How long can a Canadian stay in the United States?
Asked by: Lisandro Hane | Last update: October 20, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (24 votes)
Canadian visitors are generally granted a stay in the U.S. for up to six months at the time of entry. Requests to extend or adjust a stay must be made prior to expiry to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service .
Can a Canadian stay in the US longer than 6 months?
If you wish to stay longer than 6 months, you must apply for an extension at the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office once you are in the United States and before the expiry of your initial authorized stay.
Can I live in the USA as a Canadian citizen?
Can I live in the US as a Canadian citizen? As a Canadian citizen, you can stay in the US for up to six months at a time. If you want to work or earn money in the US you will be required to obtain a work visa.
How many days a year can a Canadian spend in the US?
Understand U.S. immigration rules
U.S. Immigration rules state that if you're a Canadian resident, you can't spend more than 182 days in the U.S. per year (that's a 365-day rolling year, not a calendar year).
How long can a Canadian citizen stay outside of Canada without losing benefits?
In actual fact, you can be absent from Canada as long as you want. The Canadian government recognizes that citizens may travel extensively, work or study abroad. You will always maintain your Canadian citizenship. What absentia may affect is your Canadian health care coverage and income tax.
How Long Can a Canadian Stay in the US?
Can you lose your Canadian citizenship if you don't live in Canada?
While permanent residency can be affected by living abroad, this isn't the case with citizenship.
How long can a Canadian snowbird stay in the USA?
Their lengths of stay vary, but Canadians can generally stay in the United States for up to six months without requiring a visa or changing their residency status. Whether you plan to stay for a month or six, there's a lot of planning to do.
What happens if a Canadian overstays in the US?
Overstayed US Visa Consequences
The Three Year Bar: Those who remain in the US after their authorized stay has expired for more than 180 days but less than one year, and who leave the US prior to the institution of removal proceedings, are barred from reentering the US for three years from their date of departure.
Can I stay in the USA for 6 months every year?
You can stay in the country for up to six months on a B Visa. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year. How do I extend my stay on the B1 visa or B2 visa? If you're on a B-1 visa or a B-2 visa, you can request to extend your stay up to one year.
Can a Canadian retire in the US?
Canadians must continue working or leave. A solution for retirees is either to continue working part-time, self-employ, or to have applied for permanent residence (green cards) well before employment ends. An excellent route to U.S. living rights is permanent residency. Permanent is better than temporary.
How hard is it for a Canadian to move to the US?
To immigrate to the US from Canada, you must apply for either an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. An immigrant visa allows you to move permanently to the US and is typically sponsored by an employer, a US citizen spouse, or a relative. A nonimmigrant visa is for those moving temporarily to the US for school or a job.
How long can a Canadian stay in the US if they own property?
Canadian visitors are generally granted a stay in the U.S. for up to six months at the time of entry. Requests to extend or adjust a stay must be made prior to expiry to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service .
How much money do you need to immigrate to the USA?
Despite its popularity, for many, becoming a U.S. permanent resident or a citizen is a long and costly process. If we sum up all the specific payments towards acquiring citizenship in the USA, the total ranges from $4,000 to $11,300. However, most people end up spending between $6,000 and $8,000.
Can a Canadian buy a house in the USA?
In fact, anyone may own property in the United States, regardless of their citizenship. It is important to note that if you buy property in the U.S., you still must abide by laws about the length of your stay in America. There are a number of laws governing long term holidays and property ownership in the USA.
What is the maximum length of stay in Canada for US citizens?
How long you can stay. Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months.
Is it worth moving to the USA from Canada?
Diverse job opportunities and economic freedom
Canadian professionals moving to the US may find higher-paying jobs, more dynamic career growth, and access to industry-leading companies. Moreover, US employment often comes with certain tax benefits, and the entrepreneurial culture in the US is unmatched.
How long can I stay in the U.S. as a Canadian?
By land and sea (including ferries) - Canadian citizens traveling to the United States by land or sea are required to present one of the travel documents listed below, and may generally visit the United States for up to six months. CBP will accept: Canadian passport.
How many times can you visit U.S. in a year?
How Many Times Can I Visit The United States In The Same Year? There is no set rule that specifies the period of time one must remain outside the United States.
What happens if you overstay 6 months in USA?
Overstaying a visa results in “unlawful presence,” which can trigger re-entry bans: 180 days to 1 year of overstay: 3-year re-entry ban. Over 1 year of overstay: 10-year re-entry ban.
Can Canadians be denied entry to the US?
Entry into the United States is always at the discretion of the border agents, and anyone that does not satisfy American immigration officials may be denied entry to the USA even if that involves missing an expensive flight.
How can a Canadian extend their stay in the US?
You can submit an application for an extension of stay by mail or you can file online using USCIS ELIS for an extension of stay before the expiration date on your Form I-94. (There are certain very limited circumstances under which USCIS will excuse a late submission.)
How long can a Canadian stay in the US without paying taxes?
US Tax Treaty Exemption
If you stay in the United States past 182 days (roughly six months), you may be able to receive an exemption under this policy.
What are the new rules for Canadian Snowbirds?
Current law limits the amount of time a Canadian visitor may spend in the United States to 182 days per year. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act will allow Canadian citizens over the age of 50 who either own or rent a residence in the United States to remain in the country for up to 240 days each year.
Can Canadian citizens live in the USA?
Yes, another way to acquire a Green Card is to marry a US citizen or adjust your status from a non-immigrant visa. Once a Canadian is married and has registered the marriage in the US, they can apply for permanent residency based on the immediate relative category of immigrant visas.
Where do most Canadians Snowbird?
Florida is, by far, the number one dream destination for Canadian snowbirds. Its attractive beaches, numerous golf courses, and abundant retiree activities are enough reasons why thousands of Canadians move to Florida every year.