By: Sharon Aron Baron
It’s that time of year again when we welcome all our Canadian neighbors back from the north for their six month sojourn to the Woodlands Country Club.
Know how to spot a Canadian?
They’re the ones packed into cars, driving through our neighborhood with big smiles on their faces.
Know why?
Because they’re on vacation, and you’re not.
They’ve left the cold miserable weather up north and they are ready to golf at the country club, shop, dine and drink bottles of wine. OK, maybe I’m lumping them all together but that’s what I imagine. I don’t understand a lick of French, however, I’m pretty sure that’s what they do all day. Maybe, that’s what I imagine myself doing once I retire.
Currently, Canadians citizens can only stay in stay in our country for six months out of the year under the B-2 pleasure tourist visa.
According to Forever Young News, the Canadian Snowbird Association has approached U.S. Legislators about extending the maximum amount of time they spend in the U.S. This would be a win-win for the Canadians and for Americans.
Said Canadian Snowbird Association president Bob Slack. “If passed, the Visit USA Act would allow Canadians over the age of 50, and their spouses, and their dependent children, to have a visit which lasts 240 days, and would be renewable every three years. That would essentially extend the maximum of time we spend in the US from six months to eight months in a 12-month period, the only criteria being that you are able to demonstrate that you are over 50, and that you either own a home in the United States or have purchased rental or hotel accommodation for the duration of your stay. You would also not be permitted to work in the United States for the duration of your stay.
“Frankly, I think those are very reasonable terms.”
Unfortunately, it looks like the six month status quo will prevail for now, according to Don Wall National Editor of FYI Information. “The immigration bill that contains the Canadian extended stay 240-day visa was approved by the Senate and is now before the U.S. House but it is uncertain if this will be approved. the bill has a wide variety of controversial measures so its fate is uncertain.”
So be kind to our wonderful Canadian friends while they are here these next few months as you see Canadian plates, or hear French spoken around the golf course. Don’t forget to wave or tell them “Bienvenue!”
Our Canadian friends are the lifeblood of our community, albeit, for six months.
