Steps to E-2 visa for a Canadian

As a Canadian, what would be steps required to get an E-2 visa? How long does it take to approve an E-2 visa? From what I understand, it takes 4 weeks to approve the application and get the visa? ...

Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the USA -> US Visas and Immigration

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mark
Junior Member

Joined: 01 Oct 2006
Posts: 11
Location: canada

Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 3:23 pm

As a Canadian, what would be steps required to get an E-2 visa?

How long does it take to approve an E-2 visa? From what I understand, it takes 4 weeks to approve the application and get the visa?

Hassle: documentation is very, very extensive? Business plan will be scrutinized heavily?

Does the E-2 visa have many restrictions?
Can it be renewed every 2 years indefinitely?

Where can you get the finances to fund the investment? – U.S. or Canadian bank, Canadian RRSP's, U.S. bank loan?

Is the E-2 visa guaranteed once you buy into a business or start a business?
Meanwhile, is it best to be on a TN visa while you are setting up the business?
Can you get the visa before or after you make the investment?

This is alot of questions, but anyone who knows about the E-2 visa, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thanx!

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1368
Location: Calgary

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:03 am

The simple advice on E-2 is to use an immigration consultant who is familiar with filing for them, as it is very complex. Costs you money but it's far quicker, if they know what they're doing.

Funding can come from pretty much anywhere in either country, and the visa can be renewed indefinitely, the requirement being that the business stay in operation and under your control, obviously.

TN-1 is for temporary workers from Canada, you have to be employed by someone else to get it.
_________________
Steve.