The E-2 Visa for Canadian Citizens

Canada is one of the original E-2 treaty countries, making Canadian citizens highly eligible for the Treaty Investor visa. Many Canadians leverage the E-2 to expand their businesses into the United States or launch new ventures south of the border.

The Toronto Consulate Process

Canadian citizens can apply for an E-2 visa directly at a U.S. consulate, such as the U.S. Consulate General in Toronto. Unlike many other nationalities, Canadians do not need to go through the National Visa Center (NVC) or wait for a petition approval from USCIS. You can schedule an interview directly after preparing your application package.

Typical Wait Times

Wait times for interview appointments at the Toronto consulate can vary significantly based on seasonal demand. Currently, applicants should expect to wait anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to secure an appointment. Expedited appointments are rarely granted for E-2 visas unless there is a documented medical or humanitarian emergency.

Canadian Investment Structures

Canadians often use a Canadian corporation to own the U.S. entity. This is perfectly acceptable under E-2 regulations, provided that the Canadian corporation is at least 50% owned by Canadian citizens. The U.S. entity is typically formed as an LLC or C-Corporation in the state where the business will operate.

RRSP Considerations

Using funds from a Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to fund an E-2 investment is possible, but it requires careful structuring. The funds must be fully withdrawn and at risk in the U.S. business. Because RRSP withdrawals are taxable in Canada, applicants should consult a cross-border tax professional before liquidating retirement assets for an E-2 investment.