Get the Canada visa for US citizens

Fast, secure, and expert-led visa processing for American citizens traveling to Canada

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Canada visa requirements for American citizens

US citizens do not require a visa to enter Canada for tourism or short-term stays of up to 180 days. While a visa is not necessary, travelers arriving by air at major international airports should submit their customs and immigration declaration digitally before arrival. iVisa offers the following Canada entry document for US travelers: Canada Advance CBSA Declaration (ArriveCAN): This digital form allows US citizens to submit their customs and immigration responses up to 72 hours before flying into Canada. It is used to bypass traditional paper forms and provides access to express lanes at participating airports, though it does not replace the requirement for a valid travel ID. General Canada visa requirements for US travelers are: Valid US passport, passport card, or NEXUS card; Confirmed flight details (arrival airport and flight number); Permanent resident card (if the traveler is a US green card holder rather than a citizen).

Canada visa cost for American citizens

Canada Advance CBSA Declaration

Prices starting from $59.99

Valid for 1 month after issued

Single entry

Stay up to 90 days per entry

Get it as fast as 15 minutes

Fast facts

Interview needed?

On a case-by-case basis (only for embassy visa)

When to apply?

72 hours before the arrival date

Documents required upon arrival?

Valid US passport, passport card, or NEXUS card, valid permanent resident card (where applicable)

How to apply for a Canada visa with iVisa

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, determine whether you need the Canada ETA, Canada Visitor Visa or another Canada visa or document, pay securely, and upload your documents. You can save your progress and come back anytime. We'll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.

We review your application

The Canada visa system can be complicated for American citizens, but don't worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the Canadian government, but we review your application for accuracy and submit it directly to them. If anything goes wrong, we’re here 24/7 to help resolve it – no long wait times, no confusing forms, just expert support from start to finish.

Get your Canada visa

We’ll email your approved Canada document and let you know how to use it for your trip from the United States to Canada.

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Why American citizens choose iVisa

Benefit	Applying by yourself	iVisa
Simple, easy forms	Not included	Included
24x7 support from visa experts	Not included	Included
Error detection to prevent rejections	Not included	Included
World's easiest passport scan	Not included	Included
Multiple payment methods	Not included	Included

1.4M happy customers

24/7customer support

71,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98% visa approval rate

Verified Canada visa reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 by travelers to Canada.

4.9 out of 5

Alba R.

May 24, 2025

"It was such a relief to communicate with a real person and receive my eTA so quickly. I was very stressed, and everything was handled perfectly. Thank you!!"
Ali Dawood

June 4, 2026

"The apeed and the efficiency of the service provided by iVisa could not possibly be improved on"
Finn J.

May 19, 2025

"thank you for the priority service and your prompt response much appreciated!"
Raymond Lloyd Sinclair

October 24, 2025

"As a retiree, your system is very easy to use and very user friendly service."
Kace B.

May 24, 2025

"Fast and excellent service great value for the price."
Damian W.

May 26, 2025

"the system was straightforward and easy to follow."
Arlette D.

May 19, 2025

"Straightforward process that got the job done"
Eunice Mason

July 8, 2026

"Pleased with speed of application"
Lachlan Walker

June 16, 2025

"very quick and easy"
Chris

June 25, 2025

"All good!"

See all 75 reviews

Canada visa FAQs

What American travelers commonly ask about Canada visas

Do US citizens need a visa for Canada?

No, US citizens don’t need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada for tourism or short-term visits. However, all US travelers must carry proper identification, such as a valid US passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. While a visa is not required, travelers arriving by air at participating international airports are required to submit their customs and immigration declaration via the ArriveCAN platform to facilitate their entry.

What is the processing time of a Canada visa for US applicants?

The Advance CBSA Declaration via ArriveCAN can be submitted as early as 72 hours before a traveler's arrival in Canada. Once the digital form is submitted, the traveler receives a confirmation receipt immediately via email. This digital receipt is then presented to border officers or scanned at a primary inspection kiosk upon arrival for near-instant processing.

How long can US nationals stay in Canada?

US citizens are generally allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months (180 days) from the date of entry. However, under updated 2026 guidelines, border services officers have the discretion to grant longer stays—often up to one year—for genuine visitors who can demonstrate sufficient funds and a clear exit plan. The exact date by which a traveler must leave will be indicated in their passport stamp or electronic record.

Do US citizens need a visa when transiting through Canada?

No, US citizens do not require a visa or an eTA to transit through a Canadian airport to a third destination. This applies whether the traveler stays within the international transit area or needs to clear customs to switch terminals or stay overnight, provided they hold a valid US passport or travel document.

Can US nationals extend their stay in Canada?

Yes, US nationals who wish to stay longer than the period initially authorized must apply for a visitor record. This application should be submitted to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at least 30 days before the current authorized stay expires. A visitor record is an official document that extends legal status in Canada but does not serve as a visa for re-entry if the traveler leaves the country.