Introduction: Investor Residency Isn’t Just About You—It’s About Your Family

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For high-net-worth families planning a move to North America through investment immigration, one question surfaces early: Can I bring my spouse and children with me—and what rights will they have?

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Whether you’re pursuing the EB‑5 investor visa in the U.S. or a business immigration route in Canada, understanding dependent visa policies is essential. In 2025, both countries offer robust family reunification pathways—but the details differ across programs.

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In this article, we break down dependent eligibility, benefits, and what to expect from the top investor residency programs in both countries.

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Dependent Visa Rules Under the U.S. EB-5 Investor Program

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The U.S. EB‑5 Immigrant Investor Program grants Green Cards to investors and their immediate family members—spouses and unmarried children under 21—when a qualifying investment of $800,000–$1,050,000 is made in a U.S. commercial enterprise that creates 10 jobs.

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What Dependents Receive:

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• Green Cards with full rights to live, study, and work in the U.S.
  
• Access to public education, in-state university tuition, and healthcare
  
• Pathway to U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency
  
  

Spouses can work without restriction, and children have access to the same privileges as U.S.-born residents. For families seeking a long-term U.S. base, EB‑5 remains one of the most generous options.

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To learn more, visit our EB‑5 Visa Guide

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Spouses and Children on the U.S. E‑2 Visa

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The E‑2 Treaty Investor Visa offers a non-immigrant option for citizens of treaty countries who want to live and work in the U.S. by starting or investing in a U.S. business.

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Dependent Benefits:

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• Spouses can apply for a work permit (EAD) and work freely in any industry
  
• Children (under 21) can attend U.S. public or private schools
  
• Dependents’ visas are valid for the same duration as the principal applicant’s visa (typically 2–5 years, renewable)
  
  

The main drawback? Once a child turns 21, they age out of the E‑2 dependent status and must pursue a separate immigration route.

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Canada’s Business Immigration Programs: Family-Friendly by Design

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Unlike the now-suspended Federal Immigrant Investor Program, Canada’s Start-Up Visa and Entrepreneur streams offered at the provincial level remain active. And they are explicitly designed for families.

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What Your Family Receives:

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• Spouses are granted an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer or run their own business
  
• Children are eligible for free public education
  
• Access to Canada’s public healthcare system
  
  

Whether you’re moving under the Start-Up Visa or a Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur Stream, your dependents are included in the application process from day one.

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For a full overview, visit our Canada Business Immigration page.

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Comparison: Family Benefits at a Glance

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