Canadian Snowbirds May be Welcomed for Longer Stays
Our two Arizona Senators want to make it easier for Canadian visitors to enjoy everything the state has to offer. The federal bill, originally introduced as H.R.4856 in 2021 and reintroduced in 2025 by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Rick Scott (R-FL), would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the admission of qualifying Canadians as long-term visitors for pleasure. These visitors would be admitted under section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act and allowed to stay in the U.S. for up to 240 days during any 365-day period, an increase from the current 182-day limit.
To qualify, Canadian citizens must be at least 50 years old, maintain a primary residence in Canada, and own or lease a home in the United States for the duration of their visit. They must not be inadmissible, deportable, or otherwise removable under immigration law, and they cannot seek U.S.-based employment or access public assistance or tax credits. Importantly, the spouse of an eligible retiree may also be admitted under the same conditions, without needing to meet the housing requirement. Maintaining a home in the U.S. would not be interpreted as intending to immigrate permanently, and time spent outside the U.S. during their visit would not count against the 240-day limit.
The bill also affirms that these visitors would retain nonresident alien tax status, ensuring they would not be taxed as U.S. residents.
“Canadians have long been an important part of Arizona’s economy by owning or leasing homes, supporting local businesses, and spending their winters in our communities,” said Senator Kelly. “Extending their stay isn’t just good for families, it’s good for Arizona’s economy, especially in areas that rely on tourism.”
“Canadians who spend part of the year in Arizona aren’t just visitors—they’re neighbors,” added Representative Gallego. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill strengthens the U.S.-Canada relationship, boosts local economies, and protects our workforce and public benefits.”
Each year, over one million Canadians visit Arizona, with more than 10,000 spending their winters here. Their impact is significant, contributing nearly $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy through real estate investment, local spending, and tourism-related activity. From RV parks in the desert to golf courses, hiking trails, and small businesses in mountain towns, Canadians are a beloved and consistent presence in our state during the cooler months.
Our family has made friends with quite a few Canadians during our time in Arizona. If these efforts succeed, they could mark a new chapter in how the state embraces long-term visitors. The proposal would offer greater flexibility and comfort for Canadian retirees, especially those wishing to spend more time with family, escape harsh winters, or enjoy Arizona’s natural beauty and vibrant communities.
Whether someone is here for a few weeks or several months, the opportunity to spend more time hiking, exploring, and connecting with nature and neighbors is a win all around. We’ll be watching the progress of this legislation with interest, and we hope to keep sharing trails, views, and sunrises with all those who come here with a spirit of appreciation and adventure, whether they call Arizona home full-time or just for a season.
Estes, C. (2022, June 14). Arizona, Florida senators want to extend U.S. visits for Canadian tourists. KJZZ. Retrieved from https://www.kjzz.org/2022‑06‑14/content‑1787665‑arizona‑florida‑senators‑want‑extend‑us‑visits‑canadian‑tourists Axios+10KJZZ+10Congressman Greg Stanton+10
Giles, B. (2025, July 25). Sens. Kelly and Gallego want Canadian citizens to extend their winter stays in Arizona. KJZZ. Retrieved from https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2025‑07‑25/sens‑kelly‑and‑gallego‑want‑canadian‑citizens‑to‑extend‑their‑winter‑stays‑in‑arizona KJZZ
Tanet, J. (2023, July 6). Canadian 'snowbirds' could stay in Arizona 2 more months if new legislation passes. 12News. Retrieved from https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/canadian‑snowbird‑visa‑act‑arizona‑legislation/75‑ab080fa1‑31bd‑4366‑ab5d‑fced3c3f4e24 12 News+1Congressman Greg Stanton+1
The Canadian Press. (2025, May 10). Canadians could stay visa‑free longer in U.S. under proposed bill. Global News. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/11173904/snowbird‑visa‑us‑trump/ Axios+11globalnews.ca+11KJZZ+11
Tanzer, S. (2025, March 19). New requirement for some Canadian visitors worries Arizona tourism industry. KTAR News. Retrieved from https://ktar.com/arizona-business/canadian-visitors-arizona/5682886/
https://www.kelly.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MCC25314_FINAL.pdf
