New Canadian Snowbird Visa Act Could Supercharge US Tourism and Real Estate by Allowing Canadians to Stay Two Hundred and Forty Days and Fuel Florida, Arizona, and Border Economies

Published on May 3, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

A proposed bipartisan bill titled the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act could significantly reshape the landscape of U.S. tourism and real estate by permitting Canadian citizens aged 50 and over to stay in the country for up to 240 days annually—an increase from the current limit of 182 days. This legislative move is being hailed as a potential economic catalyst for key tourism-dependent states such as Florida, Arizona, and regions along the U.S.-Canada border. The bill, introduced by Reps. Elise Stefanik, Laurel Lee, and Greg Stanton, targets Canadian nationals who own or lease residential properties in the United States, offering them a longer window to invest, travel, and spend within local communities.

The act comes at a time when U.S. tourism is still recovering from pandemic-era restrictions and international travel disruptions. Canadians consistently rank as the top foreign visitors to the United States, with millions crossing the border annually and billions spent across sectors including housing, retail, dining, and healthcare. In states like Florida, where Canadians are among the leading foreign real estate investors and winter tourists, the extended stay could bring renewed energy to the property market and service economy.

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Critically, the bill ensures that extended visitors remain nonresidents for tax purposes and are ineligible to work or access U.S. public benefits. It is crafted to attract high-value seasonal residents without burdening public systems. If passed, the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act could become a cornerstone policy driving sustained tourism, deepened bilateral ties, and robust regional economic expansion throughout North America.

A proposed bipartisan bill titled the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act could significantly reshape the landscape of U.S. tourism and real estate by permitting Canadian citizens aged 50 and over to stay in the country for up to 240 days annually—an increase from the current limit of 182 days. This legislative move is being hailed as a potential economic catalyst for key tourism-dependent states such as Florida, Arizona, and regions along the U.S.-Canada border. The bill, introduced by Reps. Elise Stefanik, Laurel Lee, and Greg Stanton, targets Canadian nationals who own or lease residential properties in the United States, offering them a longer window to invest, travel, and spend within local communities.

The act comes at a time when U.S. tourism is still recovering from pandemic-era restrictions and international travel disruptions. Canadians consistently rank as the top foreign visitors to the United States, with millions crossing the border annually and billions spent across sectors including housing, retail, dining, and healthcare. In states like Florida, where Canadians are among the leading foreign real estate investors and winter tourists, the extended stay could bring renewed energy to the property market and service economy.

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Critically, the bill ensures that extended visitors remain nonresidents for tax purposes and are ineligible to work or access U.S. public benefits. It is crafted to attract high-value seasonal residents without burdening public systems. If passed, the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act could become a cornerstone policy driving sustained tourism, deepened bilateral ties, and robust regional economic expansion throughout North America.

A major tourism revival may be on the horizon for the United States as a new bipartisan bill—the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act—seeks to expand the allowable time Canadian citizens can spend in the U.S. annually. The legislation, introduced by Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), and Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), proposes increasing the maximum stay from 182 to 240 days per year for Canadians aged 50 or older who own or lease residential property in the U.S.

If passed, the bill could bring a powerful surge in cross-border tourism, real estate investment, and local economic spending, especially in states like Florida, Arizona, New York, and Michigan, which serve as top destinations for Canadian “snowbirds”—the seasonal travelers who flee harsh Canadian winters for sun-soaked U.S. cities.

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A Game-Changer for Border Economies

In an economic climate where international travel recovery remains critical, the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act arrives as a timely and pragmatic solution to revive Canada-to-U.S. tourism, which was deeply affected by pandemic-era border closures and recent travel hesitations.

“This legislation could be a game-changer,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik. “Canadian visitors provide more visits to the United States than any other country. Giving them more time to stay boosts North Country tourism, helps small businesses, and stimulates real estate.”

The numbers support her claim. Canada sent more than 20.7 million visitors to the U.S. in 2019, and although that figure dipped in recent years, pent-up demand is high. Snowbirds in particular represent high-value travelers, spending disproportionately on housing, local services, transportation, and recreation.

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Economic Impact: Florida and Arizona on the Front Lines

Florida, with its vast coastline and warm climate, stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this legislation. Rep. Laurel Lee emphasized this in her statement, noting that Canadian residents already contribute billions annually to small businesses, real estate, and local economies in the Sunshine State.

“By extending the time Canadian visitors who own or lease homes can spend here,” said Lee, “we’re supporting job growth, boosting tourism, and strengthening our friendship with Canada.”

The Florida Chamber of Commerce estimates that Canadian snowbirds spend over $6.5 billion in the state every year, and real estate agents report that one in four international property buyers in Florida is Canadian.

In Arizona, which draws tens of thousands of seasonal Canadian residents to desert cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson, the bill could inject a new wave of activity into the second-home market and help stabilize rural economies where snowbird spending supports everything from healthcare to local restaurants.

Who Qualifies—and What the Bill Doesn’t Allow

The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act is specifically tailored to Canadians aged 50 and older who own or lease property in the United States. Crucially, the bill does not allow these individuals to work for U.S. employers or access public benefits or entitlements, preserving their status as nonresidents for tax and legal purposes.

The bill clarifies that:

• Eligible individuals must retain nonresident tax status
• They may not seek employment while in the U.S.
• They must own or lease a residence in the U.S.
• The extended stay limit is capped at 240 days per year

This ensures that the extended stay privileges are strictly for tourism, seasonal residency, and economic contribution, rather than long-term migration or labor participation.

Canada–U.S. Relations and Travel Revival

The bill’s bipartisan support speaks to the deep economic and cultural ties between Canada and the United States. For decades, Canadian snowbirds have helped fuel tourism-driven economies in border towns, southern states, and vacation corridors.

After years of uncertainty due to COVID-19, travel restrictions, and tightening border rules, this legislation offers a hopeful reset for cross-border travel relations. Canadian media and political voices have already responded positively, viewing the proposed visa extension as a gesture of goodwill and practical cooperation.

Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), one of the bill’s co-sponsors, emphasized the legislation’s role in restoring Canada-U.S. tourism to pre-pandemic levels, stating, “This bill is about smart policy that benefits everyone—travelers, businesses, communities, and our overall economy.”

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Industry Reaction: Hotels, Airlines, and Realtors Applaud

Industry leaders in hospitality, aviation, and real estate are applauding the legislation. Hotel groups in Florida have voiced support, citing the benefits of longer seasonal bookings, stable occupancy rates, and stronger local hiring.

U.S. airlines, particularly those with cross-border routes, such as Air Canada, WestJet, Delta, and American Airlines, also stand to benefit. With greater seasonal certainty, airlines could offer more nonstops, expand premium services, and deliver consistent schedules tailored to Canadian travel patterns.

Realtors in Arizona and Florida, meanwhile, anticipate a potential boost in second-home demand, particularly from middle-income Canadians who previously avoided purchasing property due to the 182-day stay limit.

The Bigger Picture: Reshaping Seasonal Tourism Policy

The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act represents a broader rethinking of how seasonal tourism is regulated in North America. As more nations consider age-friendly travel policies and retirement-driven migration, this bill could become a model for other countries seeking to attract high-spending, low-impact seasonal residents.

For U.S. travel brands and policymakers, the message is clear: investing in friendly, flexible policies that support seasonal tourism can generate significant long-term returns in jobs, tax revenue, and bilateral goodwill.

Next Steps: Will It Pass?

While bipartisan and broadly supported, the bill must still pass through committee review, House, and Senate approval. Similar legislation has been introduced in past years but stalled due to other congressional priorities.

However, supporters are optimistic that post-pandemic economic urgency, along with strong lobbying from tourism and real estate sectors, will help push the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act across the finish line.

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