A common question we receive is how can a Canadian retire in the United States? They’re looking for some place with a bit of a warmer climate, and may be looking to stay there permanently or only over the winter. 
Unfortunately, there is no retirement visa for the United States despite how popular it would be.
As it stands, Canadians are able to visit the United States for six months per year, which makes living in the United States over the winter months possible. Canadians can also break this six months up into smaller chunks if they like. In addition, you cannot be outside of your home province for more than six months or you risk losing your provincial health coverage.
To live in the United States for longer, you will need to become a permanent resident of the United States.
United States permanent residence options for Canadian retirees
A visa is necessary for those Canadian citizens who want to live in the United States for good. Investor visas, such as E visas, can be excellent options for Canadian retirees who have the ability to invest in a United States business, which will provide them with a visa typically good for five years – and one that can be renewed. Those with high net worths could consider the E-B5 visa, another type of investor visa, which leads to permanent residency.
Otherwise, Canadians may have to look into obtaining permanent residence in the United States via the more traditional means such as work visas before you retire and eventual employer petitions, being transferred by your employer to the United States, spousal sponsorship or family sponsorship.
Do you want to immigrate to the United States or retire in the United States? Whether you want to do it permanently or just over the winter, speak with a licensed immigration lawyer and other service professionals, such as accountants and tax professionals, who can assist you in making the important decisions.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
