If you’re among the many Canadian families considering a move to the United States, you might be exploring the E2 visa as a potential pathway. The E2 visa, officially known as the Treaty Investor visa, is a popular option for those looking to invest in and manage a business in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know about this visa and how it might work for your family.
The E2 visa is designed for investors from countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S., including Canada. This non-immigrant visa allows individuals to enter and stay in the United States for the purpose of investing in and managing a business. It’s an attractive option for Canadian entrepreneurs and investors who wish to expand their business ventures south of the border.
To qualify for an E2 visa, you must meet several key requirements:
Treaty Country: Both you and the business must be from a treaty country. Canada qualifies under this criterion.
Substantial Investment: You must make a substantial investment in a U.S. business. While there’s no set minimum amount, the investment should be enough to ensure the successful operation of the business.
Active Business: The business must be actively operating and not just a passive investment. You should be involved in the day-to-day management and operations.
Ownership and Control: You must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control through a managerial position or other means.
Intent to Depart: While the E2 visa allows for extended stays, it’s a non-immigrant visa, meaning you must demonstrate an intention to return to Canada once your visa status ends.
Business Plan: A detailed business plan is crucial. This plan should outline your investment, business strategy, market analysis, and how you plan to generate revenue.
Documentation: Gather and prepare necessary documentation, including proof of your investment, evidence of your active role in the business, and proof of your Canadian citizenship.
Apply: Submit your application to the U.S. embassy or consulate in Canada. This includes an interview where you’ll need to present your business plan and other supporting documents.
Approval and Visa Issuance: If approved, you’ll receive an E2 visa, which allows you and your immediate family (spouse and children under 21) to live in the U.S. and manage your business.
Family Benefits: Your spouse can apply for work authorization, and your children can attend U.S. schools.
Renewable: The E2 visa is renewable indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the requirements and the business remains operational.
Flexibility: The visa allows for flexibility in managing and growing your business, offering a significant advantage over other visa types.
Investment Risk: There’s inherent risk in any business investment, so it’s essential to conduct thorough market research and planning.
Non-Immigrant Status: As a non-immigrant visa, the E2 doesn’t lead directly to permanent residency or citizenship. If long-term residency is a goal, you may need to explore other visa options or pathways.
Compliance: Maintaining compliance with visa regulations is crucial. Ensure you meet all requirements and seek legal advice if needed to avoid jeopardizing your status.
The E2 visa offers a viable pathway for Canadian families looking to move to the U.S. and invest in a business. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing a strong business plan, and navigating the application process carefully, you can make this transition smoother. If you’re considering this option, consulting with an immigration attorney or advisor can provide additional guidance tailored to your specific situation.
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Country | Classification | Entered into Force |
---|---|---|
Albania | E-2 | January 4, 1998 |
Argentina | E-1 | December 20, 1854 |
Argentina | E-2 | December 20, 1854 |
Armenia | E-2 | March 29, 1996 |
Australia | E-1 | December 16, 1991 |
Australia | E-2 | December 27, 1991 |
Australia 12 | E-3 | September 2, 2005 |
Austria | E-1 | May 27, 1931 |
Austria | E-2 | May 27, 1931 |
Azerbaijan | E-2 | August 2, 2001 |
Bahrain | E-2 | May 30, 2001 |
Bangladesh | E-2 | July 25, 1989 |
Belgium | E-1 | October 3, 1963 |
Belgium | E-2 | October 3, 1963 |
Bolivia | E-1 | November 09, 1862 |
Bolivia 13 | E-2 | June 6, 2001 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina 11 | E-1 | November 15, 1982 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina 11 | E-2 | November 15, 1982 |
Brunei | E-1 | July 11, 1853 |
Bulgaria | E-2 | June 2, 1954 |
Cameroon | E-2 | April 6, 1989 |
Canada | E-1 | January 1, 1994 |
Canada | E-2 | January 1, 1994 |
Chile | E-1 | January 1, 2004 |
Chile | E-2 | January 1, 2004 |
China (Taiwan) 1 | E-1 | November 30, 1948 |
China (Taiwan) 1 | E-2 | November 30, 1948 |
Colombia | E-1 | June 10, 1948 |
Colombia | E-2 | June 10, 1948 |
Congo (Brazzaville) | E-2 | August 13, 1994 |
Congo (Kinshasa) | E-2 | July 28, 1989 |
Costa Rica | E-1 | May 26, 1852 |
Costa Rica | E-2 | May 26, 1852 |
Croatia 11 | E-1 | November 15, 1982 |
Croatia 11 | E-2 | November 15, 1982 |
Czech Republic 2 | E-2 | January 1, 1993 |
Denmark 3 | E-1 | July 30, 1961 |
Denmark | E-2 | December 10, 2008 |
Ecuador 14 | E-2 | May 11, 1997 |
Egypt | E-2 | June 27, 1992 |
Estonia | E-1 | May 22, 1926 |
Estonia | E-2 | February 16, 1997 |
Ethiopia | E-1 | October 8, 1953 |
Ethiopia | E-2 | October 8, 1953 |
Finland | E-1 | August 10, 1934 |
Finland | E-2 | December 1, 1992 |
France 4 | E-1 | December 21, 1960 |
France 4 | E-2 | December 21, 1960 |
Georgia | E-2 | August 17, 1997 |
Germany | E-1 | July 14, 1956 |
Germany | E-2 | July 14, 1956 |
Greece | E-1 | October 13, 1954 |
Grenada | E-2 | March 3, 1989 |
Honduras | E-1 | July 19, 1928 |
Honduras | E-2 | July 19, 1928 |
Ireland | E-1 | September 14, 1950 |
Ireland | E-2 | November 18, 1992 |
Israel 15 | E-1 | April 3, 1954 |
Israel 15 | E-2 | May 1, 2019 |
Italy | E-1 | July 26, 1949 |
Italy | E-2 | July 26, 1949 |
Jamaica | E-2 | March 7, 1997 |
Japan 5 | E-1 | October 30, 1953 |
Japan 5 | E-2 | October 30, 1953 |
Jordan | E-1 | December 17, 2001 |
Jordan | E-2 | December 17, 2001 |
Kazakhstan | E-2 | January 12, 1994 |
Korea (South) | E-1 | November 7, 1957 |
Korea (South) | E-2 | November 7, 1957 |
Kosovo 11 | E-1 | November 15, 1882 |
Kosovo 11 | E-2 | November 15, 1882 |
Kyrgyzstan | E-2 | January 12, 1994 |
Latvia | E-1 | July 25, 1928 |
Latvia | E-2 | December 26, 1996 |
Liberia | E-1 | November 21, 1939 |
Liberia | E-2 | November 21, 1939 |
Lithuania | E-2 | November 22, 2001 |
Luxembourg | E-1 | March 28, 1963 |
Luxembourg | E-2 | March 28, 1963 |
Macedonia 11 | E-1 | November 15, 1982 |
Macedonia 11 | E-2 | November 15, 1982 |
Mexico | E-1 | January 1, 1994 |
Mexico | E-2 | January 1, 1994 |
Moldova | E-2 | November 25, 1994 |
Mongolia | E-2 | January 1, 1997 |
Montenegro 11 | E-1 | November 15, 1882 |
Montenegro 11 | E-2 | November 15, 1882 |
Morocco | E-2 | May 29, 1991 |
Netherlands 6 | E-1 | December 5, 1957 |
Netherlands 6 | E-2 | December 5, 1957 |
New Zealand 16 | E1 | June 10, 2019 |
New Zealand 16 | E2 | June 10, 2019 |
Norway 7 | E-1 | January 18, 1928 |
Norway 7 | E-2 | January 18, 1928 |
Oman | E-1 | June 11, 1960 |
Oman | E-2 | June 11, 1960 |
Pakistan | E-1 | February 12, 1961 |
Pakistan | E-2 | February 12, 1961 |
Panama | E-2 | May 30, 1991 |
Paraguay | E-1 | March 07, 1860 |
Paraguay | E-2 | March 07, 1860 |
Philippines | E-1 | September 6, 1955 |
Philippines | E-2 | September 6, 1955 |
Poland | E-1 | August 6, 1994 |
Poland | E-2 | August 6, 1994 |
Romania | E-2 | January 15, 1994 |
Senegal | E-2 | October 25, 1990 |
Serbia 11 | E-1 | November 15,1882 |
Serbia 11 | E-2 | November 15,1882 |
Singapore | E-1 | January 1, 2004 |
Singapore | E-2 | January 1, 2004 |
Slovak Republic 2 | E-2 | January 1, 1993 |
Slovenia 11 | E-1 | November 15, 1982 |
Slovenia 11 | E-2 | November 15, 1982 |
Spain 8 | E-1 | April 14, 1903 |
Spain 8 | E-2 | April 14, 1903 |
Sri Lanka | E-2 | May 1, 1993 |
Suriname 9 | E-1 | February 10, 1963 |
Suriname 9 | E-2 | February 10, 1963 |
Sweden | E-1 | February 20, 1992 |
Sweden | E-2 | February 20, 1992 |
Switzerland | E-1 | November 08, 1855 |
Switzerland | E-2 | November 08, 1855 |
Thailand | E-1 | June 8, 1968 |
Thailand | E-2 | June 8, 1968 |
Togo | E-1 | February 5, 1967 |
Togo | E-2 | February 5, 1967 |
Trinidad & Tobago | E-2 | December 26, 1996 |
Tunisia | E-2 | February 7, 1993 |
Turkey | E-1 | February 15, 1933 |
Turkey | E-2 | May 18, 1990 |
Ukraine | E-2 | November 16, 1996 |
United Kingdom 10 | E-1 | July 03, 1815 |
United Kingdom 10 | E-2 | July 03, 1815 |
Yugoslavia 11 | E-1 | November 15, 1882 |
Yugoslavia 11 | E-2 | November 15, 1882 |