E-2 Investor Visa: Live and Run Your Business in the United States
The E-2 treaty investor visa lets Canadian entrepreneurs and investors move to the US to direct and develop a business they’ve invested in. It is renewable indefinitely, can cover your spouse and children, and, unlike many green-card routes, can often be obtained in a matter of months. For Canadian business owners who want a foothold in the US market, the E-2 visa is frequently the most practical option.
Silver Immigration guides Canadian investors through every step, from structuring the investment to preparing a border- or consulate-ready application.
What Is the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?
The E-2 is available to citizens of countries that hold a treaty of commerce with the US, and Canada is a treaty country. It allows you to enter the US to develop and direct an enterprise in which you have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital. It is a non-immigrant status granted for up to five years at a time and renewable as long as the business continues to qualify.
E-2 Visa Requirements
To qualify, you must generally show that:
- You are a citizen of a treaty country (Canada qualifies).
- You have made, or are actively making, a substantial, at-risk investment in a real, operating US business.
- The business is bona fide: a genuine, active commercial enterprise, not a passive investment.
- The enterprise is not marginal: it has the capacity to generate more than a minimal living for you and your family, typically by employing US workers.
- You will develop and direct the business (usually at least 50% ownership or operational control).
How Much Do I Need to Invest? (E-2 Investment Amount)
There is no fixed statutory minimum. What matters is that the investment is substantial in relation to the total cost of the business and enough to make it operational. Lower-cost businesses require a higher proportion of investment. In practice, applicants often invest six figures, but a well-structured smaller business can qualify. Your capital must be at risk and committed, and a business plan and clear source of funds are essential.
How to Get an E-2 Visa: Step by Step
- Choose or build a qualifying business: start a new company, buy an existing one, or buy into a franchise.
- Commit and document your investment: funds must be irrevocably invested or held in escrow pending visa approval, with a clear, lawful source of funds.
- Prepare a business plan showing the enterprise is real, active, and capable of growth and job creation.
- File your E-2 application: Canadians can apply at a US consulate, or in some cases via the border/USCIS.
- Attend your interview and receive your E-2 status.
E-2 for Canadian Entrepreneurs and Investors
Canadians benefit from proximity, treaty eligibility, and flexible options: buying an existing US business, opening a franchise, or expanding a Canadian company southward. We regularly help Quebec and Ontario business owners set up compliant E-2 visa for Canadians structures.
E-2 Visa Cost and Processing Time
Costs include the consular application fee and your capital investment; professional fees for the business plan and legal preparation are separate. E-2 visa processing time is generally faster than most green-card categories, often a few months, though it varies by consulate. (Confirm current fees and consular timelines before filing.)
E-2 vs E-1 vs EB-5
| E-2 (investor) | E-1 (trader) | EB-5 (green card) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Based on | Investing in a US business | Substantial trade with the US | Large investment + job creation |
| Result | Renewable non-immigrant status | Renewable non-immigrant status | Permanent residence (green card) |
| Investment | Substantial, no fixed minimum | No investment threshold | High statutory minimum |
See our E-1 treaty trader visa page to compare.
From E-2 to Green Card
The E-2 does not directly convert to a green card, but many investors transition to permanent residence through EB-5 or an employment-based category once the business grows. We build this into your long-term plan from the start. See our US green card page for all options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum E-2 investment amount?
No fixed minimum. The investment must be substantial relative to the cost of the business and enough to make it operational.
Can I buy an existing business or a franchise for an E-2?
Yes. Buying an operating business or an established franchise is a common and often stronger E-2 route.
Can my spouse work on an E-2?
Yes. E-2 spouses are generally authorized to work in the US, which is a major advantage of this category.
How long does the E-2 last?
It’s issued for up to five years at a time and can be renewed indefinitely while the business qualifies.
Does the E-2 lead to a green card?
Not automatically, but it can be part of a planned path to permanent residence. We advise on this before you invest.
Thinking About Investing in the US?
We’ll tell you honestly whether the E-2 fits, and how to structure it.
Call us today at +1 (888) 799-4769 or fill out our contact form to book your free consultation with a US immigration lawyer.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. US immigration law changes frequently, so book a consultation for advice on your specific situation.
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