US Business and Investment Visa for Canadians

Questions about US Business and Investment Visas for Canadians

Q. I am a Canadian Citizen. I wish to move to the US and invest in a business there. I heard that I can get a US business Visa if I buy a business. Is this true?

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Our immigration law firm answers a question about US Business and Investment Visas for Canadians

A.  There are different “US business visas” available for Canadians. If you wish to buy a business in the US, you may be eligible for what is called an E-2 Visa. E-2 Visas can be issued at the US Consulate for applicants that make a “substantial investment” in a US business in the US, and own at least 50% of their business in the US. For more information about E-2 Visas or other US Business and Investment Visas for Candians you can go here

Michael Niren

About Michael Niren

Michael is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section and the Associate Member of the American Bar Association. Read more

  • Simon

    Hi, As a Canadian citizen, I’ve been looking for an eligible small business in the US, and purchase with E-2 visa contingency. However it’s quite difficult because most business sellers and even brokers are reluctant to get involved into the visa issue, and don’t want to wait. So I am thinking of making purchase without visa first. And then have you lawyer submit E-2 application right after purchase completion. I’ll have employees run the business before visa issued.

    Is this a feasible and wise approach? Please advise. Thanks!

    • Immigration Lawyer (rachel)

      Hi Simon,

      Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! We would have to take a closer look at your case and goals to better advise you on your options. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Jahan Sikder

    Hi,
    I am working on TN, my wife/kids are on TD. Wife can’t work on TD. If we buy a franchise (Subway) for $140,000 and keep the existing 4/5 US employees and my wife gets involved in day-to-day operation, can she convert her visa from TD to E-2?

    Jan

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Jahan,

      Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! There are many ways to be able to have your wife work under a different visa or an E-2 as you suggested. We have helped thousands of clients transfer their visas and we may be able to help you! Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • trang thai

    i want to buy a business in the US I am from Canada. But i do not want to work there, I will have people running the small incorporated business for me, do i still need a e-2 application?

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Trang,
      Thank you for your inquiry, I’m glad you contacted us! There are several ways to own a business in the United States but not physically be in the country to run it. I do need to take a closer look at your case to determine the best visa for you. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions plus it will also increase the chance of approval of the visa you are inquiring. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Kush

    Hi,

    I am Canadian citizen looking for an investment opportunity in US & get E2 investors visa. I am currently operating a food franchise business in Canada and having in depth retail business experience for almost 20 years. I am willing to start up a retail, food or motel business in USA by my own or with a partner from US. I would like to get detailed information regarding-

    How much minimum worth of business should I buy
    Should it be my own or with partner only
    If in partnership, how much percentage I have to invest
    What kind of business suitable to invest
    If it is existing business, I have to buy a property or it can be a leased one
    If my kid is 17, can attend college in USA? If yes, what fees I have to pay for ? Regular or foreign students?
    I am looking to invest 200,000 to 300,000 for retail business, what are the chances to get visa?
    If I appoint you, what would be your total fees?

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Kush,
      Thank you for your inquiry, I’m glad you contacted us! I can understand how the laws and regulations can be quite confusing when it comes to immigration between Canada and the US. We have helped thousands of clients in very similar situations as yours. I do need to learn more about you and your case. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions plus it will also increase the chance of approval of the visa you are inquiring about. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Michelle

    My husband and I are Canadian citizens and own a home in Florida which we spend 6 months at (allowed time). We are looking to buy a building that is currently for sale here in Florida and move full time to our Florida home and open a business in the building. The building is worth $400K and we would run the business with approximately 2-4 employees. Would we qualify for an E-2 Visa? Also, I imagine we would have to sell our existing commercial property in Canada so CRA and IRS wouldn’t both tax on the rental income off the property.

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Michelle,
      I’m glad you have contacted us! We have helped thousands of clients in similar situations wanting to invest in American real estate and/or open a business in the US. We would love to help you and your husband be able to reach your dreams. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help answer all of your immigration questions, it will also increase your chance of being approved for a valid visa.

      Please Michelle complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to get you status here in America.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • sher

    Hi –

    I am an American citizen currently residing in the US. My best friend is a Canadian currently residing in Canada. We would like to partner equally to start a small restaurant business in Greenville, SC. Based on all of our research and a property that was gifted to me, we envision the start up costs for this business at $20K USD – but the business model would have it scaling quickly.

    My question is: What does my friend need to do to be able to live and work here while we start up the business. Can she come over for 6 months at a time, cross the border for a few weeks and come back or does she need a visa? If so, what type of visa would be applicable and how easy / difficult would it be to get?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Sher. The rules for an investor visa are strict, but obtainable. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our U.S. immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you both. How you set up the business ownership is important. You need to do it correctly from the start. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Trevor

    I’m a Canadian with a current Canadian company (incorporated). I’m looking to buy an existing business in the same type of market in the USA to expand. I live very close to border so plan would be to still live in Canada but hire employees in the USA to do the work at that location. I would travel back and forth to manage. Does it matter what type of corporate structure or business the existing is? I’m not familiar with USA corporate structures and told from owner it is a ‘S Corporation’. I’m looking to do this with E-2 Visa, purchase price would be over $100K USD. I’m thinking I’d have to keep my Corp and have another US Corp, so 2 different corporations, with 2 sets of accounting, etc..

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Trevor. The key factors for an E-2 visa are the amount of the investment and the number of jobs that you will be creating. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our U.S. immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Cam

    Hi,

    The following question is related to “Substantial Investment” aspect of E2-visa:

    I am a Canadian citizen. I am looking into purchasing an existing business in Boston, MA. Business is valued US$1,300,00.00. I am also having a silence partner, a US citizen, to invest with me in the same business with the following conditions:

    1. I will be solely responsible for day-to-day business operations
    2. I will put US$100,000 down payment; my partner will put the rest (a combination of cash and loan).

    In short, I will put roughly 7.7% (US$100,000) of the total purchasing price (US$1,300,000). Is this amount enough to qualify me for the “Substantial Investment” aspect of E2-visa?

    Thanks!

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Cam. Thank you for writing to us. The investment that you are planning to make is not porportionate to the value of the business. Although $100,000 may be considered substantial, it may not qualify for an E2 visa. Usually the investment should be at least half of the total purchase price. You would also need to be majority owner of the US company. There may be other avenues that you can take that will help you achieve your goal. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our U.S. immigration experts who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Michael

    Hello,

    I am Canadian and have 75K USD to buy an existing business in New York State. Following all the proper steps to get the E2 visa, what are the chances of actually getting an E2 visa? I ask this because I have read that it is very hard now for Canadians to get E2 visas.

    Thank you for your time.

    Michael

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Michael. When an application is prepared thoroughly and professionally, your chances for a successful visa are greatly increased. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Graham

    Hello,

    I am a recent business college grad in Canada and have lived in Canada my entire life. I am looking to purchase a business in the United States (Ohio) and move down there. The business I am potentially buying is less than $500k though.

    Would I be eligible for any visa for this? I am 21 years old. And how long would this process take?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Graham. You may be eligible for an E2 visa. The E2 visa will allow you to work in the U.S. based on a substantial investment. We have helped many individuals evaluate and apply for an E2 visa. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Gagandeep Anand

    Hi,

    I’m currently working in the US on an H1-B visa and considering moving back to Canada, but continuing to work for a small company in ATL. This would require frequent travel to Atlanta and surrounding areas approx. 60% of the year.

    My questions:
    1. Is it possible to work in the US and live in Canada? Are there any restrictions?
    2. Can I own a portion of the company in the US (i.e., be an equity partner)?
    3. What are the tax implications?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Gagandeep. The H1-B visa allows you to work in the US. The H1-B does not require you to keep a permanent residence in the US. If you are a Canadian citizen or PR, you may travel back and forth to the US. There are several investor options for immigration that you may be interested in. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our US immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Richard

    I’m a semi-retired truck driver and I’m thinking about opening up a bar in st. Augustine Florida. I was wondering how I would go about that and what be so I would need to do that.

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Richard. The US offers opportunities for people who want to invest in businesses. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Jeff

    My partner and I have an ad agency and over half our business for the past 3 years have been with US clients in different states. We are considering expanding to either New York City or San Francisco and was wondering if this is going to help make the process a bit smoother and what visa would this fall under?

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Hello Jeff. There are several options available to you and your partner. From what you have written, it does not seem that you are going to be investing in an existing US business. So you would either be investing to start your own US business that would be employing US citizens, or you will be traveling to the US to conduct business on your own. The investment option can require a substantial amount of investment depending on the area that you want to set up shop. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best business strategy for you and your partner. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Vahe

      • Jeff

        Thanks for the quick reply. I’m on vacation but will reach out soon. I noticed on a few sites it states your business need to make an investment of $100,000 but on others it is $1 million. Confusing… and it’s a huge difference in amount!

  • Anila ATTAWALA

    my parents are canadian citizen and they want to do business in USA but they are not planning to move to USA but they will be travelling time to time and I can take care the business as a care taker as they are too old for working. Please suggest what are the requirements

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Hello Anila. The type of business visa that your parents will need will depend on the type of work that they will be doing; for example meetings, training, sales calls, product support. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for your parents and yourself. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Vahe

  • Jordan

    Hello, I’m interested in expanding my business into the Phoenix, Arizona, USA area and have $50,000 USD to invest. Currently I’m in Vancouver, BC, Canada. My business is the custom gift basket business. I would be operating it as a home based business and hiring American citizens. Just wondering if this is a viable game plan? Thanks Jordan

    • Jordan

      I didn’t even know such a treaty existed. Just wondering if this is something that can be beneficial to Canadians wanting to expand and/or start a business in the USA.

      http://business.financialpost.com/entrepreneur/drew-hasselback-setting-up-shop-cross-border-might-not-be-as-complicated-as-you-think

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Thank you for writing to us Jordan. Unfortunately you do not have nearly enough capital to qualify for the EB-5 visa program; you would need a minimum of $500,000.
      Regards, Vahe

      • Jordan

        Thanks for your reply but a lawyer friend of mine said $50,000 is enough in some instances. He knows of others who have done it with even less. No way you need $500,000 to $1,000,000 investment that is just simply not true. Anyway thanks Jordan

        • Jordan

          There are other posters on this thread saying they only have $50,000 and they are getting replies saying it’s enough. ??? Jordan

        • Vahe Mirzoyan

          Hello Jordan. The EB-5 visa that gives you a path to a Greencard and US citizenship requires a $500,000 investment in a new business or a real-estate project. If all you want to do is have a visa that allows you open a business (following the hiring regulations that are imposed) but not have a permanent status then you can do that for much less $50,000 to $150,000 investment. The visa would be valid for up to 5 years, and would have to be renewed. That renewal will be at the discretion of an immigration officer.
          Regards, Vahe

          • Jordan Graham

            Yes that sounds right. I’m just looking to have a visa that allows me to open a business and yes it can be done for $50,000. Thanks. Jordan

  • Gary

    Hi, thank you for your great job here, that encourage me to post my situation here. I have canadian citizenship and i am a real estate agent focus on flipping houses, small business not big investor. Can i apply e-2 by this kind business. More like we invest 100,000-150,000 to get an old property and put another 50,000 or more to renovate . Then we make 10-15%profit net after sale from each deal. I may start up if i get a positive answer. Thanks!

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Thank you for writing to us Gary. The Consulate frowns upon real estate investors who use their money to buy houses and flip them for a profit. This business model demonstrates a marginal business in that the applicants are investing for the purposes of generating incomes for themselves; it does not create full time jobs. This model will not work for E-2 purposes. If someone wanted to buy into properties, the business model would have to allow for a property management or brokerage division which can show the abilities of hiring employees and benefiting the local job markets. There has to be an ongoing business and it has to be a real and operating business. For example if you wanted to set up a property management company and buy a property for $100K and handle the leasing of units to tenants, grounds keeping, renovations, collecting rent, maintenance, maybe putting in a gym or purchasing washing machines and building a laundry room – this model will work for E-2 purposes.
      Regards, Vahe

      • Jahan Sikder

        Is there any restriction in terms of how many employees should be hired for such type pf property management?

        • Immigration Lawyers

          Hi Jahan,
          Thank you for contacting me! Yes, there are many laws and regulations that go along with the business and investor visas. An immigration lawyer will be able to give you the best possible legal advice in regards to these visas. Please Jahan, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to help you get the best legal advice possible.

          The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • devesh

    hi my name is dev and i am canadian citizen
    i want to open a business in usa
    how much i have to invest
    and i move from here and i got greencard
    and what abt my kids and wife

  • Ryan

    Hello! I have a quick question about expanding into the US. We are an advertising and film production company. We have operated as a Canadian corporation for 16 months. One of our partners is an American citizen. Does this mean that we can more easily set up shop in the States? If he is to apply for a US corporation with us as partners, does that mean that we do not need visas in order to travel to the states to conduct business there? How does this work? Where can we find all the information on this? Thanks!

  • Ali

    Hi,
    I am canadian and would like to open up a R&D (Medical device) company in US. I don`t have lot of money but have an expertise and qualification be approved by both sides.
    Thanks

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hello Ali,

      Thank you for your post. I can definitely assist you by determining your eligibility as well as guiding you in terms of the proper procedure to follow when applying. But in order for me to do so, I must learn more details about you. Kindly complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ as it will provide me with all the information I need to get started. MF

  • Syed Shah

    Hi,

    I would like to settle down in the U.S by doing business there (gas station). How much money would be required to do so? Also, I am not a canadian citizen. My wife and kids are canadian citizens. My citizenship has already been applied for and is in the process. So, how do I go about with moving forward with this business plan.

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hello Syed,

      Thank you for your inquiry. I would need to ask you some questions and assess you to see if your are within the guidelines to apply for a visa to the US. Please do call and book a consultation with me so that I may assist you with this process. MF

  • mazen

    hello,

    we are planning on opening an 50k car wash in America, I am an American citizen and my partner is Canadian. can you help in obtaining a visa for him if he is eligible?
    thanks

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hello Mazen,

      Thank you for your post. Please do contact our office so that I can assess your partner to see if he/she qualifies for a visa so that we can assist you both with this process. MF

  • Mazen

    Hello,
    I
    We are planning on opening a 50k car wash business. I am American and my partners is Canadian. What visa is he eligible for. And is 50k enough

    Thanks

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hello Mazen,

      Thank you for your post! Please complete this assessment form so that I can gather more details about your business and inform you on your eligibilty and which steps to take to successfully apply! MF
      http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/

  • Josh E

    I am a canadian citizen, and im looking to buy houses and rent them oit in michigan usa. Is there some sorth of visa i require? Sooner then later i would be hiring people. Such as to fix properties. Paint. Maintience people. Ect
    i am looking at forclosed homes. If there a type of visa i could get so i can manage my houses and live in the usa and work on my houses as well as hire people
    thanks josh

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hello Josh,

      Thank you for your inquiry. You would definitely require authorization to be able to start this venture in the US and the way to go about this is by applying for an E2. We have a lot of great information about the E2 on our website, but if you would like to schedule a consultation so that I may discuss the process for you specifically, please email us at [email protected]. MF

  • Duff

    Hello
    I was thinking of purchasing an existing American business for aprox. 750 thousand and having it held by a new American numbered company and having my daughter and her boyfriend run the day to day operations of it. Would the 3 of us qualify for the E2 Visas to be able to do this. We would employee about 20 Americans to work their………. thank you

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hello Duff,

      Thank you for your post! Firstly I would need to gather more information about the business in question to determine if you are eligible to apply and how it can be done if there are 3 applicants involved. Please click on the link and complete this assessment form, and I will contact you upon its receipt to go over the results and details with you. MF

      http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/

  • Mitul

    Hi There,

    I am a Canadian Citizen. I planning to buy a gas station in USA. I am getting $90K gift from my friend. $85K would be my investment. My profit share in the business would be 100%. The business value would be approx. $250K. Do you think I can qualify with my $85K investment, $90K loan from friend? Please advise.

    Thanks,
    Mitul

  • Nancy

    Hello,
    I am a canadian citizen and my sister is a US citizen. We are planning to buy a restaurant business in US for 60,000 dollars. Can I still apply for E2 visa with that amount of investment?

    Thank you in advance

    • owen

      Hello Nancy,

      We should be able to help you obtain an E2 visa with that investment size. Please call us to set up a consultation with one of our experienced immigration professionals who will help you build your business in the US.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Hi,
    I’m a Canadian looking at purchasing a US franchise and operating it out of Rochester NY. My investment would be minimum $50k. What kind of visa would I be able to obtain in order to work there?

    • owen

      Hello David,

      Thank you for the question. From the information you have provided, it seems that an E-2 visa would be most appropriate. We would be happy to provide you with more personalized advice, but first we will need some more information from you. Please fill out our free online assessment form and one of our immigration professionals will be in touch with you shortly http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Shibu

    Hi, I am an Indian graduate engineer . I have about 20 0.000 to invest in the business in USA for purchasing a Gas station or any thing else like teaching SAT students . That would be about what I need to open and meet my initial obligations for the business. Of course I would hire only Americans. Can I do this? Do I go to USA to buy first or do I have to get a lawyer before doing any thing?? What VISA will be appropriate for this? can I also work in USA with this visa>
    Thanks

  • Omar

    Hi

    I am a Canadian Citizen. Do Canadian citizen that invest in properties in the US require some kind of a visa to go back and forth. I live in Canada and only go to the US when I have to pay a contractor .

    Thanks,
    Omar

    • Hi Omar
      Generally if you just come to the US to visit or to pay contractors and do not stay very long, you should not require a visa for that. But if you spend more than 180 days in the US, you may have to consider applying for a work visa.

      Best
      Michael

  • Newbie

    If I move to the US under an E-2 visa as a Canadian citizen, would my wife and step-son (Kazakhstan nationals) be allowed to live in the US as well?

    • Hello Newbie

      Yes if you are from Canada, your wife and step-son could also apply as dependents. However, you have too have proof of these relationships as part of your E2 visa application.
      Our law firm handles many E2 visas for Canadians. You can email us at [email protected] or contact us at 416 410 7484 to schedule a consultation.
      Best
      Michael Niren

  • Baljit

    I am thinking invest in cooler container industry in america. I am Canadian citizen. What is requirements and law says.

    • Hello Baljit

      Thank you for your question. We don’t provide advise about businesses. But for getting a visas based on investment, most industries in the US would qualify. You may want to consider exploring the E2 Visa option. E2 Visas are US work visas for people wishing to invest in a business in the US. Normally E2s are valid for 5 years and can be renewable. You can visit our E2 visa section on our website for more information.
      Regards
      Michael Niren

  • George

    I’m a Canadian citizen and I want to incorporate a Nevada LLC for a mining business.Can I work in the USA. once the LLC is formed.

    • Hello George

      Incorporating a company in the US does not give you the right to work in the US. You need to apply for a US work visa if you intend to work in the US. If it’s your own business, an L-1 or E-2 Visa may be appropriate.
      Best
      Michael Niren

  • Gabriele

    Hello,
    My wife and I are Italian, we wood like to invest in a food truck business in California.
    would the E2 visa fits our needs?

    thank in advance

    Gabriele

    • Michael Niren

      Hello Gabriele

      Thank you for the post. We can help with an E-2 visa to the US. A food truck business could possibly qualify but we would have to look into it further.

      Regards
      Michael

  • John

    Hi, I have a business in Sarnia and would like to expand into the Michigan Market. I have about 150.000 to invest in the business. That would be about what I need to open and meet my initial obligations for the business. Of course I would hire only Americans. Can I do this? Do I go to the border first or do I have to get a lawyer??

    • Michael Niren

      Hello John

      We can help you here. Your $150000 should be enough for an E-2 Visa.

      Best
      Michael

  • Dr

    Hi. I am a Canadian veterinarian on a TN visa in the USA. Is it possible to get a green card while on my TN visa? How long does it take? What are the costs?

    Thanks.

    • Michael Niren

      Hello Dr.

      You could get a Green Card while on a TN visa but there is no direct process for this. A green card though employment can take around one year or more depending on the case. You can contact us for details.
      Best
      Michael

  • saigol

    HI
    IM a Canadian citizen currently in Pakistan im planning to invest in the US for a multifamily apartment ……. M i eligible for the E2 visa if not what other type do i qualify for and what is the minimum qualification requirement for an E2 visa category

    • Michael Niren

      Hello Saigoi

      Thank you for your question. You may be eligible for an E2 Visa for your investment. For more information on E2 Visas visit our E2 visa page.

  • M M.

    Hi,

    My sister is a Canadian Citizen, originally from India. She wants to invest in a partnership business in US and is a doctor there. I live in US and wanted to understand the process of how she can invest money in US with me. Can you please advise on the process. We are thinking of buying some land/motel.

    • Michael Niren

      Hello M.M.

      Your sister may be eligible for an E-2 Visa but she would have to own 50% or more of this US Business. She would have to actively manage this business and the visa could be valid for up to 5 years. See our page on E-2 visas.
      Best
      Michael

  • Patrick

    Hello Alicia,

    Since E2-Visa is working visa, does that mean the E2 Visa holders can work at their business? I heard that E2 Visa holders must hire some amounts of local people. Is that true?

    Thanks,

    Patrick

    • Michael Niren

      Hello Patick

      E2 Visa holders are expected to actively manage their business as well as hire Americans as they grow their businesses.

  • Dr. Manny

    Hello,

    I am a veterinarian in Canada having 2 clinics for last 5 years. I am planning to apply for a U.S. Investor’s Visa (E-2). Can my children accompany me to the U.S.(i.e. my 22 year old son who is still in school)?

    • Dear Dr. Manny,

      Normally, family members (spouses and unmarried children under 21) of the principal Treaty Investor visa holder may obtain derivative status that allows them to live, work and attend school in the US. However, if your son is 22 years old and wants to study in the U.S., he may have to obtain an F-1 visa.

      Hope this helps.

  • How much investment is “substantial” with respect to E-2

    • Hi,

      Usually, an investment of at least $200,000 is considered substantial. But, it is not fixed and there were a few applications which were approved at as low as $100,000 or as high as $500,000. However, ideally $200,000 would be the most appropriate figure.

      Hope this helps.

  • Mike S

    Are Indian citizens and Canadian PR are eligible for E2 Visa to USA?

    Thanks

    • Unfortunately not. In order to be eligible for an E-2 Visa, you have to be a citizen of a treaty country. India is not on the list. However, as a Canadian PR, if you become a Canadian citizen, you can then apply for an E-2 Visa.

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