Canadian Founders Are Betting on the U.S. Here’s What’s Driving the Surge

More Canadian entrepreneurs are choosing to build and scale their businesses in the United States. This shift isn’t driven by hype or headlines. It’s driven by access to a larger market, greater flexibility in how businesses are structured, and clearer paths to growth once operations are in place.

For many founders and investors, the United States offers something that is hard to ignore. It allows businesses to reach scale faster, test ideas in broader markets, and operate within structures that support rapid expansion when the fundamentals are right.

A trend that’s showing up in the numbers

This shift isn’t just anecdotal. It’s visible in U.S. government data.

Since President Trump took office, E visa approvals for Canadians have shown a steady upward trend. In February, approvals stood at 385. In March, that number rose to 588. By April, approvals reached 689. In May, they climbed again to 780.

That month-over-month increase highlights the continued appeal of the U.S. as a destination for Canadian entrepreneurs who are ready to operate at a larger scale.

Why the U.S. feels different to many Canadian founders

For Canadian entrepreneurs, the appeal of the U.S. often comes down to scale and structure.

The U.S. market is simply larger. In many industries, meaningful revenue milestones can be reached faster because the customer base is broader and more segmented. Business structures also allow founders to adapt quickly as companies grow.

For operators and investors alike, this can translate into more room to refine, expand, and build momentum without hitting the same ceilings.

E visas as a practical entry point

For Canadians, E visas have long been a practical way to enter the U.S. market as business owners. The recent rise in approvals suggests that well prepared cases continue to move forward.

That said, approvals are not automatic. Officers continue to evaluate whether a business is viable, properly structured, and capable of operating successfully in the United States.

What this means for entrepreneurs considering the move

The growing number of Canadians building businesses in the U.S. signals confidence in the market, but it also raises the bar for preparation. As more entrepreneurs pursue these opportunities, clarity and credibility matter more than ever.

This is where the business plan becomes central. Not as a formality, but as the document that explains the business model, the market opportunity, and the logic behind the move within the framework of current regulation. Under the current administration, adjudication standards are being applied with heightened scrutiny, and cases are reviewed in greater detail, making a strong business plan essential to align an entrepreneur’s vision with the regulatory and operational realities of doing business in the United States.

A final note

The United States continues to attract Canadian entrepreneurs who are ready to think bigger and operate at scale. Recent approval trends reinforce that the opportunity remains real for those who prepare carefully.

For entrepreneurs considering this path, the business plan often sets the tone for how the opportunity is evaluated. Getting that foundation right early can shape how the case is understood from the start.

Contact us today to get started

The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.

Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.

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