United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa for Canadians
Last verified: October 1, 2026
Overview
For Canadians who will invest in and run a US business. Canada is a treaty country under the USMCA, so a Canadian citizen who has invested, or is actively investing, a substantial amount in a real, operating US business, and who owns at least half of it or otherwise controls it, can qualify. So can certain executive, supervisory or essential employees of a Canadian-owned company. There is no fixed minimum investment: the amount must be substantial in proportion to the cost of the business, and the business cannot be marginal. Unlike almost every other category, E-2 does require a visa even for Canadian citizens. First-time applicants email their full application to the US Consulate General in Toronto, complete forms DS-160 and DS-156E, pay the US$315 application fee and attend an interview. Canadians are issued E-2 visas valid for up to 60 months with no issuance fee, and each admission is for up to two years, renewable without limit. A spouse may work in the United States, but E-2 requires an intent to leave when the status ends and is not itself a path to a green card.
This page covers Canadians. For every nationality we track, see the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa overview.
Requirements for Canadians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Processing time varies by case; we have no verified figure on record. The government fee is approximately $315. Difficulty: 4/5.
Documents you'll need
- Confirm the nationality requirements
- Commit a substantial investment that is at risk
- Set up a real, operating US business
- Assemble the supporting documentation for a new case
- Complete the DS-160 online visa application
- Complete Form DS-156E
- Email the application package to the Consulate General in Toronto
- Pay the US$315 application fee and schedule the interview
- Attend the interview
- Receive your passport and visa
- Enter the United States and check your I-94
- Include your spouse and children
- Keep the business and the registration in good standing
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Is the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa take for Canadians?
- We do not have a verified processing time on record for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. Timing depends on your case, so check the official source before fixing dates.
- What does the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $315. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Canadians need a job offer for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?
- No. The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa does not require a job offer from a United States employer.
- Can I bring my family on the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other United States visas for Canadians
United States visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.