Why Canadians Should Report Their Exit from the U.S. After Working on a Visa
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When Canadians work in the United States under a valid work permit—such as TN, H-1B, or L-1 status—it’s easy to overlook what happens at the end of their employment. However, what many do not realize is that failing to report your departure from the U.S. can result in serious consequences for your future travel and immigration status.
This blog explains why it's important to notify U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when leaving the U.S. after working there and how to do it properly.
The Problem: U.S. Doesn’t Always Know You’ve Left
Unlike most countries, the United States does not always track land departures, especially at the Canada-U.S. border. Unless you fly out and a passenger manifest is generated, there may be no automatic record that you’ve exited the U.S. As a result, CBP may assume that you overstayed your visa, which could affect your future:
- Re-entry into the U.S.
- Visa renewals or extensions
-+ Applications for different U.S. immigration statuses
In other words, even if you leave on time, CBP might believe you didn’t—unless you tell them.
Reporting Your Departure: Simple, but Often Skipped
Here’s how to ensure your departure is recorded accurately:
Return Your Paper I-94 (if applicable)
If you received a paper Form I-94 at the border, return it to a CBP officer at the port of exit. This is still the official method of documenting your departure if no electronic record exists.
Use the CBP One App
CBP offers the CBP One mobile app, which allows travelers to self-report their exit. This is especially helpful for Canadians on work visas who are returning home via land border.
What If You Have a Grace Period?
Some visas, like the TN visa, offer a grace period of up to 60 days after your employment ends, during which you can stay in the U.S. to prepare for departure or change your status. But once you leave, the onus is still on you to prove that you exited lawfully and on time.
Final Thoughts
Canadians working in the U.S. should treat their exit as a formal immigration step, not just a casual drive across the border. Voluntarily reporting your departure protects your travel history, helps avoid misinterpretation by CBP, and ensures smoother immigration processes in the future.
For peace of mind and to safeguard your ability to re-enter the U.S., take a few minutes to report your exit properly.