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Canada
United StatesAnswer 7 quick questions about your investment and business plans, and see how you measure up against the main E-2 investor visa requirements. Built for Canadians buying or starting a US business.
You must be a citizen of an E-2 treaty country. Canada is one, so Canadian citizens can qualify. Permanent residents may qualify through another citizenship.
There’s no fixed minimum. The amount must be substantial for the type and cost of the business you’re buying or starting.
The money must be committed to the business, for example spent on the purchase, lease or equipment, or held in escrow until the visa is approved.
You need to show where the money came from. Loans secured by the business itself don’t count toward the investment.
You must own at least 50% or have operational control, and you must be coming to develop and direct the business.
The business can’t be marginal. It should earn more than a basic living for your family, or be able to create US jobs.
Often, yes. There's no fixed minimum, and many E-2 businesses are bought or started with around $100,000 to $250,000. What matters is that the amount is substantial for that particular business, so the right business choice is key.
Sometimes. A loan secured by your own assets, such as a home equity loan, can count. A loan secured by the US business itself doesn't count toward the investment.
The business can't be marginal, meaning it should do more than support you and your family. Most successful applications show plans to hire US workers within the first few years.
Not through Canada. The E-2 is based on citizenship. If you also hold citizenship of another E-2 treaty country, you may qualify through that country instead.
The funds must be committed to the business before you apply. Many investors use escrow, so the money is released only if the visa is approved.
Many applications take a few months from start to finish. Most of the time goes into choosing the business and preparing the paperwork.
VisaPlace Immigration does not provide legal advice. This checker is for information purposes only and is not a guarantee of eligibility or approval. E-2 decisions are made by US consular officers based on your full application. For legal advice, consult a licensed immigration lawyer.
