How much does the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa cost?

The government fee is about $315 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.

Do I need a job offer for the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

No. The United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa does not require a job offer from an employer in United States.

Can family members join on the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.

Does the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa lead to permanent residency?

No. On its own it does not lead to permanent residency.

Is the E-2 the same as the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

Yes. E-2, E2 visa, and treaty investor visa are other names people use for the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.

🇺🇸 United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

Also known as: E-2, E2 visa, treaty investor visa

Last verified: October 1, 2026

What is the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?

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.

United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa requirements, cost, and processing time

Government fee	$315
Processing time	Varies
Minimum annual income	No fixed threshold on record
Minimum savings	No fixed threshold on record
Job offer	Not required
Degree	Not required
Family can join	Yes
Path to permanent residency	No

Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Canadians.

United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa cost and processing time by nationality

Applicants	Gov. fee	Processing	Min. income	Min. savings
🇨🇦 Canadians	$315	varies	—	—

Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.

Documents needed for the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

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

This list is the checklist for Canadians. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.

Is the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa right for you?

Answer 6 questions and see every United States visa you qualify for — free.

Check my eligibility

Frequently asked questions

How much does the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa cost?: The government fee is about $315 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
Do I need a job offer for the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?: No. The United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa does not require a job offer from an employer in United States.
Can family members join on the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?: Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
Does the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa lead to permanent residency?: No. On its own it does not lead to permanent residency.
Is the E-2 the same as the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?: Yes. E-2, E2 visa, and treaty investor visa are other names people use for the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.

United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa guides by nationality

🇨🇦 For Canadians

Other United States visas

Always confirm requirements with the official government source: ca.usembassy.gov. This guide is general information, not legal advice.