New U.S. Bill Could Let Canadian Snowbirds Stay 240 Days a Year

Canadian snowbirds may soon be able to extend their stay in the U.S. from six to eight months, thanks to a new bipartisan bill. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, introduced on April 29, would increase the allowed annual stay from 182 to 240 days for Canadians who own or lease property in the United States.

This change has been welcomed by the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), which has long advocated for more flexible travel policies. The CSA called the bill “a step in the right direction,” noting that Canada contributes more than US$20 billion annually to the U.S. tourism economy—much of that coming from retirees wintering in Florida, California, Arizona, and beyond.

Why the Bill Matters for U.S. and Canadian Economies

Congressman Ken Calvert, who represents California’s Coachella Valley, cosponsored the bill and emphasized its economic upside. Canadians own about 7% of the homes in that region alone. Allowing them to stay longer could boost real estate, tourism, and local businesses.

Florida Congresswoman Laurel Lee also backed the bill, noting the billions Canadians inject into Florida’s economy each year. She said the extension would support job growth and strengthen U.S.-Canada ties.

Tourism officials are also hoping the bill revives Canadian travel to the U.S. as some Canadians now feel unwelcome due to new foreign registration requirements and past border restrictions.

California and Florida Leading the Charge

In 2024 alone:

• 3.3 million Canadians visited Florida, according to Governor Ron DeSantis.
• 1.8 million visited California, spending over US$3.7 billion.
  

California Governor Gavin Newsom even launched a campaign this year to bring Canadians back, calling the country a “grateful partner.”

However, some Canadians have started to rethink their trips due to new regulations, including a requirement for foreign nationals to register stays longer than 30 days. Business owners in Fort Myers have already noticed the impact, with some Canadians canceling future stays.

Safeguards and Limits Remain

The Snowbird Visa Act comes with clear boundaries:

• Canadians cannot work or claim public assistance.
• They retain their nonresident tax status.
  

Lawmakers say this approach preserves safeguards while helping local economies rebound from post-pandemic downturns.

As New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik put it, “Canadians are critically important to North Country tourism and industry.” Her state welcomed about one million Canadians last year.

If passed, the bill could reshape seasonal travel and boost economic ties between the two countries, especially in warm-weather U.S. states that rely on Canadian dollars during the winter months.

Do you think extending the snowbird stay will strengthen U.S.-Canada relations—or does it raise new concerns?

More…

• https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/bill-canadian-snowbirds-extended-stay 
• https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/new-bill-aims-to-extend-stay-for-canadian-snowbirds-347937 
• https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/bill-canadian-snowbirds-extended-stay 
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/canadian-snowbirds-could-get-reprieve