This article discusses how long can Canadians stay in Florida?
Canadian citizens enjoy a unique privilege when it comes to visiting the United States, including the sunny state of Florida. Thanks to being visa-exempt, Canadians can enter the U.S. for tourism or business purposes without a visa. This allows for extended stays in Florida, making it a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds seeking warmer climate during the winter months.
Upon entry into the United States, Canadian visitors are inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers who determine the eligibility for entry based on the visitor’s intent.
The 180-Day Rule
Upon entering the U.S., Canadian visitors are generally granted a stay of up to 180 days for tourism or business. CBP officers at ports of entry have the authority to grant or deny admission. They will typically admit Canadians on a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) status, which is then recorded in an electronic I-94 record.
It is important for Canadians to clearly communicate the purpose of their visit, as CBP officers assess whether the activities intended align with permissible activities under a visitor status.
Your I-94 record serves as an official document noting your entry date, your immigration status (B-1 or B-2), and, most importantly, the expiration date of your authorized stay. While 180 days is the standard for Canadians visitors, a CBP officer can issue a shorter duration based on individual circumstances. Therefore, it’s crucial to retrieve and check your I-94 record online immediately after entering the U.S. to confirm the exact length of your lawful stay.
Travel Purpose to Florida Must be Permitted on a Visitor (B) Visa
When traveling to the U.S. visa-exempt, Canadians are generally allowed to participate in various activities related to business or tourism.
For Business Travel (B-1), you can:
For Tourism, you can:
Factors Affecting Your Stay
While the 180-day rule provides the standard period of stay, several factors can influence the actual duration of your stay in Florida:
Additional Considerations for Longer Stay in Florida
If you plan to spend an extended period in Florida, there are several additional factors to consider:
By carefully planning your visits and adhering to immigration regulations, Canadians can enjoy spending your time in Florida.
Canadians looking to work or start a business in Florida have several popular U.S. visa options available to them:
Malescu Law can assist
If you have questions regarding how long can Canadians stay in Florida, or you want to move to Florida for longer, contact us or book a consultation with our immigration lawyers.
We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Contact us or schedule a consultation.
Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers
