E-2 Investor
VS
TN Canadians
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
Treaty Investors
NAFTA Professionals from Canada
Profiles that typically qualify
Entrepreneurs, Business owners, Investors
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Management consultants
Requirements
You and at least 50% of the business owners must be nationals of the same treaty country.
You must direct or control the business through either 50%+ ownership or a high-level director or managerial role.
The investment must be substantial and at risk, with the legal source of funds documented.
Funds must be the investor's personal assets, and the investment must be in a commercial enterprise (i.e., a business that sells products or services).
The business must be profitable and ideally create at least one U.S. job within the first five years.
You must be a citizen of Canada.
You must meet the educational credentials or work experience required under NAFTA for your profession, with a job offer that matches those qualifications. Professions eligible for this status include, but are not limited to, accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.
Pros
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term business opportunities in the U.S.
Highly flexible and can be used for almost any type of business.
Streamlined application process; you can apply directly at the border with a job offer letter.
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.
No annual cap, providing a reliable option for eligible professionals.
Cons
Requires a substantial upfront investment, with funds at risk (no set minimum, but typically over USD $100,000).
Some consulates have long wait times for E-2 application interviews.
Requires committing investment funds before receiving approval.
Limited to specific professions listed under the NAFTA agreement.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer.
Sponsorship
Not required
Required
Validity period
5 years1
3 years
Renewable
Indefinitely, 5-year increments2
Indefinitely, 3-year increments
Without premium processing
2-4 months
Same day
With premium processing
15 business days3
Not available
Can spouse work
Yes
No
Disclaimers
1, 2Shorter for some nationalities.
3Available only for change of status, not for consular processing.
-
Type
E-2 Investor
Nonimmigrant visa
TN Canadians
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
E-2 Investor
Treaty Investors
TN Canadians
NAFTA Professionals from Canada
Profiles that typically qualify
E-2 Investor
Entrepreneurs, Business owners, Investors
TN Canadians
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Management consultants
Requirements
E-2 Investor
You and at least 50% of the business owners must be nationals of the same treaty country.
You must direct or control the business through either 50%+ ownership or a high-level director or managerial role.
The investment must be substantial and at risk, with the legal source of funds documented.
Funds must be the investor's personal assets, and the investment must be in a commercial enterprise (i.e., a business that sells products or services).
The business must be profitable and ideally create at least one U.S. job within the first five years.
TN Canadians
You must be a citizen of Canada.
You must meet the educational credentials or work experience required under NAFTA for your profession, with a job offer that matches those qualifications. Professions eligible for this status include, but are not limited to, accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.
Pros
E-2 Investor
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term business opportunities in the U.S.
Highly flexible and can be used for almost any type of business.
TN Canadians
Streamlined application process; you can apply directly at the border with a job offer letter.
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.
No annual cap, providing a reliable option for eligible professionals.
Cons
E-2 Investor
Requires a substantial upfront investment, with funds at risk (no set minimum, but typically over USD $100,000).
Some consulates have long wait times for E-2 application interviews.
Requires committing investment funds before receiving approval.
TN Canadians
Limited to specific professions listed under the NAFTA agreement.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer.
Sponsorship
E-2 Investor
Not required
TN Canadians
Required
Validity period
E-2 Investor
5 years1
TN Canadians
3 years
Renewable
E-2 Investor
Indefinitely, 5-year increments2
TN Canadians
Indefinitely, 3-year increments
Without premium processing
E-2 Investor
2-4 months
TN Canadians
Same day
With premium processing
E-2 Investor
15 business days3
TN Canadians
Not available
Can spouse work
E-2 Investor
Yes
TN Canadians
No
Disclaimers
E-2 Investor
1, 2Shorter for some nationalities.
3Available only for change of status, not for consular processing.
TN Canadians
-