Canadians Visiting the US

[Cloudy9 11]

I seen this article today and didn't know if its been posted here or somewhere else. Don't know if it also tracks US Citizens but it also discusses that there's a misconception for the 6 month visit rule and its actually only 4 months. I've always thought it was 6 months but never looked for proof of that.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canadians-going-to-u-s-for-long-stays-need-to-be-mindful-of-changes-says-mp-1.2912096

[NikLR 13,232]

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1192/kw/how%20long%20can%20a%20canadian%20visit%20the%20USA%3F

Travel by Land or Sea (including ferries):
Canadian citizens traveling to the U.S. by land or sea are required to present one of the travel documents listed below, and may generally visit the U.S. for up to six months. CBP will accept: Canadian passport, Enhanced Driver's License/Enhanced Identification Card, NEXUS, FAST/EXPRES and SENTRI enrollment cards.

[Lemonslice 4,956]

Yup, sometimes you do have to fill a form (it's common knowledge among snowbirds) - but rarely do they deny entry for extended stays (to Canadians). Tax residency status is another story... http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Substantial-Presence-Test

Substantial Presence Test

You will be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes if you meet the substantial presence test for the calendar year. To meet this test, you must be physically present in the United States on at least:

1. 31 days during the current year, and
2. 183 days during the 3-year period that includes the current year and the 2 years immediately before that, counting:
   • All the days you were present in the current year, and
   • 1/3 of the days you were present in the first year before the current year, and
   • 1/6 of the days you were present in the second year before the current year.

[NikLR 13,232]

I have heard that snowbirds that OWN a home in the USA can only visit for 120 days vs 180.

[AC&BS 23]

Like most "news" it really isn't. Mostly it is just misinformation and part truths meant to get people worked up about something they don't inderstand so that the politicians can get their names in the paper and the media can sell advertising space.

Everyone knew this initiative went live Jan 1. It was well publicized. For 99.99% of the Canadian population this change is meaningless.

The information in the article about taxes is not correct. Boston-Montreal has it right, except that in addition to those IRS rules there is a Canada / US tax treaty which also applies which further reduces the likelihood of any problem.

[thatangela 134]

Like most "news" it really isn't. Mostly it is just misinformation and part truths meant to get people worked up about something they don't inderstand so that the politicians can get their names in the paper and the media can sell advertising space.

Something in which the CBC specializes.