U.S. Green Card holders can visit Canada for up to 6 months without a visa. Learn entry rules, eTA requirements, and how to protect your U.S. status.
How Long Can a U.S. Green Card Holder Stay in Canada Without a Visa?
If you're a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), you can visit Canada without needing a visa for up to 6 months (180 days) at a time — but there are specific rules and conditions you must follow. Your purpose of travel, method of entry, and documentation all impact how long you can legally stay in Canada.
Let’s break it down fully:
1. U.S. Permanent Residents Are Visa-Exempt in Most Cases
As of April 26, 2022, U.S. Green Card holders no longer need a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) to enter Canada, provided they meet these conditions:
You Must Have:
- A valid Green Card (proof of lawful permanent residence in the U.S.)
- A valid passport from your home country (e.g., India, Nigeria, Philippines, etc.)
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you're arriving by air
- You don’t need an eTA if you enter Canada by land or sea
Important:
This exemption applies only to visits, not for work, study, or immigration purposes.
2. Maximum Length of Stay: 6 Months
U.S. Green Card holders can typically stay in Canada for up to 6 months (180 days) per visit as a tourist or temporary visitor.
Details:
- The 6-month period starts the day you enter Canada.
- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the border has the authority to:
- Allow up to 6 months of stay.
- Shorten your stay depending on your travel history, funds, and purpose.
- Stamp your passport with a specific departure date.
If the officer doesn’t write anything in your passport, your default authorized stay is 6 months.
3. Want to Stay Longer Than 6 Months?
If you want to stay beyond 6 months, you must apply for an extension of stay (visitor record) at least 30 days before your authorized stay ends.
You’ll need to:
- Apply online through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- Provide a reason for the extension
- Show proof of funds, ties to your home country, and intent to leave after your visit
There is no guarantee that your extension will be approved.
4. Travel Method Matters: Air vs. Land/Sea
| Entry Method | Do You Need an eTA? | Visa Required? |
|---|---|---|
| By Air | Yes (apply online) |  No |
| By Land or Sea | No | No |
You can apply for an eTA online through the official Canadian government website for about $7 CAD, and it’s typically valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires.
5. Maintain Your U.S. Green Card While Visiting Canada
While Canada may let you stay for up to 6 months, the United States has its own rules for Green Card holders who travel abroad:
If You Stay Outside the U.S. for:
- More than 6 months: You may be questioned about abandoning residency when re-entering the U.S.
- More than 12 months: Your Green Card is likely considered abandoned, unless you had a Reentry Permit in advance.
To protect your U.S. permanent residency:
- Avoid being outside the U.S. for more than 180 days continuously
- Maintain ties to the U.S. (home, job, family, taxes)
- Return to the U.S. periodically to show intent to live there permanently
6. Important Tips for U.S. Green Card Holders Visiting Canada
- Travel with your original Green Card (not a copy or photo)
- Have a valid passport from your country of citizenship
- Apply for an eTA in advance if flying
- Do not overstay your permitted time in Canada
- Do not engage in unauthorized work or study
- Keep proof of your travel plans, accommodation, and return ticket (if possible)
Summary: How Long Can You Stay in Canada Without a Visa?
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Visa needed? | No (Green Card holders are visa-exempt) |
| Maximum stay per visit | Up to 6 months (180 days) |
| Extension possible? | Yes, but must apply before expiry |
| Reentry to the U.S. after visit? | Yes, but absences over 6 months raise red flags |
| eTA required? | Only if flying into Canada |
| Green Card status affected? | If abroad too long without returning to the U.S. |
Final Thoughts
U.S. Green Card holders can visit Canada without a visa for up to 6 months per trip, as long as they follow both Canadian entry rules and U.S. permanent residency requirements. While Canada welcomes visitors from the U.S., it’s essential to keep your travel time balanced, documents up to date, and status secure in both countries.