Canada

Evolution of E-2 visa issuances for Canadian nationals

Over the recent years, issuance of E-2 visas to Canadians has been marked by numerous ups and downs, partly reflecting more global trends and specific economic and political happenings. In 2017, a respectable number of 2,439 E-2 visas were issued to Canadian nationals. It then made a strong jump to 3,555 the following year. This positive trend continued through 2019 to an extreme high of 4,460 issuances, actually indicative of strong interest from Canadian investors in the U.S. market during this period.

However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a steep fall in visa issuance to 1,827. Much of this decline would have been due to global travel restrictions, economic uncertainties, and disruptions in consular services.

As the global situation stabilized, so did the number of E-2 visa issuances for Canadians above 2,149 in 2021. Recovery picked up pace in 2022 to hit 4,161 as investor confidence was renewed and normal consular operations resumed.

In 2023, it drastically surges to 6,637 E-2 visa issuances, probably due to pent-up growth and supportive economic conditions. In contrast, this decreased once more in 2024 to 3,329—this would have suggested stabilizing or normalizing of the demand after the surge in the previous year.

In summary, the evolution of E-2 visa issuances issued to Canadian nationals simply testifies to the resilience of investors from Canada who keep responding to global challenges while constantly seeking business opportunities in the United States.

How long does an E2 visa take in Canada?

The average processing time for an E-2 visa from Canada is 3 to 4 months, but this may be longer or shorter depending on the circumstances, such as the workload at the particular consulate where your application is filed and how complete your application is. Under normal circumstances, assuming that your application goes through a review process, if you are required to have an interview, and assuming that you are approved, it will take up to one week for issuance. Delays can, however, occur, especially if there are backlogs at the consulate or additional administrative processing is required.

The best estimate, however, would be to contact separately the applicable U.S. consulate in Canada where one intends to apply since processing times vary from location to location and under existing circumstances.