This article provides key information on U.S. admission, visa requirements, I-94 records, and USCIS registration for Canadian citizens
US Visa Requirements for Canadian Travelers (Exemptions & Exceptions)
| Topic | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
| Visa Stamp | Generally NOT required. Canadians do not need a visa stamp for visitor (B-1/B-2) entry. EXCEPTION: Visa stamps issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate are required for E (E-2, E-2 Employee Visa, E-2 for Canadians, E-1), K, and diplomatic visas. |
| I-94 Record | ALL Canadian travelers MUST check/download their I-94 upon EACH entry at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. This record governs your admission class and lawful stay period in the US (not any visa/passport stamp or USCIS approval notice). |
| Lawful Stay | You are solely responsible for tracking your lawful stay and that of your family. |
Understanding the Duration of Stay (B-1/B-2 Visitors)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers typically admit Canadian visitors (B-1 business or B-2 pleasure) for up to 6 months, but the CBP Officer retains full discretion to shorten this period. In particular, a CBP officer may limit a Canadian visitor’s stay to a specific date based on travel plans or other factors.
CBP generally no longer stamps passports with the admission date, class, or duration of stay. Instead, the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is the official document. You are responsible for tracking your lawful stay and that of your family.
Time Limits: The 6-Month Per Year Myth
USCIS Registration Requirements/Exemptions
Most Canadian citizens are EXEMPT from USCIS registration if they are issued an I-94 Departure Record.
You can learn more about USCIS registration for Canadians by visiting New DHS Alien Registration Requirement: What Non-US Citizens Need to Know.
| Entry Method | I-94 Issued? | Registration Status | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Travel | YES (fee is built into airfare) | EXEMPT from registration | You must still download the I-94 online. |
| Land/Sea Travel (NO I-94) | NO (unless applied for) | REQUIRED if you remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. | Use Form G-325R online. Failure to register can result in penalties. |
| Land/Sea Travel (Pre-Application) | YES (if application is approved). This requires Canadian citizens to be directed to secondary inspection. | EXEMPT from registration | You can pre-apply for an I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov/payment/document-apply. The fee is $30.00 |
EXCEPTION: Age 14 Registration
Admission and Refusal Scenarios at the US Border
Land/Pre-Flight Inspection
Canadians refused admission at a Canadian land port or a Canadian Pre-Flight Inspection site are generally sent home (outside of criminal warrants) and are unlikely to be detained for being refused admission to the US. Pre-Flight Inspections do not issue expedited removal orders, but CBP may still make findings of inadmissibility
Refusal from a Third Country
If you apply for admission from a country outside of Canada (for example, Mexico) and are refused entry for whatever reason (you do not qulify for L-1 (L-1 for Canadians, L-1 New Office), TN or other visa, or you do not have sufficent ties to Canada, etc), and that third country will not accept you back, CBP may be forced to detain you until you can be processed and returned to Canada.
Why Partner with Malescu Law?
We provide clear, personalized guidance on maximizing your stay, navigating the land-border I-94 application, and fulfilling all registration obligations, allowing you to focus on your plans and business.
We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Contact us or schedule a consultation.
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Get the exact steps you need to take before your next trip to ensure your I-94 is secured and your stay is legal.
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