E-2 treaty investor visas for Canadians.
Canada is an E-2 treaty country, so Canadian citizens can invest in and run a U.S. business on an E-2 — often the cleanest way to turn cross-border activity into a U.S. presence. Here’s what to know.
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What matters most for your case.
The fundamentals are the same wherever you’re from — but the angle that wins differs by background. Here’s what tends to matter for Canada investors.
Canada qualifies
Canada is an E-2 treaty country, so Canadian citizens can apply — note this is separate from TN status, which is for specific professions, not running your own business.
A natural fit
Proximity means many Canadians already trade across the border. The E-2 lets you live in the U.S. and run a business directly, rather than commuting on a visitor basis.
Picking the right tool
Canadians have options. TN suits employees in listed professions; L-1 suits transfers from a Canadian company; the E-2 suits owner-operators investing their own capital.
Why the E-2 works well from Canada.
Because the U.S. and Canada are so integrated, Canadian E-2 applicants often run distribution, trades, logistics, or service businesses that operate on both sides of the border — and the E-2 lets the owner be physically present in the U.S. to direct them.
If you also own a Canadian company, it’s worth comparing the E-2 against a new-office L-1A before deciding, since the L-1A can lead to a green card while the E-2 cannot.
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What canadians ask about the E-2.
Is Canada an E-2 treaty country?
Yes. Canadian citizens are eligible for the E-2 treaty investor visa.
How is the E-2 different from a TN?
A TN is for citizens of Canada and Mexico working in specific listed professions for an employer. The E-2 is for investors actively directing their own U.S. business — a different purpose entirely.
Can I keep running my Canadian business?
Often yes, but your focus must be developing and directing the U.S. enterprise. We’ll structure it so both can coexist where possible.
Should I consider an L-1 instead?
If you have an established Canadian company, a new-office L-1A may be worth comparing — especially if a green card is a goal, since L-1A leads to EB-1C.
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