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Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Dear Bird Talk, I recently heard that the six-month rule was changed to seven months. Is this true? I also heard that nine months is in the works. Is this true? Also, for how long can I winter in the U.S. and not lose my Canadian pension? Winston Sharkey Cambridge, ON Response: Ed: Just to […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Confused; friends go out of country for just under six months each and every year. How is this possible with calculating back two years prior. Is there something I am not understanding, as a lot of people I know do five to six months every year. Herman B. Port Colborne, ON Response: Ed.: Your friends […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I have faithfully submitted my IRS 8840 Form for quite a few years now. My question is, can I stay past the 182-day limit by filling out the form? Or am I not protected by the friendly country alliance after the 182 days is up? Alex B. Victoria, BC Response: Ed.: Congratulations on regularly completing […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

We simply forgot to file our Form 8840 in June and filed in November – are there any likely consequences? Ross E. Alberta Response: Ed.: I believe that, as long as you filed the form, you will be fine. This is not something which you should worry about.

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Just spent our first winter in Florida and left for home on March 31. Traffic leaving Florida on I-75 was extremely heavy and we were wondering if this was because we left on the last day of the month? If so, we may change our plan next year. Does anyone have more experience in this […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I am a new member, and just now getting up to speed on all things snowbird. Question: What are the requirements in the U.S. for how long after the scheduled return to Canada does the passport have to be valid upon exit from the U.S.? P.S: have just finished reviewing “all” of the Bird Talk […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

It is also best to leave on a Saturday morning – no road work, nor business traffic. Stephen M Mississauga, ON Response: Ed.: One man’s opinion on when to head south for best results. I would add that you should check the weather forecasts all the way to your destination before setting out.

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I have orange, grapefruit and lemon trees at my home in Arizona. Am I allowed to bring fruit from these trees when I return to my Alberta home? Weldon H Alberta Response: Ed.: Sorry, but absolutely not. The Department of Agriculture is very strict on these things to safeguard Canada’s crops from plagues, diseases and […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Every year, thousands of snowbirds travel south. I am wondering if the CSA has ever approached travel hotels to work out a travellers’ discount, such as is offered with CAA? Chris C Response: Ed.: Great question and, yes, we have had hotel deals in the past. We had arrangements with Holiday Inns, Days Inns, and […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I am in the U.S. for approximately 80 days each year so do not need to file the form, but is there any downside to filing in any case, just for peace of mind? Paul Rosenberg Vancouver, BC Response: Ed: CSA recommends filing if you stay for longer than three months in the U.S. There […]