Start-up Visa vs E-2 Treaty Investor

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your timeline, funding source, and whether you want a clear path to permanent residency. The E-2 is faster and cheaper but won't lead to a green card. Canada's Start-up Visa takes longer and costs more, but it's designed as a bridge to PR. Your choice hinges on what matters most: speed, cost, or permanence.

1. 01

   Speed matters most

   Pick SUV

   Start-up Visa if you can wait 1-3 years and need the PR pathway built in.

   Pick E-2

   E-2 processes in 2-6 months, nearly 10x faster than Start-up Visa's 12-36 month timeline.

2. 02

   Budget is tight

   Pick SUV

   Start-up Visa if you have venture backing and can absorb the higher cost for PR eligibility.

   Pick E-2

   E-2 costs only USD 460 compared to Start-up Visa's USD 1,860.

3. 03

   You have VC backing

   Pick SUV

   Start-up Visa requires support from a Canadian VC, angel group, or incubator to qualify.

   Pick E-2

   E-2 if your capital comes from personal savings or traditional investors, no VC requirement.

4. 04

   Path to permanent residency

   Pick SUV

   Start-up Visa is explicitly designed as a route to Canadian permanent residency.

   Pick E-2

   E-2 offers no PR pathway; it's renewable indefinitely but stays temporary.

5. 05

   Language requirements

   Pick SUV

   Start-up Visa requires a language test, so you need English or French proficiency.

   Pick E-2

   E-2 has no language test, opening it to non-English speakers.

Is the Start-up Visa or the E-2 Treaty Investor faster to get?

The E-2 Treaty Investor (E-2) is typically faster, around 2–6 months, versus 12–36 months for the Start-up Visa. Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the SUV or the E-2?

The Start-up Visa (SUV) costs more, about $1,860 in official fees, versus $460 for the E-2 Treaty Investor (E-2). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the Start-up Visa or the E-2 Treaty Investor?

The SUV offers a direct path to permanent residency, while the E-2 does not lead directly to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do I need a job offer for the SUV or the E-2?

No. Neither the SUV nor the E-2 requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.