A bipartisan bill introduced in the United States Congress is stirring attention in Canada as it proposes extending the duration Canadian citizens can stay in the US annually. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, co-sponsored by Republican Representatives Ken Calvert of California and Laurel Lee of Florida, would increase the maximum stay from 182 days to 240 days per year for Canadians who own or lease homes in the US.
Canada-US relations, fueled by lingering unease over President Donald Trump’s trade policies and controversial remarks suggesting Canada should consider becoming America’s 51st state, have created uncertainty among Canadian homeowners and frequent visitors. “I’ve joined together with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to introduce this bill to give those who own or lease homes a longer window to enjoy their time in our country,” said Rep. Calvert, whose district includes much of the Coachella Valley. “This new policy will ultimately create jobs and expand economic growth in the Coachella Valley.”
The region, long favored by Canadian retirees and seasonal travelers — often referred to as snowbirds — depends heavily on their economic contributions. The bill has garnered support from 13 co-sponsors, including 10 Republicans and three Democrats. While bipartisan in nature, it arrives against a backdrop of cautious optimism as Canadian flight bookings to the US have reportedly declined this year.
Canadian citizens have historically flocked to regions like Florida and California, where they own a significant percentage of residential properties. According to Calvert’s office, a study by the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership found that 7 percent of local properties have Canadian owners, highlighting their importance to the real estate and tourism sectors. A separate report by Visit Greater Palm Springs revealed that over 300,000 Canadian visitors spent $236 million in the region in 2017 alone.
The extended visa could incentivize continued investment from Canadian residents and potentially reverse declining travel trends. “Canadian residents contribute billions of dollars each year to our small businesses, real estate markets, and local economies — especially here in Florida,” said Rep. Lee. “By extending the time Canadian visitors who own or lease homes can spend here, we’re supporting job growth, strengthening our bond with our closest neighbors, and helping local communities thrive.”
Despite the potential economic upside, some Canadian snowbirds have already begun reassessing their US property investments. Trump-era tariffs and his repeated remarks about folding Canada into the US have unsettled many longtime seasonal residents. The current 182-day stay limit often forces Canadians to return home sooner than desired, especially retirees who spend winter months in warmer US states. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act aims to rectify that by giving more flexibility to eligible property holders.
The bill, while still in its early stages, could be a key gesture to ease political tensions and preserve the historically strong people-to-people ties that define Canada-US relations. The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) has been working closely with members of the United States Congress in an effort to have the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act enacted into law. “Canada is the largest international tourism market in the United States, with annual spending in excess of US$20 billion. This policy is a step in the right direction as it recognizes the pivotal impact Canadian snowbirds have on the US sunbelt,” the CSA stated.
In April 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a campaign to attract Canadian travelers, emphasizing the importance of their contributions. Last year, 1.8 million Canadians visited California and spent US$3.72 billion. “California is a grateful partner,” Newsom stated, aiming to make it clear that the state values its Canadian visitors.
Florida, another state where Canadians spend much of their time, especially during winter months, has also seen significant contributions from its Canadian visitors. Governor Ron DeSantis noted that 3.3 million Canadians visited Florida in 2024. However, reports from local news outlets revealed that its communities could feel the effects of Canadians leaving after it was announced in February that all foreign nationals would have to register to stay longer than 30 days.
New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik recently highlighted the importance of Canadian visitors, stating that Canada provides more visits to the United States than any other country. “Providing Canadians who own homes and property in the United States with extra time to visit and boost our economy will help revive Canadian tourism to the United States,” she said.
The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act still includes safeguards. It prohibits Canadian snowbirds from working for US employers or accessing public assistance programs and clarifies that they will retain their nonresident tax status. The bill reflects a shared commitment to supporting local economies, rebuilding cross-border tourism, and strengthening the US-Canada relationship through smart, targeted immigration policy.
The potential impact of the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act is significant, especially for regions in the US that rely heavily on the economic contributions of Canadian visitors. As the bill moves through Congress, its supporters are optimistic that it will not only enhance the experience of Canadian snowbirds but also bolster the economies of areas that have long benefited from their presence.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the introduction of this bill represents a crucial moment for Canadian-American relations, highlighting the importance of collaboration and understanding between the two nations. Whether the legislation will successfully ease tensions and foster stronger ties remains to be seen, but its introduction marks a hopeful step in the right direction for many.
