A Comparative Analysis of Investor and Entrepreneur Immigration Programs in the United States and Canada (2024)

Abstract

This review paper compares immigration programs for investors, and entrepreneurs in the United States and Canada as of 2024. It looks at how the programs are designed, who can apply, how much money is required, how applications are processed, recent policy changes, and what results have been seen so far. On the United States side, the focus is on the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, the International Entrepreneur Rule, and the E-2 Treaty Investor visa. For Canada, the review examines the Start-Up Visa and the provincial entrepreneur streams. The review finds that: The United States EB-5 program requires large investments, and is mainly centered on creating jobs, with new reforms aimed at reducing fraud. The United States offers fewer direct options for start-up founders compared to Canada. Canada’s Start-Up Visa allows entrepreneurs supported by investors to get permanent residence, with some positive, but still limited economic results so far. Canada’s provincial programs give local governments flexibility, but lead to mixed rules and outcomes across provinces. Furthermore, both countries face trade-offs between attracting more applicants, ensuring program integrity, and supporting innovation. The paper also suggests measures of success, quicken processing for founder visas, and better tracking of long-term economic impact.