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For many retired and semi-retired Canadians, winter is not a one-week trip but a season: two, three or even six months in Florida, Arizona or Mexico. Long stays bring extra rules and paperwork, and some of them changed recently. This guide covers the essentials for Canadian snowbirds planning the 2026-2027 season.

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change, so confirm your situation with official sources or a professional before you go.

Popular snowbird destinations

• Florida: the classic. Southwest Florida (Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota), the Atlantic coast (Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Palm Beach) and central Florida all have large Canadian communities, French-speaking areas included.
• Arizona: dry desert warmth, mountains and golf around Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Tucson, very popular with Western Canadians.
• Texas Rio Grande Valley and Southern California: mild winters and RV-friendly communities.
• Mexico: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Lake Chapala and the Riviera Maya offer a lower cost of living and long-stay rentals.

The US registration rule for stays of 30 days or more

Since April 2025, the United States requires some visitors who stay 30 days or longer to register with US immigration authorities. This mainly affects Canadians who drive across a land border and are not issued an I-94 record. In practice:

• If you fly into the US, an electronic I-94 is normally created automatically, which counts as registration.
• If you drive, you can apply for an I-94 online through US Customs and Border Protection before you cross, which also covers registration.
• Travellers admitted through NEXUS lanes or kiosks are generally considered already registered.
• Otherwise, registration is done online after arrival, followed by a biometrics appointment.

Check the latest details on the CBP and USCIS websites and on travel.gc.ca before you leave.

How long can you stay in the US?

Canadian visitors are usually admitted for up to six months, but the decision is up to the border officer, and you must be able to show strong ties to Canada. Keep track of your days carefully. Two separate rules matter:

• Immigration: overstaying your authorized period can lead to serious problems for future entries.
• US tax residency: the IRS substantial presence test counts your days over a three-year period. Snowbirds who come close to the threshold often file Form 8840 (Closer Connection Exception Statement) to show their main ties remain in Canada. Ask a cross-border tax professional if you are unsure.

Keep your provincial health coverage

Each province and territory sets its own limit on how long you can be away each year and keep your health coverage. Exceeding that limit can leave you without coverage when you come home. Check your province’s rules before booking a long stay, and buy private emergency medical insurance for the whole trip. US hospital costs are among the highest in the world. Our travel insurance guide explains what to look for.

Long stays in Mexico

Canadians can visit Mexico as tourists without a visa. Immigration officers decide how many days to grant, up to a maximum of 180, so say clearly how long you plan to stay and carry proof of your return flight and accommodation. Snowbirds who want to stay longer than six months, or come back every year, can look into Mexico’s temporary resident visa, applied for at a Mexican consulate in Canada.

Finding the right place to stay

• Monthly rentals: condos and apartments often offer large discounts for stays of 28 days or more. Book early for January to March, the most in-demand months.
• Extended-stay hotels: apartment-style hotels with kitchens are a good way to test a new area before committing to a long rental.
• Split the season: many snowbirds spend a few weeks in one city, then move. It is a good way to discover a new region.

Snowbird checklist

• Passport valid for the whole stay
• I-94 or registration sorted for US stays of 30 days or more
• Day count tracked for immigration and tax purposes
• Provincial health plan limits checked; private insurance purchased
• Prescriptions for the full stay, in original packaging
• Mail forwarding, bills and home checks organized in Canada
• Car insurance confirmed for US or Mexico driving

Ready to plan your season? Compare long-stay hotels and flights on Expedia or use the search box below.