The amount of time Canadians who own or lease a home could spend in the United States would be extended by two months under a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) on Thursday.
The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, H.R. 6285, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to better accommodate recreational long-term visitors from Canada, and “snowbirds” during the winter months in particular.
“In the North Country, we know how important Canadian visitors are to our small business owners and to our tourism economy,” Stefanik said. “In my district, we share the St. Lawrence River with our Canadian friends who frequently cross the border in the summer months to boat, hike, kayak or visit one of our many historical sites. Providing them with an extra two months to engage in these activities will support many small businesses, grow jobs and foster an ever-closer relationship with our northern neighbor. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.”
Under current law, Canadian visitors are only allowed to spend 182 days in the United States, which means that snowbirds must carefully plan trips across the border throughout the year.
The Canadian Snowbird Act would give Canadians who own or lease a home in the U.S. an additional two months to spend in the country throughout the year.