The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act is a proposed U.S. law designed to allow Canadian retirees, often called “snowbirds,” to spend more time in the United States each year. These retirees frequently travel to warmer U.S. states during Canada’s cold winters, boosting local economies through spending on housing, goods, and services. The bill seeks to extend their permitted stay, offering benefits for both the visitors and the U.S. communities they support. This article explains the bill’s purpose, provisions, economic impact, legislative journey, and challenges.
Purpose of the Snowbird Act
The Snowbird Act addresses a practical issue for Canadian retirees who own or rent homes in the U.S. Under current U.S. immigration rules, Canadians can stay in the country for up to 182 days—about six months—each year without a visa. For many snowbirds, this limit feels restrictive, as they’d prefer to spend more time in states like Florida, Arizona, or Texas, where they escape Canada’s harsh winters. The Snowbird Act proposes to extend this period to 240 days, or roughly eight months, giving them more flexibility to enjoy their U.S. homes and contribute to local economies.
The bill also ensures these retirees remain nonresidents for U.S. tax purposes, avoiding complications with the IRS’s Substantial Presence Test, which can classify someone as a U.S. resident for tax purposes based on time spent in the country. By extending their stay while preserving their Canadian tax status, the act seeks to make cross-border living easier and more appealing.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Snowbird Act outlines specific rules to ensure the extended stay benefits both the U.S. and Canadian snowbirds without straining public resources. To qualify, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 50 years old.
- Own a home in the U.S. or have a rental agreement for the duration of their stay.
- Maintain a primary residence in Canada.
- Not work for a U.S. employer (though they can perform services for a Canadian employer).
- Not seek U.S. public benefits, such as welfare or healthcare assistance.
- Not be inadmissible or deportable under U.S. immigration laws.
Spouses of qualifying snowbirds can also stay for the same 240 days, even if they don’t personally meet the homeownership or rental requirement. These conditions ensure that only financially independent retirees benefit, reducing the risk of overburdening U.S. systems while maximizing economic contributions.
Economic Benefits for the U.S.
Canadian snowbirds have a significant economic impact on the U.S., particularly in states popular among retirees. In 2019, these visitors spent over $20 billion across the country, with states like Arizona seeing $1.4 billion in direct spending. They purchase or rent homes, shop at local businesses, dine at restaurants, and enjoy recreational activities, all of which support jobs and local economies. The Snowbird Act would likely increase this spending by allowing longer stays, helping communities recover from reduced tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Real estate markets also benefit, as snowbirds often buy second homes or sign long-term leases. Small businesses, from grocery stores to golf courses, see steady revenue from these seasonal residents. By extending their time in the U.S., the bill could stabilize and grow these economic contributions, especially in regions where snowbirds are a key part of the winter economy.
Legislative History and Status
The idea behind the Snowbird Act isn’t new—it’s been introduced in various forms since 2011, reflecting bipartisan support in Congress. Lawmakers from states with large snowbird populations, such as Florida, New York, and Arizona, have repeatedly championed the bill. In 2019, it appeared in both the Senate and House, followed by reintroductions in 2021, 2023, and again in 2025. Despite this persistence, the bill hasn’t yet become law, often stalled by competing legislative priorities, elections, or changes in government.
As of May 2025, the Snowbird Act remains under consideration. It has been referred to congressional committees, but no vote has been scheduled. Its bipartisan backing suggests potential for progress, but passage depends on navigating a busy legislative calendar and addressing any concerns from stakeholders.
Challenges and Considerations
While the Snowbird Act offers clear benefits, it faces practical hurdles. On the Canadian side, provincial health insurance plans often require residents to spend at least six or seven months in their home province to maintain coverage. Staying in the U.S. for eight months could jeopardize this, forcing snowbirds to purchase private insurance or risk losing benefits. Similarly, Canadian auto insurance policies may not cover extended U.S. stays, requiring adjustments or additional costs.
In the U.S., a 2025 executive order mandates that foreign nationals, including Canadians, staying over 30 days register with the government. This rule, tied to immigration enforcement, could complicate snowbirds’ plans unless exemptions are granted. Advocacy groups are working to address this, but it remains a potential obstacle.
Finally, the bill must align with U.S. immigration and tax policies to avoid unintended consequences, such as creating loopholes or straining border resources. These challenges don’t diminish the bill’s appeal but highlight the need for careful coordination between the two countries.
Summary
The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act offers a practical solution for Canadian retirees eager to spend more time in the U.S. By extending their stay to 240 days, the bill would support their lifestyle while boosting U.S. economies through increased spending and real estate activity. Its clear eligibility rules ensure that only financially stable retirees qualify, minimizing strain on public resources. Though the bill has been proposed multiple times since 2011, it has yet to pass, facing delays from legislative hurdles and practical challenges like Canadian health insurance rules and U.S. registration requirements. Still, its bipartisan support and economic promise keep it alive, offering hope for snowbirds and the communities they enrich.
