How long a Canadian can stay in the US (and what changes for World Cup 2026)

[DRAFT — Gil to fill]: Open with a specific traveler scene — someone driving down for a WC match in Kansas City who then asks 'if I stay for the next round, is that fine?'

The 6-month rule, precisely

[DRAFT — Gil to fill]: Canadian citizens can stay in the US as visitors up to 182 days per rolling 12-month period. This is CBP policy, not a hard visa rule (Canadians don't need visitor visas). Overstays can bar future entry.

The substantial-presence test — the tax trap

[DRAFT — Gil to fill]: IRS substantial-presence formula: current-year days + 1/3 last year + 1/6 year before that ≥ 183 = US tax resident on worldwide income. Snowbirds hit this constantly. The Closer Connection Exception form (8840) is the escape hatch — [VERIFY] the current filing deadline.

Provincial health coverage while abroad

[DRAFT — Gil to fill]: OHIP covers only emergency care abroad, at very low reimbursement rates. Every province has different rules for how long you can be out before coverage lapses (OHIP: 212 days/year; BC MSP: 6 months; etc.). Travel insurance non-negotiable. [VERIFY] current provincial rules.

Driving down vs flying down

[DRAFT — Gil to fill]: Land crossings are logged by CBP's entry system automatically. Air arrivals equally. Departure logging varies — CBP has been catching up, but Canadians can't rely on 'they didn't see me leave.' I-94 record now electronic.

What World Cup 2026 changes

[DRAFT — Gil to fill]: Nothing formal at time of writing. If FIFA/CBP announce a fan-specific extension, this page updates. See our [World Cup 2026 hub](/world-cup-2026/) for match schedules and host-city guides.

NEXUS makes crossing smoother, not longer

[DRAFT — Gil to fill]: NEXUS speeds the crossing — doesn't extend how long you can stay. Common misunderstanding.

If you're planning back-to-back matches across host cities

[DRAFT — Gil to fill]: Toronto and Vancouver matches don't count against US days. Only US host cities do. Plan the itinerary to keep US days under 121/year to stay safely under substantial-presence.

Heading to a match? Our World Cup 2026 host cities guide breaks down every venue and the travel logistics for Canadian fans.