What Canadian Citizens Should Know Before Visiting the United States

Canadian citizens enter the United States more frequently than any other group, whether for tourism, business trips, visiting family, or short-term stays. Although Canadians generally experience a smoother entry process than many other travelers, there are still important rules that govern how long they may stay, how they are admitted, and what records they should check after entering.

To help travelers avoid surprises at the border, here is a clear breakdown of what Canadian visitors should keep in mind before heading to the U.S.

Most Canadians Don’t Need a Visa — But Some Exceptions Apply

In most situations, Canadian citizens can travel to the U.S. without getting a visa in advance.
However, certain classifications do require a visa, such as:

• E-1/E-2 treaty traders and investors
• K-1 fiancé(e) visa applicants
• Diplomatic and specific official categories

Travelers who fall into these groups must obtain a visa from a U.S. consulate before arriving at the border or airport.

Canadians Are Often Admitted for Up to Six Months — But CBP Decides the Exact Length

Canadians entering the U.S. as visitors are typically admitted in:

• B-1 (business) status, or
• B-2 (tourism) status

Although six months is common, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has full authority to allow a shorter stay. The length of admission may depend on:

• The purpose of the trip
• Travel history
• The itinerary
• Concerns about extended or repeated stays

For example:
A traveler attending a two-day work meeting might be admitted only for the time CBP determines is reasonable for that specific event.

Always Review Your I-94 — It Determines Your Authorized Stay

CBP no longer stamps most passports. Instead, travelers should check their electronic I-94 after every entry at:
👉 https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov

Your I-94 shows:

• Your admission category, and
• Your authorized departure date

Even if your passport stamp or return ticket shows something else, the I-94 is the controlling document.

There Is No U.S. “Six-Months-Per-Year Rule” for Canadians

A common misconception is that Canadians are only allowed to be in the United States for six months per year.
In reality:

• There is no annual limit set by U.S. immigration law.
• Each entry is assessed individually by CBP.

However, frequent or lengthy stays may lead an officer to ask questions about:

• Employment
• Ties to Canada
• Whether the traveler is, in effect, trying to live in the U.S. without proper status

This is separate from Canadian rules, such as provincial residency or health-care eligibility

Registration Requirements for Certain Canadian Travelers

Depending on how a Canadian enters and how long they stay, registration with U.S. immigration authorities may be required.

Registration is NOT required when:

• Entering by air and issued an I-94.

Registration MAY be required when:

• Entering by land or sea,
• Not issued an I-94 at entry, and
• Staying 30 days or more in the U.S.

Special note for minors:

Any foreign national — including Canadians — who turns 14 years old while in the U.S. must be registered within 30 days if remaining in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.

What Happens If a Canadian Is Refused Entry

In most situations, Canadians who are not admitted at:

• Pre-clearance airports in Canada, or
• Land ports of entry

…are simply returned to Canada, not issued removal orders.

However, if a Canadian is refused admission after arriving from a third country (for example, flying to the U.S. from Mexico), CBP may detain the traveler briefly while coordinating their return if the third country does not immediately accept them back.