Canadian citizens planning to invest in a U.S. business and apply for an E-2 visa should be prepared for significant delays in 2025. The E-2 visa allows eligible individuals to live and work in the United States based on a substantial investment, but the current backlog in visa interview appointments is affecting processing timelines.
As of June 2025, wait times for non-immigrant visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates across Canada often exceed one year. For Canadian residents, this means waiting at least 12 months for an appointment. Non-residents applying from within Canada face even longer delays of around 600 calendar days or about 20 months.
Once the interview takes place, most E-2 visas are processed within 7 to 10 business days. However, cases that require additional administrative processing may take up to 60 days or more.
Canadian applicants can apply for an E-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa or any of the U.S. consulates in Canada, including those in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Halifax. All posts handle E-2 applications, but appointment availability varies by location. There is no expedited service at one location over another, so applicants should check multiple posts for the earliest available interview date. Applications must be submitted online in advance, and supporting documents must meet the specific requirements outlined by the embassy or consulate where the interview will take place.