Canadian Snowbird Act

This proposal, called the Canadian Snowbird Act, would let Canadian retirees visit the United States for longer stays as regular visitors. To qualify, a person must be a Canadian citizen age 50 or older, keep a home in Canada, and own or rent a place in the U.S. for the time they’re here. They could stay up to 240 days during any 365-day period, and days spent outside the U.S. wouldn’t count against that admitted period. They must meet normal entry rules, not work for a U.S.-based employer, and not seek certain public benefits. Having a U.S. home would not be treated as proof they intend to move here permanently. A spouse can come under the same terms without having to also own or rent a U.S. place. The bill also amends tax law related to nonresident status, though the provided text doesn’t include details.

Key points

• Who is affected: Canadian citizens age 50+ and their spouses.
• What changes: Up to 240 days in the U.S. each year as a visitor; must keep a Canadian home and have U.S. housing for the stay; no work for U.S.-based employers; no listed public benefits; spouse eligible; U.S. home doesn’t show intent to immigrate; days abroad don’t count against the admitted period.
• Tax note: Adjusts nonresident alien tax rules in the Internal Revenue Code (specifics not shown in the excerpt).