The United States does not require Canadian citizens to have a visa if they plan to stay no longer than six months in the United States for recreational purposes. Those who wish to stay longer may apply for an extension of their stay, before the six-month period expires, to the nearest office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services. They must maintain a residence in Canada to justify their non-immigrant status when they cross the border. To retire permanently in the United States, Canadians have to qualify as immigrants.