Visa-Free Entry for Canadians

Canadian citizens enjoy one of the most favorable entry arrangements to the United States of any nationality.1 Unlike citizens of most countries who must apply for B1/B2 visitor visas, Canadians can enter the US without a visa for tourism, business, or pleasure for stays up to 6 months.1

This special status is rooted in the close relationship between Canada and the United States. In 2024, Canadians made over 20 million visits to the US, making Canada the largest source of international visitors.6 The entry process is designed to be efficient while maintaining border security.

Documents Required at the Border

The documents you need depend on how you are entering the United States.5

By Air

A valid Canadian passport is required for all air travel to the United States.5 No other document is accepted for entry by air.

By Land or Sea

At land borders and ferry crossings, you have more options. Any of the following WHTI-compliant documents are accepted:5

Important: A regular Canadian driver’s license is NOT sufficient to cross the border. You must have one of the documents listed above.5

For Children

Children under 16 can present:5

• Canadian passport (recommended)
• Original or copy of birth certificate
• Canadian citizenship card
• Naturalization certificate

When traveling with children, officers may ask additional questions to verify the relationship. If you are not the child’s parent, carry a consent letter from the parents.

NEXUS: The Faster Way to Cross

If you travel to the US frequently, the NEXUS program is highly recommended.3 NEXUS is a joint Canada-US trusted traveler program that provides:

Benefits at the border:

• Dedicated NEXUS lanes at land crossings (often significantly shorter waits)
• Global Entry kiosks at US airports (skip the regular customs line)
• Self-serve kiosks at Canadian airports for returning to Canada
• TSA PreCheck for US domestic flights (keep shoes and belt on, laptop in bag)

How to get NEXUS:

1. Apply online at the Trusted Traveler Programs website
2. Pay the $120 USD fee (valid for 5 years)
3. Complete background checks by both US and Canadian authorities
4. Attend an interview at a NEXUS enrollment center
5. Receive your card by mail

Processing time varies, but typically takes 3-6 months. The interview locations include major Canadian airports and land border crossings.3

Entry Process at the Border

When you arrive at a US port of entry, here is what to expect:2

1. Present your documents

Hand your passport (or other WHTI document) to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. They will verify your identity and citizenship.

2. Answer questions about your visit

Be prepared to answer:2

• Purpose of your visit (tourism, visiting family, business meeting, etc.)
• Length of intended stay
• Where you will be staying
• Whether you have anything to declare

Answer honestly, briefly, and directly. Do not volunteer unnecessary information.

3. Biometric verification

Your photo and fingerprints may be taken, especially if this is your first entry in a while. NEXUS members can use automated kiosks instead.

4. Admission decision

If approved, the officer admits you to the US. Unlike visa holders who receive a formal I-94, Canadians typically just receive a verbal admission period (usually 6 months or “D/S” for duration of status for certain purposes).2

Tip: If you plan to stay more than a few weeks, ask the officer to note your authorized stay period. You can check your I-94 record online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov to confirm your status.

Activities Permitted During Your Visit

Your visa-free entry permits a wide range of activities:1

Tourism and Leisure:

• Sightseeing and visiting attractions
• Visiting friends and relatives
• Attending sporting events, concerts, or festivals
• Vacation travel throughout the US

Business (B-1 type activities):

• Attending business meetings and conferences
• Negotiating contracts
• Consulting with business associates
• Attending trade shows or conventions
• Conducting independent research

Other permitted activities:

• Medical treatment
• Short recreational study (no credit toward a degree)
• Participating in amateur sports or music events (no payment)

What You Cannot Do

Certain activities require a separate work visa and are NOT permitted on visa-free entry:1

• Any paid employment (even temporary or part-time)
• Establishing or running a business
• Attending school full-time toward a degree (requires F-1 visa)
• Providing professional services to US clients for pay (may require TN visa)

If you are caught working without authorization, you will be deported and may be banned from future entry.

Crossing by Car: Land Border Tips

Millions of Canadians drive across the border each year. Here are tips for a smooth crossing:4

Before you go:

• Check border wait times at bwt.cbp.gov or the CBP Border Wait Times app
• Have your documents ready for everyone in the vehicle
• Remove sunglasses when speaking with officers
• Turn off your car engine at primary inspection
• Put away your phone

At the border:

• Roll down your window fully
• Answer questions clearly and directly
• Keep your hands visible
• Do not make jokes about customs or security

What to declare:

• Goods purchased abroad (there is a personal exemption of $200 USD after 48 hours in Canada)
• Food items (many fresh foods are restricted)
• Large amounts of currency (over $10,000 USD must be declared)
• Firearms and weapons (strict rules apply)

Criminal Records and Inadmissibility

Unlike most entry requirements, a criminal record can make you inadmissible to the United States regardless of Canadian visa exemption.1 US border officers have access to Canadian criminal records through shared databases.

Offenses that commonly cause inadmissibility:

• Crimes of moral turpitude (theft, fraud, assault, etc.)
• Any drug offense, including marijuana possession
• Two or more criminal convictions with combined sentences of 5+ years
• Prostitution-related offenses
• Money laundering
• Immigration violations

Important notes:

• A single DUI typically does not make you inadmissible, but multiple DUIs or DUI with aggravating factors may cause issues1
• Canadian pardons (record suspensions) are NOT recognized by the US1
• Even charges that were dropped or withdrawn may appear in the system
• Admitting to past drug use, even without a conviction, can trigger inadmissibility

If you have a criminal record:

You may need a US Entry Waiver (Form I-192) to legally enter the United States. The waiver:

• Costs $930 USD to apply
• Takes several months to process
• Is typically valid for 1-5 years
• Requires you to demonstrate rehabilitation

Do not attempt to enter the US without a waiver if you know you are inadmissible. Being turned away creates a record that complicates future applications.

If You Are Denied Entry

If a CBP officer determines you are inadmissible, you will be refused entry. This can happen for various reasons.2

At the border:

• You will be interviewed and may be searched
• You have the right to withdraw your application for admission (rather than receive a formal denial)
• Withdrawing lets you return to Canada without a formal inadmissibility finding
• If formally denied, this goes on your record and affects future entries

After denial:

• You can attempt to re-enter at a later date if the issue is resolved
• For criminal inadmissibility, you need a US Entry Waiver
• For other issues (suspected work intent, insufficient ties), address the concerns before trying again
• Consider consulting an immigration lawyer for complex situations

Extending Your Stay

If you need to stay longer than 6 months, you must file for an extension BEFORE your authorized stay expires.1

How to extend:

1. File Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS
2. Pay the $420 filing fee
3. Apply at least 45 days before your current status expires
4. Continue your legal status while the application is pending

Extensions are granted at USCIS discretion and are not automatic. You should have a compelling reason for the extension and demonstrate that you still intend to return to Canada.

Important: Overstaying your authorized period is a serious violation. It can result in:

• Future visa denials
• Bars on re-entry (3-year bar for overstays of 180+ days, 10-year bar for 1+ year)
• Difficulty obtaining NEXUS or other trusted traveler status