Family / spouse for Canadian citizens travelling to United States
Joining family long-term in the United States uses immigrant or family visas, not a short visitor admission.
For a Canadian citizen passport. Permanent residents and other travel documents can follow different rules.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Canadian citizens joining US citizen or permanent resident relatives. · Canada: United States travel advice (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | As granted on the immigrant or family visa. · Canada: United States travel advice (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | Fees are on official US government immigration fee schedules. · Canada: United States travel advice (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | USCIS petitions and consular processing as directed. · Canada: United States travel advice (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Identify the family immigration category on travel.gc.ca and US government sites.
- File required petitions and civil documents.
- Complete medical and interview steps at a US consulate if required.
FAQ
Can I visit family on a Canadian passport?
Short visits may be visa-exempt; living in the US needs an immigrant visa—see travel.gc.ca.
Does marriage grant automatic residence?
US immigration approval is still required for permanent residence.
Sources
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.