The United States introduced a bill last month that would allow Canadians to extend their stay in America if they own or lease a U.S. residence by nearly an additional two months beyond the current tu John saw limit.
The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act would permit Canadian citizens who own or lease a U.S. residence to stay for up to 240 days annually, compared to the 182 days per year under current law.
“The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act will provide an important boost to the economic engine of the Coachella Valley, which is fueled by visitors from Canada and all over the world,” said Congressman Ken Calvert, who cosponsored the bill in a statement released May 1.
According to Calvert, Canadians own an estimated seven per cent of all homes in the Coachella Valley, not including the additional people who lease a residence during the winter.
“I’ve joined together with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to introduce this bill to give those who own or lease homes a longer window to enjoy their time in our country. This new policy will ultimately create jobs and expand economic growth in the Coachella Valley,” he said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also launched a campaign to attract more Canadian travellers last month, calling the state a “grateful partner.”
Canadians spent $5.18 billion in the state of California alone last year between the 1.8 people who visited.
“California is committed to rolling out the red carpet for our Canadian visitors, whenever you’re ready to visit,” said Visit California president Caroline Beteta.
The bill was also cosponsored by Congresswoman Laurel Lee, a Florida representative, who said Canadians “contribute billions of dollars each year to our small businesses, real estate markets, and local economies — especially here in Florida.”
The state began to worry that its communities would be negatively impacted by snowbirds leaving after it was announced in February that Canadians who stay for more than 30 days would be required to register their information with the U.S. government.
Canadians who enter the U.S. via its northern border by land have traditionally been allowed to stay for longer than 30 days without having to apply for any foreign national registry.
However, the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to unilaterally change that rule.
The new requirement forces Canadians staying longer than 30 days to create an account with US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Canadians who were not issued official documentation such as evidence of registration (Form I-94) at entry, would need to complete the new Form G-325R should the changes take effect.
The decision was part of U.S. President Trump’s broader plan to crack down on migration and likely a punitive measure to place added pressure on Canada amid the escalating trade war.
If passed, the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act would still prohibit Canadian snowbirds from working for U.S. employers or accessing public assistance programs.
They would also retain their nonresident tax status.