Canadian snowbirds could stay longer in the United States without a visa if a bill recently proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives becomes law.
The bipartisan bill put forward by Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York, Laurel Lee of Florida and Greg Stanton of Arizona proposes to extend the time Canadian citizens can remain in the U.S. without a visa from 180 days to 240.
The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, introduced at the end of April, would provide the longer time-frame for those aged 50 and over who both maintain a home in Canada and either own or lease a U.S. residence.
The politicians who sponsored the bill said the aim is to help boost the U.S. economy and revive the flow of Canadian tourists coming to the country, which has plunged sharply amid the strain in Canada-U.S. relations that has emerged 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.
