Over the years, the United States has signed bilateral treaties with a number of countries around the globe. Today, over 80 countries have treaties in place with the US. These treaties allow for Treaty Investor visas. As such, citizens from over 80 countries can become Treaty investors in the US by investing a minimum US $ 100,000 in a US- based business or company.
This type of visa is tailor-made for small investors investing in small businesses, franchises or start-ups. Furthermore, the US especially values this type of visa as it results in investment and job creation for the American economy.
CanAm Immigration was instrumental in obtaining over 1500 treaty investor US work visas for treaty country’s citizens (and their families) who invested in a business, a company or a startup in the US.
Upon request we can put you in contact with some of our clients who have benefited from our services and who are in your related field.
Advantages for Treaty Investors:
- Direct access to the US market with the same rights and privileges as the other US businesses and companies;
- Treaty Investors obtain a US Business Visa for up to 5 years that can be renewed as long as the applicant’s business remains operational with employees;
- The treaty investor’s spouse can obtain US employment authorization so he/she can legally work in the US and obtain, permanent residency (green card)
- US social security number including all associated benefits.
- Children (under 21) also can attend school and won’t have to pay the international student’s fees.
In the US
Step One (Obtain)
- They will obtain US business visas
- They will obtain spousal work authorizations
- Their children (under 21) can go to school without having to pay international fees.
Step Two (Obtain)
- Permanent residency (Green Card)
- The spouse is admissible to apply for permanent residency (green card) for them and their family (children under 21)
Step Three (Obtain)
- Citizenship: Become part of the American dream
In Canada
Step One (Obtain)
- They will obtain Canadian business visas
- They will obtain spousal work authorizations
- Their children (under 21) can go to school without having to pay international fees.
Step Two (Obtain)
- Permanent residency
Step Three (Obtain)
- Citizenship
Admissibility requirements for Treaty Investors:
As such, to qualify for this work visa, the Treaty investors must invest a substantial amount of capital (minimum US $100,000) and have a controlling share in the investment for their future US business or company.
| Project cost | Required investment |
|---|---|
| Less than $ 100,000.00 | 100% of the investment is necessary |
| $ 100,000.00 to $ 500,000.00 | 75% of the investment is necessary |
| $ 500,001.00 to $ 3,000,000.00 | 50% of the investment is necessary |
| $ 3,000,001.00 and more | 30% of the investment is necessary |
It DOES NOT MEAN the applicant MUST buy a business or company. It could very well be a start-up
A Treaty investor must have controlling shares of its business, company or start-up, which in the US is equal to a control of at least 50% of the shares.
Example 1: Two (2) Treaty Investors from the same home country can invest 50/50 in the same project in the US. They will both obtain US work visas and dependant visas for their families. Both their spouses can get work authorization.
Example 2: A Treaty Investor and an American (or a Permanent Resident/Green Card holder) can invest in the same project 50/50.
Example 3: The Treaty Investor can own 100% of the business, company or start-up.
Treaty Investors
Over 80 countries have a bilateral for treaty investors program with the United States of America
Treaty investor, spouse and children: 54,812 visas issued in 2023; 6254 visas issued to Canadians
Our Welcoming Team
Landing in a new country can be an overwhelming experience, filled with uncertainties and challenges. At CanAm Immigration, we have been dedicated to easing this transition for individuals and families for the past 30 years. With our unwavering commitment and trademark expertise, we understand the complexities involved in moving to the US or Canada.
Our devoted “Welcoming Team” is meticulously trained to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is met with care and understanding. From fulfilling housing requirements to navigating school admissions, we are here to guide you through every step of the way.
Additionally, our specialized business team is dedicated to catering to the unique needs of businesses entering a new market. Whether you are a business, company, or small investor, we understand the stress and challenges that come with establishing a presence in a new business environment. Be it providing support for transactions or assisting organizations seeking corporate business services, we offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Our corporate banking services are designed to streamline your financial operations and empower your business to thrive in its new environment. With CanAm Immigration, you can trust that your corporate needs will be handled with expertise and care, allowing you to focus on achieving your business goals with confidence.
For visa holders and their family, our staff can assist them in the following areas:
- Rent or buy a home anywhere in the target country
- Enrolment into schools and universities
- Insurance (healthcare, home, and vehicles)
- Banking (credit cards and loans)
- Accounting (for preparation of their annual tax returns)
- Recommendations pertaining to what they must do when leaving their home country, making the transition as seamless as possible
- Social security, driver’s license
- Moving procedures