Your Trusted Partner for E-2 Visa & Business Services

An E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows nationals from treaty countries to enter and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. ​

It depends on how much time you spend in Canada and how you structure your tax and legal affairs. If this is important to you, get advice from a Canadian immigration and tax advisor.

Yes. You will pay U.S. taxes on income earned in the U.S. However, Canada and the U.S. have a tax treaty that helps avoid double taxation — consult a cross-border tax expert.

Yes! Your spouse and children under 21 can come on E-2 dependent visas. Your spouse can apply for a U.S. work permit, and your children can attend school.

Absolutely. Franchises are a popular choice for Canadians because they offer a proven model, and many are E-2 Visa–friendly.

Yes. You must either have already made the investment or be in the final stages of doing so before applying. The funds must be committed and at risk.

Yes, you can apply for a change of status from within the U.S. (using Form I-129), but this doesn’t give you a visa stamp — you’ll need to apply through a U.S. consulate to travel internationally.

Yes, E-2 Visa applicants must attend an in-person visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate — most commonly in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary.

Yes! Canada is a treaty country, which means Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for the E-2 Visa.

Canadians typically receive a 5-year E-2 Visa, renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains active and meets E-2 requirements.

To qualify for an E-2 Visa, you must:​

• Be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation.

• Have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a legitimate U.S. business.

• Be seeking to enter the U.S. solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise. ​

While there is no minimum dollar amount specified, a substantial investment is one that is

• Sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise.​

• Proportionate to the total cost of either purchasing an existing business or establishing a new one.

• Able to support the likelihood of the investor's commitment to the success of the business. ​

E2 VISA ADVISORS specializes in guiding clients through the E-2 visa process by offering:​

• Business Identification: Assisting in identifying viable investment opportunities that meet E-2 visa requirements.​

• Business Plan Development: Crafting comprehensive business plans that align with USCIS standards.​

• Application Support: Providing end-to-end support throughout the visa application process to enhance the likelihood of approval.

A wide range of businesses can qualify, provided they are bona fide enterprises. This includes startups, franchises, or existing businesses across various industries. The key is that the business must be real, active, and generate sufficient income to support you and your family.

Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age can accompany you to the U.S. under E-2 dependent visas. Your spouse is eligible to apply for work authorization, and your children can attend school.

The validity period of an E-2 Visa depends on the treaty agreement with your country and can range from a few months to several years. However, as long as the investment enterprise continues to operate successfully and meets E-2 requirements, the visa can be renewed indefinitely.

While the E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa and does not directly lead to a Green Card, there are pathways to adjust your status. Options include:​

• Employment-Based Green Cards: If you qualify under categories such as EB-2 or EB-3.​

• Family-Based Green Cards: If you have qualifying family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.​

• EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: By making a qualifying investment that meets EB-5 criteria.

Investing in a business always carries inherent risks, including market fluctuations and business viability. It's crucial to conduct thorough due diligence and work with experienced advisors to mitigate risks and ensure the investment aligns with E-2 Visa requirements.

You can begin by scheduling a free consultation through our website. During this session, we'll assess your eligibility, discuss potential investment opportunities, and outline the steps involved in the E-2 Visa application process.​

For more detailed information and personalized assistance, please visit our website at E2VISAAdvisors.com.

While the E-2 Visa doesn’t directly lead to a Green Card, you may explore options like EB-5, family-based sponsorship, or employment-based categories.

If the business no longer meets E-2 criteria, your visa may be terminated. You should consult a professional to explore other visa options or adjustments.

Yes, if your visa stamp is valid. If it expires while you’re abroad, you’ll need to renew it before returning.

Yes, if you’re in the U.S. legally, you can file for a change of status using Form I-129.

Yes — although the E-2 Visa itself is non-immigrant, you may later qualify for a Green Card through employment-based sponsorship, marriage, or the EB-5 investor program.