Canadian snowbirds may soon be able to enjoy extended stays in the United States without the need for a visa, thanks to a new bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The "Canadian Snowbird Visa Act," proposed by Representatives Elise Stefanik of New York, Laurel Lee of Florida, and Greg Stanton of Arizona, aims to increase the allowable time for Canadian citizens to remain in the U.S. from 180 days to 240 days.
Introduced at the end of April 2025, the legislation specifically targets individuals aged 50 and over who maintain a home in Canada and either own or lease a residence in the U.S. The sponsors of the bill have stated that the primary goal is to bolster the U.S. economy and revive the flow of Canadian tourists, which has sharply declined due to the ongoing strain in Canada-U.S. relations, particularly since the re-election of President Donald Trump.
"We’re supporting job growth, strengthening our bond with our closest neighbors, and helping local communities thrive," said Lee in a statement. This sentiment reflects a broader concern as many Canadians have opted not to travel south in recent years, largely due to Trump's trade war, threats of annexation, and a weaker Canadian dollar that has made travel more expensive.
In addition to the proposed extension on stay durations, there are new requirements for Canadians in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register with the government and carry proof of their registration at all times. The U.S. embassy has clarified that Canadians arriving by air or those issued an I-94 form at a land border do not need to register further.
The Canadian Snowbird Association has expressed strong opposition to these registration requirements, calling them an unnecessary burden that could deter Canadians from traveling to the U.S. Statistics Canada has reported a staggering 32-percent decline in Canadian residents driving back from the U.S. in March 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. This decline is indicative of the broader impacts of strained relations between the two nations.
Critics of the bill, including members of the St. Lawrence County Democrats, have voiced concerns that the "Canadian Snowbird Visa Act" is merely a political maneuver. They argue that while extending the number of days Canadians can spend in the U.S. might have been a neighborly gesture a year ago, it now appears to be a superficial response to a serious problem. Mike Zagrobelny and Ginger Storey-Welch, chair and vice-chair of the St. Lawrence County Democrats, criticized Stefanik for her silence on Trump’s derogatory comments about Canada becoming the "51st state," which only 16% of North Country residents support according to a recent poll by the Center for Community Studies (CCS).
Furthermore, they highlighted Stefanik's lack of response to Trump's chaotic imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, which have negatively impacted local economies. A recent announcement from the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority indicated a revenue drop of $40,000 to $50,000 in March 2025, attributed to these strained relations. This has raised significant concerns among local residents, with 94% of poll respondents expressing regional economic worries.
Despite the challenges, the bill's proponents remain optimistic, viewing it as a potential lifeline for both Canadian tourists and U.S. communities that benefit from their spending. The hope is that by making it easier for Canadians to visit, it will rejuvenate local economies that have suffered from decreased tourism.
The relationship between the U.S. and Canada has been a focal point of discussion, especially following Trump's comments and actions that have often been perceived as hostile. While Trump's recent meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was characterized as warmer compared to interactions with his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, Trump's continued suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state has sparked widespread opposition among Canadians.
Polls consistently show that a significant majority of Canadians oppose this notion, and the sentiment has been credited with contributing to Carney's victory in the recent federal election. The proposed Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, therefore, comes at a critical time, as it seeks to address the fallout from these tensions and encourage a return to the friendly neighborly ties that have historically existed between the two countries.
As the bill progresses through Congress, it remains to be seen whether it will gain the necessary traction to become law. The outcome could have significant implications for Canadian snowbirds and the U.S. economy alike, particularly in states that rely heavily on tourism from Canada.
The Canadian Snowbird Association continues to lobby for the bill's approval, emphasizing the importance of this demographic in supporting local businesses and communities in the U.S. As discussions unfold, both supporters and critics of the bill will be watching closely, eager to see how this legislative effort will shape the future of Canada-U.S. relations.
