In response to many member inquiries, the CSA president recently wrote to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to seek clarification of the duration under which Canadian citizens can visit the U.S. each year.

Please note, that while the reply letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security does not stipulate the calculation is per calendar year, travellers should nevertheless be reminded that:

• The intent is that visitors stay a maximum of six months per year. You cannot merely come back to Canada for a short stay and then promptly return to the U.S. for a further six months.
  
  
• There are income tax consequences for being in the United States for more than 183 days or more per calendar year.
  
  
• Depending on your province or territory of residence, being absent from your home province/territory, not merely absent from Canada, for more than six months per calendar year could result in suspension of your government health benefits and coverage.

If you have any concerns or questions about either the CSA letter to U.S. Homeland Security, or their reply to the association, please contact the CSA office 1-800-265-3200 (in Toronto 416-391-9000).

CSA letter to U.S. Homeland Security

U.S. Homeland Security Reply