Stefanik and Welch introduce Canadian Snowbird Visa Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. | U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Peter Welch (D-VT) have introduced the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, bipartisan legislation to extend the amount of time Canadians who own or lease a home in the United States can visit by two months. "Our neighbors to the north provide more visits to the United States than any other country, and they are critically important to North Country tourism and industry," Stefanik of the July 29 measure. "As we continue to urge the Biden Administration to reciprocate on Canada's recent actions and reopen the northern border altogether, 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 after an unprecedented closure of the northern border." North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said "As we continue to work towards eventual reopening of the border to Canadian visitors, we continue to want to encourage them to enjoy their travels here as much as possible. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik and Congressman Welch for renewing this effort." "While snowbirds are often thought of as going to Florida, a great many come to the North Country and Vermont for extended stays as well, in second homes and boats for example, and the longer they can stay, the more they will contribute economically. It's important that while we focus on border reopening, we also continue to pursue other opportunities for the longer term." Current law limits the amount of time a Canadian visitor may spend in the U.S. to 182 days per year. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act will allow Canadian citizens over the age of 50 who either own or rent a residence in the U.S. to remain in the country for up to 240 days each year. The bill prohibits these individuals from working for U.S. employers or seeking public assistance while in the U.S., and clarifies that they will retain their nonresident tax status. Local officials said Canadian visitors provide a substantial economic boost to communities throughout our country, spending more than $20 billion in the U.S. in 2019. Nearly 4 million Canadians visit the Empire State a year, spending $1.5 billion, Stefanik's office said in announcing the legislation's introduction.

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Stefanik and Welch introduce Canadian Snowbird Visa Act

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