U.S. lawmakers have introduced the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, a bill aimed at allowing eligible Canadian citizens to spend more time in the United States as long-term visitors—up to 240 days per year, a significant increase from the current 182-day limit. This initiative reflects a broader effort to boost local economies and rebuild cross-border tourism, especially in states like Florida, Arizona, and California that heavily benefit from Canadian seasonal residents.Under this bill, the Department of Homeland Security would be authorized to admit qualifying Canadian citizens as long-term nonimmigrant visitors. To qualify, an individual must:
- Be at least 50 years old
- Maintain a primary residence in Canada
- Own or rent a residence in the United States for the duration of their stay
- Be admissible to the United States (i.e., not barred due to legal or security reasons)
- Not engage in employment or paid labor in the U.S., except in very limited circumstances connected to existing Canadian employers
- Not seek U.S. government benefits or assistance programs
Qualified individuals could be admitted for up to 240 days within a single 365-day period. Their spouse may accompany them under the same terms but does not need to meet the U.S. property requirement independently. These visitors would be classified as nonresident aliens for tax purposes.
Why This Matters—and Why It’s Happening Now
The introduction of this bill is not just about tourism—it’s also a response to a growing economic concern. In recent years, many Canadians have begun selling off their second homes in the United States, citing restrictive visa limits, rising property costs, and tax complexities. Others have hesitated to invest at all, fearing they can’t enjoy their U.S. property for more than half the year without running into legal or tax issues.This shift is impacting real estate markets, especially in U.S. regions that have long relied on seasonal Canadian residents to drive local spending, invest in property, and support service industries. When Canadians pull back from these investments, entire communities—from real estate professionals to hospitality and retail workers—feel the economic strain.By extending the permitted stay to 240 days, U.S. lawmakers are hoping to encourage Canadian snowbirds to continue purchasing second homes, maintain their winter stays, and invest in local economies. Congress is working diligently to make the U.S. more welcoming to this key demographic, recognizing that Canadian visitors are not just tourists—they're economic contributors, property owners, and repeat investors whose absence would be deeply felt.If passed, the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act could help stabilize and even revitalize cross-border investment and travel patterns, benefiting both Canadians seeking warmer winters and the U.S. communities that have long welcomed them.