According to the US Consulate General of Toronto, visa applications are typically require 6-8 weeks of processing time (including mail time), and sometimes much longer. Four to six weeks your application is added to the processing queue, you should be notified of the determination. You may check your application's status by comparing the login date provided by the Consulate with the Priority Date Counter on their website.

I too am in the same situation.   There is a garden product I would like to sell but the shipping costs from Canada make the item too costly.   The general recommendations I've seen include what the moderator stated above but I would like to know how long the process for the visa takes 

Thanks AriM for your detailed answer.. Since I'm Croatian with same 'problem' as joncianciullo, im very interested in further steps.. Joncianciullo, please keep us posted on your progress. I would realy like to her some first hand info on this. Thanks Apartmani Makarska Message Edited by NicoleD on 11-23-2009 11:21 AM

I would definitely consult an Immigration Attorney, at least to get all the facts straight..The paperwork can get tricky..

Welcome to the Community! Check out this page on the website of the U.S. Consulate in Canada that contains many FAQs about E-1/E-2 Visas: http://toronto.usconsulate.gov/content/content.asp?section=visas&document=evisa_intro_faqs You may want to consult an immigration attorney to be certain, but it appears that you need to apply for an E-1/E-2 Visa, which will only allow you to enter and remain in the United States, while your business is operating. You need to apply separately for a work authorization to 'work' or be paid in the United States. There is no minimum that is required, but a suggested amount is $100,000. Additionally, note that an E-1/E-2 visa is for non-immigrants, meaning if you close your business, you will be required to leave, and you cannot become a permanent resident (green card holder) by being in the U.S. for a certain amount of time, while on an E-1/E-2 visa. Has anyone else gone down this road of applying for a Visa to work in the U.S.? Keep us posted on your progress and good luck in starting your new business!

amolchawathe - Here is a link to the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, India, which provides details on non-immigrant visa processing times

Hey, I am also looking for setting up a Business in CA Orange County. Its just that I am in India. Does US has different laws for a citizen from India and not from US.