How long can citizens of Canada stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days per visit under the visa-free arrangement, as of our last verification. Longer stays or other purposes use a dedicated visa route.

Can citizens of Canada work or study in the United States?

The United States has 18 verified routes across work, study, residence and other purposes. Eligibility varies by route and nationality — see the full United States visa guide for details.

Travel corridor

United States visa requirements for citizens of Canada.

Visa-freeStays of up to 180 days per visit.

No — citizens of Canada can typically visit the United States visa-free for stays of up to 180 days. Longer stays or other purposes (work, study, residence) use a dedicated visa route.

ESTA exempt; Canadians do not need ESTA

Routes for the United States last verified 10 Jun 2026 against official sources.

Check your exact requirements

Beyond short stays

Other ways into United States for citizens of Canada.

Study & Training

Full details

F-1 Academic Student VisaGov fee $185

M-1 Vocational Student VisaGov fee $185

J-1 Exchange Visitor VisaGov fee $185

Work & Self-Employment

Full details

EB-2 National Interest Waiver Green CardGov fee $715

H-1B Specialty Occupation VisaGov fee $205

H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker VisaGov fee $205

H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker VisaGov fee $205

+1 more in the full guide

Invest & Capital

Full details

EB-5 Immigrant Investor ProgramGov fee $11,160

E-2 Treaty Investor VisaGov fee $315

Family & Origin

Full details

Family-Based Immigrant Visas (IR & F1–F4 Preferences)Gov fee $675

K-1 Fiancé(e) VisaGov fee $675

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Immigrant VisaGov fee $675

Special Categories

Full details

O-1 Extraordinary Ability VisaGov fee $205

EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green CardGov fee $715

R-1 Temporary Religious Worker VisaGov fee $205

I Visa (Representatives of Foreign Media)Gov fee $185

+1 more in the full guide

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Every way into United States

The full destination guide — all purposes, fees and documents.

The Canada passport

Where it travels visa-free, and every destination's status.

All travel corridors

Verified short-stay answers for every passport and destination.

Typical eligibility, verified against official sources. No approval guarantees — official decisions prevail.