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Canadian Snowbird Visa Act
12/31/2022, 5:04 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4856
The bill aims to promote tourism and economic activity in the United States by making it easier for Canadian "snowbirds" to spend extended periods of time in the country. Supporters of the bill argue that it will benefit local businesses, particularly in states with large populations of Canadian retirees, by increasing spending on goods and services.
Opponents of the bill raise concerns about potential strain on public services and infrastructure from an influx of Canadian visitors. They also argue that the bill could lead to unfair treatment of other foreign nationals who are not granted the same visa-free privileges. Overall, the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. Its fate will ultimately be decided by Congress in the coming months.
Congressional Summary of HR 4856
Canadian Snowbird Visa Act
This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to admit into the United States qualifying Canadian citizens as long-term nonimmigrant visitors. A qualifying Canadian citizen is an individual who (1) is at least 50 years old, (2) maintains a Canadian residence, (3) owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of the individual's stay, (4) is not inadmissible or deportable, (5) will not engage in employment or labor for hire in the United States other than for a non-U.S.-based person or entity by whom the Canadian citizen was employed in Canada or for whom the Canadian citizen performed services in Canada, and (6) will not seek certain forms of assistance or benefits. A qualified individual may be admitted for up to 240 days during any single 365-day period.
The spouse of such an individual may be admitted under the same terms, except that the spouse is not required to separately satisfy the requirement for owning or renting a residence in the United States.
The bill grants an individual so admitted nonresident alien tax status.
