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www.snowbirds.org
CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
While non-Canadian citizens travelling to the United States are routinely issued a green-coloured
form I-94 (Non-immigrant Arrival/Departure Record) as part of the entry screening process, Canadian
citizens are not. Notwithstanding, an I-94 form must accompany the application for extension of stay.
In order to apply for an I-94 form, it will be necessary to submit USCIS form I-102 (Application for
Replacement/Initial Non-immigrant Arrival-Departure Document) to the same regional processing
center as you will submit the I-539 application. The cost for replacing (or obtaining an original) I-94
form is $330 USD for each form requested (one per spouse for a couple).
Applicants have several means of obtaining forms I-539 and I-102:
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You can log onto your computer and e-file the application from the U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services website at
http://www.uscis.gov
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By telephone by calling toll-free 1-800-870-3676
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By telephoning the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283
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Request the forms at the USCIS District Field Office in the area of your temporary residence.
As filing locations are subject to change, applicants should be sure to read the instructions for
completing form I-539 carefully to determine where to file or call the USCIS customer service center
at 1-800-375-5283 to verify the current mailing address for filing.
Forms I-539 and I-102 can be submitted concurrently. Applications are typically resolved within
60 – 90 days.
Applicants are mailed a receipt to their U.S. address upon filing with USCIS. The USCIS receipt grants
permission to the applicant to remain in the U.S. until the application has been resolved. The receipt
is proof of legal status in-country. An application of stay, change of status, initial status or reinstate-
ment, is approved at the discretion of USCIS. Applicants are notified in writing of the decision.
Can I Volunteer or Work in the United States?
Each year the association receives several inquiries as to the legalities of snowbirds performing
volunteer work and/or accepting part-time work, typically in their mobile home community.
Members are permitted to perform volunteer community service (let’s avoid the term“work”)
provided it truly is “volunteer”, such as working in a hospital, community recreation centre or place of
worship. There can be no pay or compensation received other than perhaps free refreshments/meal
and/or complimentary parking while performing the service.
Members should be aware that entering the U.S. as a tourist-class visitor without a proper U.S. work
permit does not permit any form of paid work, regardless if payment is in the form of cash, cheque,
or “in consideration” of some benefit which has a monetary value.
Typical work that may not be performed includes:
In a condominium, mobile home or manufactured home community, receiving “cash” or reduced/free
rent and/or maintenance fees for the season in exchange for:
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Park office clerical duties
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Park grounds maintenance
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Park “handyman” repairs (i.e. electrical, plumbing, carpentry)