Canadian Visa for US citizens

Updated on October 29, 2025

Moving between the US and Canada is easier than most people expect, but each step has its own details. Whether you’re coming for a few months or planning to stay permanently, knowing how visas, permits, and taxes fit together can make the move much smoother.

This guide clears up who needs what, how to apply, and what to expect if you’re planning to live or work in Canada long-term.

Do US citizens need a Visa to enter Canada?

For most Americans, the answer is no. If you hold a valid US passport, you can visit Canada for up to six months without a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). That covers vacations, family visits, or short business trips.

If you’re a Green Card holder (lawful permanent resident), you also don’t need a visa or an eTA. You just need to bring your valid passport from your country of nationality and your Green Card when traveling to Canada.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to enter Canada:

Traveler type	Requirement
US citizen	No visa or eTA needed
US Green Card holder	No visa or eTA; bring passport + valid Green Card
Non-citizen or third-country national	May need a visitor visa

If your trip involves studying, working, or staying beyond six months, though, you’ll need to look at specific permit options, and that’s where things get more detailed.

Understanding the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

The eTA is not a visa. Think of it as a quick online background check that lets the Canadian government verify travelers before arrival. It’s required for visa-exempt nationals who fly into Canada, but not for American citizens crossing by land or sea.

The application is simple:

Fill out the form online
Pay a small fee
Get approval

This entire process typically takes only minutes. Once approved, the eTA stays linked to your passport for up to five years or until your passport expires.

An eTA functions much like the US ESTA system for visa-free travelers. It’s a minor step, but it keeps air travel smooth and reduces airport paperwork. If you’re planning a longer stay, though, you’ll need an actual visa or permit that matches your purpose.

Types of Canadian Visas for US citizens

US citizens rarely need a visa for short visits, but if you plan to work, study, or move, you’ll need the right authorization. Canada offers several types of visas and permits, but most US travelers fit into one of these five categories:

Visa type	Purpose	Typical duration	Key requirement
Visitor Visa (TRV)	Tourism, family visit, short business trip	Up to 6 months	Proof of funds and intent to return
Work permit	Temporary employment	Duration of the job contract	Job offer and employer compliance
Study permit	Education at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)	Length of study program	DLI acceptance and proof of funds
Permanent Residency (PR)	Long-term move	Indefinite	Eligibility under Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program
Family sponsorship	Reuniting with family	Variable	Canadian citizen or PR sponsor

Note: Each category has its own online checklist on the IRCC website.

These options cover everything from a semester abroad to building a long-term life in Canada. So, how do you actually apply?

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How to apply for a Canadian Visa (step-by-step)

Most applications are now fully online, making the process faster, more structured, and easier to track.

Gather required documents: You’ll need your passport, proof of funds, travel purpose, and any supporting paperwork (like a job offer or school admission).
Complete your application: Submit everything through the IRCC portal or, if you prefer help, through a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Pay the fees:
- Visa fee
- Biometrics (if required): CAD 85
- Work or Study Permits: typically CAD 155–350, depending on type.
Submit and wait: Processing times vary. Check IRCC’s online tool for current processing times based on your visa type and where you’re applying from.
Receive your decision: If approved, you’ll get instructions for your entry date or permit pickup.

Canadian Visa fees for 2025:

Application Type	Government fees (CAD)
Visitor Visa	CAD$100 + CAD$85 biometrics
Work permit	CAD$155 (work permit) + CAD$100 (open-permit holder fee, if applicable)
Study permit	CAD$150 + CAD$85 biometrics
Permanent Residency	CAD$1,525 (incl. right of PR fee)

Working in Canada as a US Citizen

Many American professionals qualify for faster work permits through the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which replaced NAFTA. This agreement lets certain occupations like engineers, accountants, and analysts skip the usual Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) step, speeding things up significantly.

There are two broad permit types:

Employer-specific permits: tied to one job and employer.
Open work permits: allow you to work for multiple employers (available in fewer cases).

As of 2025, Canada has narrowed who qualifies for open work permits, particularly for spouses and partners of temporary residents. In most cases, only the spouses of skilled workers (in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs) or certain international students—like those in master’s or doctoral programs—can get them.

Before you apply, double-check your eligibility on the official IRCC site, it only takes a few clicks and can save you weeks of delay.

Studying in Canada as a US Citizen

Every year, thousands of American students choose Canada for its strong universities and straightforward application process. You’ll need a study permit if your program lasts longer than six months. To qualify, you must:

Be accepted at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Show proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
Have no criminal record or past immigration issues.

Once you arrive, you can usually work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks, a change from the previous 20-hour limit. The new rule gives students more flexibility to work and cover living costs while studying.

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a Canadian provincial or territorial government to host international students. Most public universities, colleges, and many private schools are on the list.

If you attend a school not recognized as a DLI, your study permit can be refused. Also, if you hope to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after finishing your studies, only certain DLIs qualify you for that program.

So before applying, always double-check that your institution is on the DLI list. You can check it at the Government of Canada’s immigration website.

Moving permanently to Canada (Permanent Residency)

Permanent residency (PR) lets you live and work in Canada indefinitely. The three main routes are:

Express Entry: points-based system for skilled workers.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): specific to provinces with local job shortages.
Family sponsorship: for spouses, partners, parents, or dependents of Canadian citizens or PR holders.

Canada also expanded digital document upload options in 2025, making the process smoother for US applicants applying remotely.

Once you settle in, you’ll face a new challenge: figuring out how your tax situation changes once you start earning income in Canada.

Taxes and residency after moving

This is where tax rules from both countries start to overlap. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income, even if you live in another country. Canada, meanwhile, taxes based on residency. That means once you move, you might owe taxes to both governments.

Thankfully, the US-Canada Tax Treaty helps prevent double taxation. You can usually claim credits for taxes paid in Canada on your US return, or in some cases, exclude earned income under the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

The rules can get tricky once you factor in pensions or property income, so it’s worth getting advice early if you’re planning to stay long-term.

Getting professional help

Canada’s immigration system is transparent but detailed. Official information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is your most reliable source for visa and permit requirements. If you’re juggling work, study, or family immigration at once, an immigration lawyer or certified consultant can help simplify the process.

And once you start earning or investing across borders, a tax professional familiar with both the US and Canadian systems can help you stay compliant without overpaying.

Rules change often, so before you apply or relocate, double-check the latest requirements on Canada’s official immigration site.

FAQs

Can I extend my stay in Canada beyond six months without leaving?

Yes, you can apply online to extend your visitor status before your six-month stay expires. If approved, you’ll receive a Visitor Record that lets you remain in Canada legally for a new period.

Just make sure to apply at least 30 days before your initial stay ends. If you leave the country, you might need to reapply upon re-entry.
Can I work remotely for a US company while living in Canada?

Generally, yes. If you’re only performing online work for a foreign employer and not engaging with the Canadian labor market, you might not need a work permit.

That said, it’s a gray area that depends on your income source, tax residency, and length of stay. If you plan to live in Canada long-term while working remotely, it’s worth confirming your tax obligations and legal status first.
Are there special visa options for digital nomads or freelancers?

Canada doesn’t have a formal ‘digital nomad visa’ yet, but visitors can generally work remotely for foreign employers during short stays.

In 2025, new pilot programs are being explored for tech professionals under existing work permit streams, something worth watching if you’re self-employed or freelance for US clients.
If I marry a Canadian citizen, do I automatically get permanent residency?
Can I apply for Canadian citizenship as a US citizen?

Yes. After becoming a permanent resident and living in Canada for at least three out of the last five years, you can apply for citizenship.

Canada allows dual citizenship, so you don’t have to give up your US passport, though the US still expects annual tax filings no matter where you live.

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