Canada and the United States share close international relations. According to Canada’s Global Affairs Department, the partnership is forged by shared geography, similar values, common interests, strong personal connections, and powerful, multi‑layered economic ties. Both countries support open legal systems, individual rights, and multicultural societies. These shared principles have shaped closely aligned institutions and public expectations in areas such as education, business ethics, and civil governance.
According to a study from the University of California, Irvine, which analyzed long-term global values surveys, Canadians and Americans consistently show similar views on economic freedom, tolerance, and individual self-determination. This cultural alignment lowers the barriers to cross-border living and business and makes the U.S. an accessible and familiar destination for Canadian entrepreneurs.
Economic Integration and Business Potential
Canada and the U.S. have one of the most extensive trade relationships in the world. According to Canada’s State of Trade report, the two-way goods and services trade between the two countries totaled approximately USD 1.9 trillion in 2022. This high level of integration supports similar legal, financial, and commercial environments.
For Canadian entrepreneurs, the result is a business landscape that feels familiar. Contract law, banking systems, and accounting standards are comparable. Entering the U.S. market requires fewer legal or administrative adjustments than expanding into less-aligned economies. This simplifies the process of starting or growing a business across the border.
Geographic proximity also adds a practical advantage. Short travel times and direct flights between major Canadian and U.S. cities make cross-border management and family visits more accessible. Most provinces operate in the same or adjacent time zones as key U.S. markets, allowing Canadian investors to run their U.S. operations without disruption to communication or scheduling.
The E‑2 Visa Pathway
The E‑2 Treaty Investor Visa allows Canadian citizens to live and work in the U.S. by making a substantial investment in a real, operating business they actively manage. According to the U.S. Department of State, the enterprise must generate more than marginal income and be capable of sustaining its operations. There is no set minimum investment, but the amount must be enough to support the business’s viability. The visa is renewable and permits spouses to apply for work authorization, while unmarried children under 21 may live and study in the U.S., making it a practical option for business-minded families.
Why the E‑2 Visa Appeals to Canadians
The E‑2 visa aligns well with Canadian business goals and cultural expectations. The U.S. offers scale, access to capital, and consumer diversity, while Canada’s treaty status ensures eligibility. The similarities between the two countries’ systems make the transition smoother.
Sources
- Canada–United States relations (Global Affairs Canada): https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/us-eu/relations.aspx?lang=eng
- Shared values research (University of California, Irvine): https://sites.socsci.uci.edu/~rdalton/archive/canada2016.pdf
- State of Trade 2023 – Canada (Government of Canada): https://www.international.gc.ca/transparency-transparence/state-trade-commerce-international/2023.aspx?lang=eng
- U.S. Department of State – E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/treaty-trader-investor-visa-e.html