Canada Investors for EB-5 VisaThe EB-5 Visa for Canada investors is an immigrant investor visa that allows U.S. permanent residence (green card) for qualified applicants. Permanent residence (green card) grants an indefinite stay in the U.S. for Canadian investors, their dependent spouses, and children. The EB5 Visa for Canadian investors requires a minimum investment that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens. The application for EB-5 Visa for Canada investors does not face any backlog and remains on “current” status. 

Canada ranked 5th in the top countries with the most EB-5 Visas in FY 2009 according to the Congressional Research Service. The EB-5 Visa benefits Canadian investors through faster US immigration. The children of Canadian investors can study in the U.S. with a green card. Canada investors can expand their investments and enjoy lower taxation in the U.S. with the EB5 Visa.

EB5 BRICS has helped Canada investors achieve US Permanent Residency through investment immigration since 2014. We are here to guide and support you through every step of the EB-5 Visa investment and immigration process. Contact our team to get personalized advice on starting USA investment immigration for you and your family. 

Table of Contents

What is EB-5 Visa for Canada Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Canada investors is an immigrant visa that allows for permanent residence (green card) in the United States. Permanent residence (green card) permits an indefinite stay in the United States for Canadian investors and their spouses and children. The EB5 Visa for Canada investors requires a minimum amount invested in a U.S. business. The investment should create at least 10 full-time jobs for American citizens.

What are the Benefits of EB-5 Visa for Canada Investors?

The Canadian investor can enjoy the following with an EB-5 Visa.

  • US immigration. The EB5 Visa allows for permanent relocation to the US for the Canadian investor and his/her dependents. Canadian investors can enjoy lower taxes in the US as green card holders. 
  • US investment. Canadian investors with EB-5 Visa can freely start businesses and engage in sole proprietorship or corporate enterprises in the US.
  • US education. The children of Canadian investors can study in the best US academic institutions for basic education and post-graduate studies. These are the benefits enjoyed by children of Canadian investors as dependents of the EB-5 Visa.
    • Study in some of the best institutions in the world without facing restrictions imposed on foreign students.
    • Pay 150% to 300% lower tuition fees as compared to foreign students.
    • Enjoy more funding and scholarship options as compared to foreign students.
    • Study as a day scholar and avoid long separation from family just to obtain a quality education.
    • Explore job opportunities without worrying about issues like work permits, sponsorship, processing delays, expiry of visa, or restrictions on job mobility. 
  • Canadian investors enjoy greater international mobility through the visa-free travel privileges available to US green cardholders.

What are the Risks of EB-5 Visa for Canada Investors?

Canada investors are faced with these risks during an EB-5 Visa application.

  • Investment risks. An EB5 investment does not guarantee a return on profits. The foremost benefit of the EB-5 for Canada investors is the ability to obtain US permanent residence.
  • Immigration risks. An EB-5 project investment does not automatically guarantee a US green card. The Canada investor should meet all the criteria of the EB5 Visa to be granted permanent residence in the US.
  • Fraud risks. Firms or individuals can claim to be migration brokers or immigration consultants. The Canada investor should thoroughly research an EB-5 project to ensure its legitimacy and avoid huge losses.
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How Long Does it Take to Process an EB 5 Visa for Canada Investors?

The petition for an EB5 Visa for Canadian investors starts with the submission of the Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526). The processing time of the Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526) is between 29.5 to 61 months.

Below is the step-by-step process for the EB5 Visa application for Canadian investors.

  1. Choose an investment advisor and immigration attorney.
  2. Find an EB-5 Project that meets the EB-5 program requirements.
  3. Invest capital and file Form I-526. Form I-526 should first be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can then file for an EB-5 Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the United States, 
  4. Apply for Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) and DS 260 form.
  5. Get your 2-Year conditional green card.
  6. Submit the Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (Form I-829) for an unconditional green card.

How Long is an EB5 Visa Valid for Canada Investors?

An EB-5 Visa for Canada investors grants a conditional green card for 2 years. Submitting the Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (Form I-829) grants an unconditional green card valid for 10 years. 

The EB-5 U.S. Immigrant Investor Visa Program is available to residents of Canada.

What are the Requirements for an EB-5 Visa for Canada Investors?

These are the requirements of the EB5 Visa for Canada investors.

  • Investment amount. The “at risk” investment for the EB5 Visa for Canadian investors can be any of the following. 
    • The minimum investment is $800,000 (C$1,069,380 CAD) for a Targeted Employment Area (region with high unemployment rates and rural areas). 
    • The investment is $1,050,000 (C$1,403,561.25 CAD) for a non-Targeted Employment Area. 
  • Source of funds. Canadian investors can use any of the following to invest.
    • Business profits
    • Inheritance
    • Salaries/wages
    • Loans from a financial institution or from an individual
    • Gifts from an individual
  • Job creation. The EB5 Visa for Canada investors requires the creation of 10 full-time jobs for US citizens.

The financial criteria for the EB-5 Visa for Canadian investors are the following.

  • Net worth of $1,050,000 (C$1,403,561.25 CAD) for an individual or married couple; or
  • Minimum of $200,000 (C$267,345 CAD) in individual income in each of the 2 previous years; or
  • Minimum of $300,000 (C$401,017.50 CAD) in joint income in each of the 2 previous years; and
  • Comparable level of future income and assets

What is the Age Requirement for Canadian Investors to Get EB-5 Visa?

There’s no age limit. The meaning of this simply is any Canadian investor qualifies to be an EB-5 investor. However, since a minor probably does not have the assets or income to be eligible as an EB-5 investor on his own, the parents or some other guardian giving him/her the investment amount requires showing the necessary documents to prove the source of funds. Occasionally, a Canadian investor pursuing an EB-5 visa will be unable to get specific documentation. In such instances, the applicant may file a declaration giving an explanation as to why they are unable to supply the needed documentation.

The only time age matters is if the parent is applying and children are also part of the application as derivatives. They must be under the age of 21 to be included in a parent’s application.

Canada EB5 Visa

The EB-5 U.S. The Immigrant Investor Visa Program is available to Canadian citizens. There is a growing demand for the EB-5 Visa category among Canadian nationals. If you (or your child) were born in Canada, then you can apply for the fast-track Green Card category for the United States through the EB 5 USA Investor Visa Program. See Processing Times for Canada

EB-5 Visa Statistics for Investors from Canada

In FY 2023, 43 EB-5 Visas were issued to Canadian investors

Canada is the 9th top country with the most EB-5 Visa issuances for FY 2024. A total of 9 EB 5 Visas were issued to Canadian investors for FY 2024 according to the Annual Report of the Visa Office from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). 

Canada is the 9th top country with the most EB-5 Visa issuances for FY 2024. A total of 9 EB 5 Visas were issued to Canadian investors for FY 2024 according to the Annual Report of the Visa Office from the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

How Much Does an EB-5 Visa Cost for Canadian Investors?

These are the costs of an EB-5 Visa for Canada investors.

  • EB-5 investment
    • $800,000 (C$1,069,380 CAD) for a Targeted Employment Area 
    • $1,050,000 (C$1,403,561.25 CAD) for a non-Targeted Employment Area
  • Form I-526- $3,675 (C$4,912.46 CAD)
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485)- $1,140 (C$1,523.87 CAD)
  • Form I-829- $3,750 (C$5,012.72 CAD)

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows 10,000 EB-5 visas a year.

Bank of Canada – Banque du Canada is the Agency that has framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Canada. See their policy here.

What is the Priority Date for EB5 Visa for Canada Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Canadian investors is on “current” status according to the Visa Bulletin released by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). “Current” status means that there is no backlog in the application for EB-5 Visa for Canadian investors. 

How Long Does it Take to Acquire an I-526 Approval for the Canada Investor under EB 5?

The USCIS approves all I-526 applications for an EB5 Visa. The processing of I-526 depends on the complexity of the case and the service center processing the application. The approval of an I-526 for Canadian investors can take between 29.5 to 61 months. 

What are the Challenges for Canada Investors for EB-5?

Canadian investors face certain challenges when applying for the EB-5 Visa. The first is the ability to meet the minimum investment capital. The Canadian investor should be prepared to supply the minimum investment and all other costs for the EB5 Visa. The second is the risk of losses in the EB5 investment project. There is no guarantee of repayment in the EB5 project. The main benefit of the EB-5 Visa for Canadian investors is getting permanent residence in the US. The third is the occurrence of fraud schemes that target EB-5 investors. Hiring an EB-5 attorney, consulting the right experts, and working with the right EB-5 partners help solve these challenges of the EB-5 Program. 

What is the Best Project to Invest in with an EB-5 Visa for Canadian Investors?

The top EB5 projects for Canada investors include hotel construction and real estate. A hotel construction EB5 project generates numerous jobs to meet the minimum job creation criterion of an EB-5 Visa. A real estate EB-5 project has a readily understandable exit strategy for Canadian investors. EB5 Projects are the businesses invested in by Canadian investors to apply for EB5 Visa.

What Does the Future Hold for EB-5 Investors from Canada?

Canada investors do not face any backlogs in the application for EB-5 Visa. The “current” status of EB5 Visa for Canada investors is an advantage in the growth potential of the EB5 market for Canadian investors.

What are the Other US Visa Available for Canadian Nationals?

Most circumstances do not require Canadians to have a visa to enter the US. Immigrant petitions are approved by the USCIS prior to applying for visa approval. The petition is filed by a qualified relative or a potential employer. Nonimmigrant visas are available to foreign citizens who wish to enter the United States temporarily. Nonimmigrant visas are granted to tourists, business people, students, or specialty workers for a particular period of time to accomplish specific purposes. 

The following are the US Visa Types available to Canadian nationals.

Immigrant Visas

  • Fiancé(e) K-1 nonimmigrant visa. For a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen traveling to marry in the U.S. Children of the foreign fiancé(e) can enter the U.S. with a K-2 Visa. The foreign fiancé(e) is allowed to stay in the U.S. to apply for permanent residency after marriage.
  • K-3 Visa. For the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen traveling to reside in the U.S. while awaiting final completion of their immigration. The spouse’s children can enter the U.S. with a K-4 Visa.
  • V-1 Visa. For the spouse of a lawful permanent resident who is traveling to reside in the U.S. while awaiting completion of their immigration process. A V-2 Visa is given to the children of the V-1 Visa holder.
  • Treaty Trader (E-1) and Investor (E-2) Visa. For citizens of countries with treaties of commerce and navigation with the U.S. Federal regulations recognize E Visas as dual intent. 

Nonimmigrant Visas

  • A Visas. For Canadian government officials entering the U.S. for temporary or permanent assignment.
  • G Visas. For officials and employees of international organizations entering the U.S. for temporary or permanent assignment.
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) officials, representatives, and employees, only if they are being assigned to the U.S.

What is the Most Popular State in the United States for Canadian Investors to Migrate to?

Canadian immigrants were concentrated in California (16%) and Florida (14%) from 2015-2019 according to the Migration Policy Institute. These are followed by the states of New York (7%) and Texas (6%).  

What is the Current Retrogression Situation for Canadian Investors?

There is no retrogression in the EB5 application for Canada investors. Canadian investors do not face EB-5 Visa backlogs, unlike China and India.

What is a Targeted Employment Area?

A targeted employment area (TEA) is a region in the United States where the threshold for investment is $800,000 (C$1,069,380 CAD) for Canadian investors to qualify for the EB-5 Visa. The two kinds of targeted employment areas are high unemployment areas and rural areas.

What Other Countries can Invest in the EB-5 Visa Program?

There were nearly 100,000 foreign investors who obtained permanent residence in the United States via the EB-5 Program from 2012 to 2022 according to “The United States EB-5 Program” by Investment Migration Insider. About 80% of EB5 investors come from Taiwan, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Below are the top countries that apply for the EB-5 Visa. 

Is USA a Good Foreign Market to Invest in for Canada Citizens?

Yes, foreign direct investment (FDI) in U.S. from Canada was $495.7 billion in 2019 according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Canada’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in the US increased by 9.2% from 2018 to 2019.

Can EB-5 Visa Attorney Speed Up the Process of EB-5 Visa?

Yes, an EB-5 Visa attorney helps Canadian investors in their application to speed up its processing. Delays from processing errors and documentation issues can be prevented by working with an EB5 Visa Attorney.

Is Obtaining an EB-5 Easy for Canada Investors?

Canadian investors do not face retrogression for the EB-5 Visa. Canadian investors can receive their EB5 Visas faster because of the “current” status in the visa bulletin. 

Can a Canadian Investor Borrow Money for EB-5 Visa?

Yes, Canadian investors can use loans for their EB-5 Visa application. The borrowed money has to be secured by assets and the collateral cannot be the same EB-5 business. 

Can a Canadian Invest in the United States?

The EB5 Visa and the E-2 Visa are the two investment visas in the United States. The E2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in a US business. A treaty country maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US. Canada has an existing treaty with the United States and qualifies for the E2 Visa.

The E-2 Visa does not have a direct path to a green card, unlike the EB5 Visa. A substantial investment of at least $150,000 (C$200,508.75 CAD) is required for an E-2 Visa investment. There is no requirement for minimum job creation for E2 Visa. 

Does a Canadian Need a Visa for USA?

Canadians normally do not require a visa to enter the United States. Canadians need to have a US visa for purposes of work, study, investment, or immigration to the US. 

Canada, EB 5 Visa Consultant

EB5 BRICS can help you navigate USA Investor Green Card Program through our presence in Canada in conjunction with our U.S. Legal Partner. Our team speaks English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.

Make an appointment with Vivek Tandon, Esq, a US Lawyer and an Investment banker to go through your specific situation.

See more facts and information about other neighboring countries: Mexico

Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion.

EB5 BRICS, LLC
8383 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste. 800
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Phone: +1 213.344.5941
E-mail: vivek@eb5brics.com

Canada Investors for EB-5 Visa Program FAQ

How many EB 5 visas does the US government issue for Canada each year?

Currently, there is an annual limit of 10,000 such visas with a per country limit of about 700 visas; thus, there is a limit of 700 EB5 visas per year issued to Canadians. These types of visas are increasingly becoming popular with wealthy foreign citizens who want to move to the US.

Can an international student from Canada with an F-1 visa apply for EB5 visa?

An EB-5 is certainly available for F-1 visa students from Canada who are in the US. In fact, EB 5 is the preferred path for students and professionals in the US to gain permanent residency allowing them to work and live anywhere in the US without requiring any employer sponsorship.

Can someone from Canada still apply for EB 5 in 2023?

Yes, Canadians can apply for an eb 5 visa this year. EB 5 continues to be available despite attempts to limit immigration into the US. EB 5 has been specifically excluded from any immigration bans and changes.

Can a Canadian citizen apply for EB 5 while on H1b?

Yes, H1-B visa is a dual intent visa which means Canadian citizens can apply for permanent immigration to the US through EB-5 while they are in the USA on a non immigrant visa such as H-1B.