TORONTO E-2 VISA WAIT TIMES
Toronto E-2 Visa Wait Times | Q4 2025 Update
If you're applying for an E-2 visa at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, it’s important to understand how long the process takes — and why wait times fluctuate. This page is updated regularly based on real-world timelines observed in recent E-2 visa cases handled by Frear Law.
As of Q4 2025, average E-2 visa interview appointments in Toronto are being scheduled roughly four months after submission. Wait times may improve in the coming months as seasonal factors and new application rules take effect.
Below, you'll find an overview of what’s driving the current delays, when improvements are likely, and how to plan your E-2 visa strategy accordingly.
The Change: Wait Times Have Increased
Prior to late summer / early fall 2025, I was seeing interview wait times of roughly 2 months after submission. Over the last few months, that window stretched.
Most recently, I submitted a case on September 23, 2025. The interview date we received was January 27, 2026—a span of a little over four months from submission to interview.
What’s Causing the Surge?
I don’t have official information from the U.S. government, but here’s my best guess based on recent filings and patterns in my practice:
Factor #1: Strong Demand from Canadian Applicants
Canada is a treaty country with consistently high E-2 interest. That steady demand appears to have increased, pushing interview calendars further out.
Factor #2: Third-Country National Filings
Toronto has long been a popular choice for certain third-country nationals because of the consulate’s E-2 experience and historically efficient operations. That broader mix can add volume beyond Canadian citizen/resident demand.
Reasons to Be Hopeful
Reason #1: Seasonal Patterns
Summer often brings filing spikes (families aiming for the school year) and reduced officer availability due to vacations. As we move past summer, queues sometimes ease.
Reason #2: Fewer Third-Country National Cases Could Flow Elsewhere
Recent policy practice trends have limited where some third-country national applicants can file. If fewer non-resident cases are accepted in Toronto, that could free up capacity for Canadian citizens and residents.
What Should You Do?
- Plan ahead. If you’re targeting a specific U.S. start date, assume 4–5 months from submission to interview.
- Prepare early. The faster you finalize a complete packet, the sooner you enter the queue.
- Be strategic with timing. If you have flexibility, late fall or winter can sometimes be less congested than summer. If not, file now—just set realistic expectations.
- Monitor changes. Appointment patterns shift. Check availability periodically or work with counsel tracking current trends.
The Bottom Line
Longer wait times are frustrating—but Toronto remains a strong E-2 post with deep experience. Build extra time into your plan, prepare thoroughly, and stay patient. The E-2 continues to work for entrepreneurs ready to invest and operate in the United States.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information and is not legal advice. Consular wait times change frequently and vary by case. The timelines noted here reflect observations from my practice as of the dates mentioned and may not predict future processing. For current availability, check the U.S. Consulate Toronto resources or consult qualified counsel.