A practical Canada-to-U.S. guide for Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, temporary residents and other residents who need to know whether they require a B1/B2 visa, ESTA or no visitor visa at all.
Canadian residence and Canadian citizenship are not the same thing for U.S. entry. Pick the situation closest to yours.
Canadian citizens travelling with a Canadian passport generally do not need a nonimmigrant visa for ordinary tourism or temporary business, and Canadian citizens do not need ESTA. Some travel purposes still require a specific visa, and CBP makes the admission decision.
Current U.S. Department of State instructions say nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. If applying in Canada based on residence, be ready to demonstrate Canadian residence.
Since October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants generally require an in-person interview. A limited interview-waiver option remains for certain B1/B2 renewals within 12 months of expiration when the other conditions are met.
Vacation, sightseeing, visiting family/friends and other ordinary temporary visitor purposes.
Examples can include consulting with business associates or attending professional/business conventions or conferences. It is not general U.S. employment authorization.
A B2 visitor visa can cover temporary medical treatment, with additional evidence normally needed regarding the treatment and financial arrangements.
An approved ESTA permits eligible Visa Waiver Program travellers to seek entry for temporary business or tourism, generally for up to 90 days. The current ESTA fee is US $40.27 and approved authorizations are generally valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. ESTA approval does not guarantee admission.
Get the route, DS-160 information and interview evidence organized before paying fees or booking travel.
The page avoids hard-coded appointment wait times because they change frequently.
