Proposed U.S. Bill Could Let Canadian Snowbirds Stay Longer Without a Visa
Canadian snowbirds may soon be allowed to extend their sunny stays in the United States thanks to a new bill proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Representatives Elise Stefanik of New York, Laurel Lee of Florida, and Greg Stanton of Arizona, seeks to increase the visa-free stay limit for eligible Canadian citizens from 180 days to 240 days.
Titled the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, the bill targets Canadians aged 50 and older who maintain a residence in Canada and either own or lease property in the U.S. The sponsors of the bill argue that longer stays for Canadian visitors will provide an economic boost to local communities and strengthen cross-border ties that have been strained in recent years.
“We’re supporting job growth, strengthening our bond with our closest neighbors, and helping local communities thrive,” said Rep. Laurel Lee in a statement.
The proposal arrives at a time when many Canadians have reconsidered traveling south, citing rising insurance premiums, a weaker Canadian dollar, and what some view as increasingly unfriendly rhetoric from the Trump administration. President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade tensions with Canada and controversial calls to annex the country as the 51st U.S. state have further dampened enthusiasm for long stays among Canadian travelers.
Despite a more cordial relationship between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney—highlighted during a recent meeting at the White House—concerns remain high. Public backlash to Trump’s annexation remarks is widely credited with galvanizing Canadian voters and helping secure Carney’s recent federal election victory.
Alongside the proposed bill, the U.S. has implemented new requirements mandating that Canadians staying over 30 days must register with U.S. authorities and carry proof of registration. However, the U.S. embassy has clarified that Canadians arriving by air or issued an I-94 form at land crossings are generally exempt from this requirement.
The Canadian Snowbird Association has formally opposed the registration rule, arguing that it places unnecessary burdens on travelers and will likely reduce cross-border visits. Supporting this claim, Statistics Canada recently reported a 32% year-over-year drop in Canadian residents returning by car from the U.S. in March.
Whether the bill can reverse that trend remains to be seen, but for snowbirds longing for extended winters in the sun, it could offer a welcome thaw in the cross-border chill.