What Canadian Citizens Should Know Before Traveling to the U.S.

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Canadian citizens often assume traveling to the United States is simple—and in many cases, it is. But recent practice guidance from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) highlights several important reminders about admission rules, I-94 records, length of stay, and registration requirements that Canadians should understand before crossing the border.

Misunderstanding these rules can lead to shortened stays, entry issues, or compliance problems once inside the U.S.

Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa to Enter the U.S.?

Most Canadian citizens do not need a visa stamp to enter the United States as visitors. However, there are important exceptions.

Canadian citizens do require visa stamps in their passports for certain categories, including:

E visas
K visas
Diplomatic visas

If you are traveling for a purpose beyond a standard visit—or are unsure which category applies—confirm your classification before traveling.

Visitor Admission: B-1 and B-2 Status

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

B-1 (business), or
B-2 (pleasure)

The usual admission period is up to six months, but this is not guaranteed.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have full discretion to shorten the length of stay, depending on:

Your stated purpose of travel
Your travel plans
Other admissibility factors

For example, if you tell a CBP officer you are attending a wedding or a short business meeting, you may only be admitted for a few days or a week, rather than the full six months.

How CBP Determines Your Length of Stay

Each entry into the U.S. is treated as a separate admission. CBP may decide to:

Admit you only for the time needed to complete the stated activity
Admit you for the remaining time left on a prior entry, instead of issuing a new six-month period
Limit your stay based on passport validity

There is no rule that guarantees Canadians six months per entry—or limits them to six months per year.

Why the I-94 Record Is Critical

CBP generally no longer stamps passports. Instead, the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record controls everything.

All foreign nationals—including Canadian citizens—must download and review their I-94 after every entry at:

Your I-94 determines:

Your classification (B-1, B-2, etc.)
Your authorized period of stay
Your lawful status in the U.S.

Visa stamps, passport markings, or USCIS approval notices do not control your authorized stay—the I-94 does.

Foreign nationals are solely responsible for tracking their own lawful stay and that of their family members.

There Is No “Six-Month Rule”

A common myth is that Canadian citizens may only stay in the U.S. for six months per year—or that they are entitled to more time if they leave and re-enter.

Neither is true.

While six months is a typical admission period, CBP may question travelers who spend more time in the U.S. than in Canada, especially visitors. This can raise concerns about:

How the individual is supporting themselves
Whether they are effectively living in the U.S. as a visitor

Each entry is discretionary and evaluated independently.

USCIS Registration Requirements for Canadians

Most Canadian citizens are exempt from USCIS registration if they are issued an I-94.

Canadians entering the U.S. by air are generally issued an I-94 and are therefore exempt
There is no I-94 fee for air travelers

However, registration is required if:

A Canadian citizen enters by land or sea,
Is not issued an I-94, and
Remains in the U.S. for 30 days or longer

In that case, you must apply for a provisional I-94 found at: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home.

Important Exceptions to Know

Foreign nationals who turn 14 while in the U.S. must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if previously exempt
Canadian citizens entering by land or sea and planning to stay 30+ days may apply in advance for an I-94 at the border (fee: $30)
Canadians refused entry at a Canadian port or pre-flight inspection are typically denied and sent home, not detained
Pre-flight inspection locations do not issue expedited removal orders, though inadmissibility findings may still be made

Bottom Line

Traveling to the U.S. as a Canadian citizen may feel routine—but admission rules, length of stay, and compliance obligations still apply. Understanding how CBP exercises discretion, checking your I-94 every time, and knowing when registration is required can help prevent unnecessary problems at the border.

Need help navigating these rules?

Admission decisions are discretionary, and small mistakes can have serious consequences. If you have questions about visitor status, I-94 records, registration requirements, or admissibility issues, legal guidance can make all the difference.

Set up a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.