How Long Can Canadians Stay in the US? [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR
Canadians can typically stay in the US for up to 6 months per visit as tourists. For longer stays, visas or residency permits are required. Always check entry conditions with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as rules vary by travel purpose.

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How Long Can Canadians Visit the US Without a Visa?

Most Canadians can stay in the US for up to 6 months per entry under the Visa Waiver Program. This applies to tourism, business meetings, or short-term medical treatment.

Key facts:

• No visa is required for stays ≤6 months (B-1/B-2 status).
• The exact duration is determined by US CBP officers at entry.
• Overstaying can result in bans or future entry denials.
• Use Evola’s Travel Duration Calculator to track your stay legally.

According to the US CBP official guidelines, officers may shorten stays if they suspect insufficient ties to Canada.

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Can Canadians Extend Their Stay Beyond 6 Months?

Yes, but you must apply for an extension (Form I-539) before your initial period expires.

Extensions are granted for valid reasons like:

• Medical treatment (with doctor’s proof).
• Ongoing business projects (requires employer letters).
• Family emergencies (documentation needed).
  Evola’s AI Immigration Mentor can help draft error-free extension requests with a 92% approval rate for compliant applications.

The USCIS official page states that late applications may lead to deportation.

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What If a Canadian Wants to Live or Work in the US?

Stays beyond 6 months require specific visas (e.g., H-1B, TN, or L-1).

Options include:

• TN Visa: For professionals (engineers, accountants) under USMCA.
• H-1B: Employer-sponsored roles (lottery-based).
• Green Card: Permanent residency via family, employment, or investment.
  Our Success Predictor Tool estimates approval odds for 18 US visa types.

The US Department of State mandates visa applications from Canadian soil for most categories.

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Do Canadian Snowbirds Get Special Treatment?

No, but retirees often split time across border checks to reset their 6-month clock.

Best practices:

• Keep a travel log with entry/exit dates.
• Maintain a Canadian primary residence.
• Avoid spending >182 days/year in the US to prevent tax residency.
  Evola’s cross-border tax planner helps optimize stays legally.

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What Happens If a Canadian Overstays?

Overstays risk 3–10-year re-entry bans and fines.

Consequences escalate if:

• You overstay by >180 days (3-year ban).
• You overstay by >1 year (10-year ban).
• You misrepresent your travel purpose (permanent inadmissibility).

The US CBP Overstay Penalty page details enforcement actions.

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Final Tip

Always verify your I-94 record online after entry—it lists your official exit deadline. For hassle-free trips, use Evola’s 24/7 AI Mentor to navigate US-Canada rules in real time.

Ready to plan your US stay confidently? Start with Evola’s free tools today.