A proposed U.S. bill could let qualifying Canadian snowbirds stay in the country for up to 240 days during a 365-day period. That longer stay is not currently established as an available entitlement: the Senate proposal, S. 2406, was introduced and referred to committee, and the sources available here do not show that it became law. Canadians should not rely on the proposal to plan a longer stay.
What the Canadian Snowbirds Act proposes
The Senate’s Canadian Snowbirds Act of 2025, S. 2406, would create an admission option for qualifying Canadian citizens aged 50 or older and their spouses: admission as visitors for pleasure for up to 240 days during any 365-day period. The 240-day limit is in the introduced bill text; it is not a change to current stay rules. Read the introduced Senate bill text.
The proposal is aimed at eligible snowbirds seeking a longer seasonal stay in the United States. It does not mean every Canadian aged 50 or older—or every spouse—would automatically qualify. The bill sets conditions involving Canadian residence, U.S. accommodation, admissibility, employment and specified public assistance.
Who could qualify under the Senate proposal
Under the introduced text, the proposed category would apply to Canadian citizens aged 50 or older and their spouses, subject to the bill’s conditions. The proposal would require an applicant to:
- Maintain a residence in Canada.
- Own or rent U.S. accommodation for the stay.
- Meet applicable admissibility requirements.
- Observe limits on employment in the United States. The text includes a limited provision concerning work for a non-U.S.-based employer for whom the person worked in Canada.
- Comply with restrictions concerning specified public assistance.
The bill also says U.S. residence, by itself, would not be treated as evidence of immigrant intent for the proposed admission category. That provision belongs to this proposal; it should not be read as a general rule for other immigration classifications or as a statement of current law.
What is the bill’s status?
The official Senate record says S. 2406 was introduced on July 23, 2025, read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. It is listed as “Introduced in Senate (IS),” not as enacted law. Check the Senate bill record for its recorded legislative status.
Rank #2
A House counterpart, H.R. 3070, was introduced and referred to the House Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees, as documented in the Congressional Record on April 29, 2025. The record cited here establishes that introduction and referral, but not the bill’s later action history. See the Congressional Record entry for H.R. 3070. The available records do not establish a detailed comparison of the House text with the Senate proposal.
Can Canadians stay in the U.S. longer than six months?
The proposed 240-day option does not establish that Canadians can currently stay that long. The bill text and legislative records cited above show a proposal and its procedural status, not a new stay entitlement in force. A traveler should not treat the proposed limit as permission to remain for 240 days or assume it changes the terms of their own admission.
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Because permitted stays depend on a traveler’s circumstances and applicable rules, check current official guidance or seek qualified immigration advice before making plans that depend on a longer U.S. stay. Legislative status can change, so consult the official bill tracker rather than relying on an older summary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not confuse it with a cruise-passenger proposal
A separate item in the federal Unified Agenda concerns a proposed passport requirement for certain Western Hemisphere cruise passengers, including Canadians. That is about cruise-passenger documentation, not the Canadian Snowbirds Act’s proposed longer stay. See the Unified Agenda listing.
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