In the halls of Washington D.C., one bill quietly making progress could transform winters for thousands of Canadians. After years of lobbying efforts, the Canadian Snowbird Visa Extension Act has gained renewed momentum in the U.S. Congress, potentially allowing Canadians to stay south of the border for up to eight months annually instead of the current six-month limit.
“This legislation has been a priority for years, but the current political alignment might finally push it through,” says Robert Slack, a Florida-based real estate broker who specializes in Canadian property buyers. “I’ve watched clients struggle with the arbitrary nature of the current system for decades.”
The bipartisan bill, introduced by Florida Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott alongside Democratic colleagues, reflects the economic importance of Canadian seasonal residents. According to the Canadian Snowbird Association, more than one million Canadians spend extended periods in the U.S. each winter, contributing an estimated $4.4 billion annually to the American economy.
Standing outside his winter home in Naples, Florida, Montrealer Pierre Deschamps explains the practical challenges. “We pay property taxes, utilities, and insurance year-round, but we’re forced to leave after 182 days, often during the most pleasant weather.” Deschamps, who purchased his Florida condominium in 2008, adds, “The extension would align with what many of us already do informally, providing peace of mind and reducing border anxiety.”
The bill’s progress comes as former President Trump campaigns on strengthening borders and immigration enforcement ahead of the November election. However, the legislation has found support in his political orbit because it specifically targets financially self-sufficient Canadians who don’t seek employment or public benefits.
Proponents emphasize that snowbirds represent a low-risk, high-reward immigration scenario. “These are retirees who contribute significantly to local economies without burdening social services,” notes Stephen Fine, founder of Snowbird Advisor, a Canadian service helping travelers navigate cross-border regulations. “They’re investing in properties, dining at restaurants, and patronizing local businesses during historically slower seasons.”
The Florida Chamber of Commerce estimates that Canadians own approximately 500,000 properties in the state, with many sitting vacant for months due to visa restrictions. Chamber president Mark Wilson believes the extension would strengthen property values in retirement communities across the Sunbelt. “These aren’t just visitors; they’re seasonal residents and community members,” Wilson told me during a policy conference in Tampa last month.
The legislation includes specific provisions to prevent abuse. Eligible Canadians must be at least 50 years old and own or rent a residence in the United States. They must maintain health insurance coverage throughout their stay and cannot access public benefits or work in the U.S. labor market.
For snowbirds like Victoria, British Columbia resident Margaret Chen, the health insurance requirement poses no problem. “We already purchase comprehensive travel insurance for our stays. The challenge isn’t coverage—it’s the arbitrary time limit that forces us to return to Canada during periods when we’d prefer to remain in Arizona.”
Critics of the proposal, including some immigration reform advocates, question the prioritization of Canadian visa extensions while other immigration issues remain unresolved. However, the bill’s narrow focus and economic benefits have helped it avoid becoming entangled in broader immigration debates.
In border communities like Plattsburgh, New York, the economic impact of Canadian visitors extends beyond winter months. Mayor Chris Rosenquest points to the integrated nature of cross-border communities. “Canadians aren’t just tourists or seasonal residents; they’re part of our economic ecosystem. From our international airport to retail centers, facilitating their travel benefits our entire region.”
The bill’s timing coincides with increasing challenges for traveling Canadians in the post-pandemic landscape. Rising property insurance costs in Florida, currency exchange fluctuations, and inflation have squeezed budgets. Ottawa resident Eleanor Kirkwood, who winters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, says the extension would provide needed flexibility.
“When you factor in transportation costs and property expenses, being forced to leave early means we’re not
