that business on a day-to-day basis
• Live in the United States while running your company
• Bring your spouse and children under 21 (spouse gets work authorization)
• Renew the visa indefinitely as long as the business remains active and compliant

There is no fixed minimum investment, but the amount must be sufficient to ensure the success of the enterprise and must be irrevocably committed to the business.

E-2 Visa Processing Time for Canadians (Toronto)

One of the biggest advantages for Canadians is speed.

Based on current filings and recent cases:

• New E-2 visa applications must be filed at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto
• When the application package is well prepared, the U.S. Consulate typically takes approximately seven business days to review the submitted application and notify the applicant to schedule an interview
• Interview availability varies; the last case took seven weeks from the submission of the application

For Canadians who need a fast and predictable business immigration option, the E-2 visa is often one of the most practical solutions available.

Government Filing Fees for Canadian E-2 Applicants

Current government fees include:

• $315 USD – U.S. Department of State E-2 visa application fee

Additional costs may include business formation or acquisition expenses, and legal fees.

We provide clear guidance upfront on expected total costs so you can plan accurately before moving forward.

What Types of Businesses Qualify for an E-2 Visa?

Canadians often ask whether their business idea is “good enough” for an E-2 visa. The answer depends less on the industry and more on how the business is structured and documented.

We have assisted Canadian investors with E-2 visas for businesses such as:

• Restaurants and cafés
• Retail stores and franchise operations
• Gas stations and convenience stores
• Accounting, consulting, and professional services
• Technology and online service companies

Many E-2 cases are denied not because the business is weak, but because it was not presented correctly for immigration purposes. Strategy matters.

You can review E-2 case studies on our website to see real examples of businesses that have qualified for E-2 visas:

Treaty investor (E-2) visa for a restaurant owner from Canada

Investor visa (E-2) for franchisee from Canada

Investor (E-2) visa for hair salon purchaser from Canada

Applying from Canada While Starting a U.S. Business

Many Canadian E-2 applicants:

• Remain in Canada while preparing the application
• Apply directly through the U.S. Consulate in Toronto
• Enter the U.S. after visa issuance to begin operating the business

Your business can be located anywhere in the United States, regardless of where your immigration attorney is based.

Why Canadians Choose Our Office for E-2 Visas

• Focused practice on U.S. business immigration
• Extensive experience with Canadian E-2 and E-1 visa cases
• Strategic guidance on investment structure and compliance
• Representation for businesses located anywhere in the U.S.
• Clear communication, realistic timelines, and practical advice

Although our office is based in Phoenix, Arizona, we regularly work with Canadian clients from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and beyond.

Is the E-2 Visa Right for You?

If you are a Canadian citizen considering:

• Buying a U.S. business
• Starting a new U.S. company
• Expanding an existing Canadian business into the U.S., or
• Exploring options to relocate to or remain in the United States

an E-2 visa may be an excellent option. However, it is critical to evaluate eligibility before investing a substantial amount of funds.

We help Canadian entrepreneurs assess E-2 viability, identify risks early, and structure the business properly from the start.

👉 Schedule a consultation to discuss your E-2 eligibility and timeline: https://juraslaw.com/schedule-consultation/
👉 Review E-2 case studies to understand what works
👉 Get clarity on whether your investment is E-2-ready—or how to make it that way: https://juraslaw.com/schedule-consultation/