I am Canadian and I want to apply for an E-1/E-2 visa. Do I need a visa stamp in my passport?

E-1 visa is a great visa for treaty traders who engage in international trade between the U.S. and their home treaty country.

An E-2 visa is a great option if you want to start a business in the U.S., you have invested a substantial amount of money in the U.S. or you are in the processing of investing the money, and you plan to hire U.S. workers. Please see the E-2 requirements when you click here.

Citizens of Canada who are traveling to the U.S. usually do not need a non-immigrant visa to enter the U.S.

For example, citizens of Canada do not need a non-immigrant visa stamp if they are entering the U.S. on:

• H-1B status
• O-1 status
• TN status
• L-1 status

Normally, Canadians are visa exempt so they do not require a form visa in their passports to enter the U.S.  However, if you are Canadian and you want to come to the U.S. on an E-1 or E-2 status, you will need to get a U.S. visa in your passport.

If you are applying for an E-1/E-2 visa at a Consulate and the Consular officer approves your E-1/E-2 application, you will have to leave your passport at the Consulate and you will be issued a visa in your passport (this usually takes around 5 business days).

If you were changing your status in the U.S., you can stay in the U.S. for up to 2 years, but if you leave the U.S., you will have to go and apply for an E-2 visa at a Consulate to be able to enter the U.S.

Please click here if you want to find out more about the E-1 visa application process.

Please click here if you want to find out more about the E-2 visa application process.