E-2 Visa from Canada
Canada nationals are eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa. Compare 7 U.S. consular posts below to find the best fit for your application.
U.S. Consulates in Canada
Compare submission methods, binder requirements, and TCN friendliness across all 7 posts.
| Consulate | Submission | Page Limit | Max Size | TCN Score | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Consulate General Toronto | physical | 50 | 20 MB | 3/3 | Custom |
| U.S. Consulate General Vancouver | physical | 50 | 20 MB | 2/3 | Custom |
| U.S. Consulate General Montreal | physical | 50 | 20 MB | 2/3 | Custom |
| U.S. Embassy Ottawa | physical | 50 | 20 MB | 1/3 | Custom |
| U.S. Consulate Calgary | physical | 50 | 20 MB | 1/3 | Custom |
| U.S. Consulate Quebec City | physical | 50 | 20 MB | 0/3 | Custom |
| U.S. Consulate Halifax | physical | 50 | 20 MB | 0/3 | Custom |
U.S. Consulate General Toronto
U.S. Consulate General Vancouver
U.S. Consulate General Montreal
U.S. Embassy Ottawa
U.S. Consulate Calgary
U.S. Consulate Quebec City
U.S. Consulate Halifax
E-2 Visa Requirements for Canada Nationals
Treaty Nationality
As a Canada national, you meet the treaty nationality requirement for E-2 visa eligibility.
Substantial Investment
Invest a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. The investment must be sufficient to ensure the business's successful operation.
Active Business
The business must be a real, operating commercial enterprise — not a paper entity. It must produce goods or services for profit.
Managerial Control
You must own at least 50% of the business or have operational control through a managerial position or other corporate mechanisms.
Application Process
Complete DS-160 Online
Fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application on the CEAC website.
Pay MRV Fee
Pay the Machine Readable Visa fee through the usvisa-info.com portal.
Schedule Interview
Book your visa interview at your chosen U.S. consulate in Canada.
Prepare Evidence Binder
Assemble your business plan, financial documents, and supporting evidence according to your post's specific requirements.
Attend Interview
Present your case at the consular interview. Bring your evidence binder and all original documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Canada nationals apply for an E-2 visa?
Yes. Canada has an active treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, making its nationals eligible for E-2 Treaty Investor visas. Applicants must invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business and maintain operational control.
How long does E-2 visa processing take from Canada?
Processing times vary by consulate and time of year. After submitting your application, most embassies in Canada schedule interviews within 2-8 weeks. The visa is typically issued within a few days of a successful interview.
What documents do I need for an E-2 visa from Canada?
You'll need a completed DS-160, valid passport, DS-156E, proof of investment (bank statements, wire transfers, contracts), a business plan, evidence of business ownership, and supporting documents. Requirements vary by consulate — check the specific post page for format and page limit details.
Which consulate in Canada should I apply at?
Canada has 7 U.S. consular posts. Consider factors like TCN friendliness scores, submission methods (some accept digital, others require physical binders), and appointment availability. Compare all options on this page.
What is the minimum investment for an E-2 visa?
There is no fixed minimum investment amount. The investment must be "substantial" relative to the total cost of the business. For small businesses, investments of $100,000+ are generally considered sufficient, though amounts vary by business type and industry.