Many people dream of spending their retirement years in the United States, whether it’s for the warmer weather, proximity to family, or simply a change in lifestyle. However, there's a significant roadblock; the U.S. doesn’t offer a retirement visa. So, how do retirees make their U.S. living plans a reality?
One of the more creative and popular solutions, especially for Canadians and other nationals from treaty countries, is the E-2 Investor Visa. While it's not a traditional retirement visa, retirees can use it to live in the U.S. as long as they’re willing to invest in and maintain involvement with a U.S. business. Here’s how retirees—including Canadians—are using the E-2 visa to make the U.S. their home.
The Reality: No Official U.S. Retirement Visa
Many countries offer special visas for retirees who want to live abroad—but the U.S. is not one of them. The U.S. doesn’t have a dedicated visa category for retirees who just want to live in the country without working.
So, if you're looking to spend your retirement in the U.S., you’ll need to explore alternative visa options that allow for long-term residency. One of the most common routes that retirees have found is the E-2 visa, which is designed for individuals who invest in a U.S. business.
What is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa available to citizens of countries that have a treaty of commerce with the U.S. (including Canada, the U.K., and many others). This visa allows foreign nationals to enter and live in the U.S. by investing in a U.S. - based business.
While traditionally seen as a visa for entrepreneurs and business investors, many retirees have taken advantage of the E-2 visa by making an investment in a business that allows for lighter involvement. Retirees can invest in smaller, manageable businesses such as motels, cafés, or franchises and play a more advisory or supervisory role, rather than managing day-to-day operations.
Canadians and the E-2 Visa
Canada is one of the countries with a strong treaty agreement with the U.S., making its citizens eligible for the E-2 visa. This is great news for Canadian retirees who wish to spend extended time in the U.S. but don’t qualify for other visa types.
Canadians, in particular, often prefer the U.S. for retirement, whether it’s snowbirds seeking warmer climates in states like Florida, Arizona, Texas or California, or those looking to be closer to children and grandchildren living in the U.S. The E-2 visa provides a potential solution for this by allowing them to invest in a U.S. business while also enjoying their retirement years.
Key Benefits for Canadian Retirees:
Ease of Travel: Canadians already benefit from easier travel between the two countries, and the E-2 visa allows for long-term residency without needing to apply for a green card.
Family Considerations: Canadian retirees can bring their spouses and children (under 21) to live with them in the U.S. on the E-2 visa. Spouses can even obtain work authorization.
Renewable Visa: The E-2 visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational, making it a long-term solution for Canadians who want to live in the U.S. without applying for permanent residency.
E-2 Visa Requirements for Retirees
Here’s what retirees, including Canadians, need to know if they’re considering the E-2 visa:
Country of Citizenship: Only nationals from countries with an E-2 treaty are eligible. Fortunately, both Canada and Mexico (along with many European and Asian nations) are on the list of eligible countries.
Investment: You must make a “substantial” investment in a U.S. business. The exact amount varies depending on the business, but it should be significant enough to show your commitment. Many retirees choose businesses that align with a more relaxed lifestyle, such as investing in a motel, property management business or a franchise, where they can hire staff to handle daily tasks while they remain lightly involved.
Active Involvement: While the E-2 visa doesn’t require you to work full-time, you must remain actively engaged in the business. Retirees often choose a more supervisory role to meet this requirement while still enjoying their retirement.
Long-Term Residency: The E-2 visa is granted for up to five years (depending on the country of nationality) and is renewable indefinitely, as long as you continue to meet the visa conditions. This makes it a good option for retirees looking for a long-term but non-permanent solution for living in the U.S.
Family Benefits: As mentioned, E-2 visa holders can bring their spouses and children under 21. The spouse can apply for a work permit, adding flexibility for dual-income households.
The E-2 Visa vs. Other Visa Options
For retirees considering moving to the U.S., the E-2 visa often comes out ahead compared to other visa types like the B-1/B-2 tourist visa, which limits stays to six months at a time. Unlike the tourist visa, the E-2 allows for a more long-term residency and the ability to work (or be involved in a business). However, the E-2 visa does require that retirees stay involved in their business, so it's not a fully passive retirement option.
Additionally, the E-2 visa is generally more preferable in this context, than other employment-based visas like the TN, H-1B or L-1 for retirees, as those are designed for specific type of work and are dependent on the company willing to petition or sponsor these visa types.
Is the E-2 Visa Right for Your Retirement?
If you’re a retiree looking to spend extended time in the U.S., the E-2 visa may be a good fit—especially if you’re willing to invest in a business and take on an active role in some capacity. However, it’s important to assess your financial situation, your interest in being involved in a business, and your long-term goals before moving forward.
The E-2 visa isn’t a traditional “retirement visa,” but it can offer flexibility and a pathway for retirees to enjoy life in the U.S. while managing a business and with minimal day-to-day involvement.
How US CAN Visa Legal LLC Can Help
Navigating the complexities of the E-2 visa as a retiree requires careful planning and understanding of both the immigration laws and business requirements. At US CAN Visa Legal LLC, we specialize in helping retirees, especially Canadians, explore their options for using the E-2 visa to live in the U.S. Whether you’re looking to invest in a business or simply want to explore visa options for your retirement, we can provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs.
If you’re considering the E-2 visa or other immigration options, contact US CAN Visa Legal LLC today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and assist you every step of the way.