When is a visa required to visit Canada?

U.S citizens need Canadian visas if they are planning to work in Canada or study in an academic program for longer than six months. Most other visits do not require a visa.

American citizens can visit Canada for up to 180 days without a visa. If tourists plan to stay longer than that, they can apply for a 30-day extension. Americans do not need a visa to enter Canada for business purposes unless they plan to stay longer than six months. Short-term events, like conferences and meetings, do not require a visa. Most American citizens who plan to work for a Canadian company need a work permit, though regulations around this vary depending on the industry.