1. Choose a viable business
Evaluate cash flow, customers, employees, owner dependence, working capital and the transition after closing. A business must make sense beyond the visa application.
Canada → United States
E-2 visa for Canadians: start with a business worth owning.
Planning to buy a U.S. business and move from Canada? Buying America helps you explore the business decision, understand the questions to ask and connect the investment plan with qualified professional advice.
Map your U.S. investment planThree decisions before you commit capital
2. Review the immigration fit
Ask an immigration attorney to assess nationality, ownership, investment documentation and your operating role before deciding how to structure the transaction.
3. Plan the Canada–U.S. transition
Discuss tax residence, Canadian assets and companies, U.S. reporting, currency exposure and your family’s timeline with cross-border specialists. Buying property and being authorized to live or work are different matters.
Questions Canadian investors ask
Can a Canadian entrepreneur use an E-2 visa to move to the United States?
Canadian nationals may qualify under the E-2 treaty framework if the investment, business, ownership and other requirements are met. Canadian residence alone is not the same as Canadian nationality. An immigration attorney should assess eligibility before you commit to a transaction.
Does buying a U.S. business guarantee an investor visa?
No. Business value and immigration eligibility are separate questions. The enterprise must be real and operating, the investment substantial and at risk, and the investor must develop and direct it. Approval is decided by the U.S. authorities.
Is there one minimum investment amount for every E-2 business?
No universal dollar minimum applies to all businesses. Substantiality is assessed in relation to the business. Budget for acquisition or startup, working capital, professional review and your family’s separate relocation needs.
Is an LLC or a passive property investment enough?
No. Forming an LLC does not provide immigration status. Merely owning a passive investment does not establish an operating E-2 enterprise. Review the actual activity, ownership, funds and your management role with qualified advisers.
Is the E-2 a green card?
No. E-2 is a nonimmigrant classification, not permanent residence. Family arrangements, travel, renewals and any long-term immigration strategy need their own legal review.
How does Buying America help Canadian investors?
Buying America provides business education, a community and a framework for evaluating U.S. opportunities. Start with the Strategic GPS to explain your goals, budget and timeline. Immigration eligibility and filings belong with a qualified immigration attorney; cross-border tax advice should address both Canada and the United States.
Reviewed September 19, 2026. Sources: U.S. Department of State E-2 guidance and treaty country list. General information, not individual legal or tax advice. No visa outcome or investment return is guaranteed.
Meet the people behind Buying America
Joe Faraci, Edmundo Treviño and Diego Alcalá bring perspectives on investing, entrepreneurship and business operations. Explore our founders and the Buying America podcast before starting the conversation.
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