[proberts]

Excellent responses. Thank you. I would add that the O-1 and the E-2 are probably the best fits to do consulting work for multiple companies in the U.S. but the O-1 requires a relatively high level of achievement and the E-2 requires a "substantial" investment by (in this case) Canadian citizens (which can include investments by you) or Canadian-owned companies and a business plan that shows the hiring of U.S. workers (citizens and permanent residents) over time.

[abrichr]

Thank you both!

Follow-up question: do US employers ever provide assistance with O-1 or E-2? What is considered "a relatively high level of achievement"?

[proberts]

Yes, many U.S. employers, particularly those who don't want to lose out on good candidates, sponsor new hires for O-1 and E-2 visas. It's less about a "high level achievement" and really more about checking evidentiary boxes: an applicant must meet at least 3 of the listed O-1 criteria and very often for talented professionals at least 3 criteria are within reach.