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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 […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Ed: In CSANews Issue 101 we, meaning me, provided an incorrect response to a Bird Talk letter from Weldon Hehr regarding importing fruit from the U.S. into Canada. I am not sure where my mind was when I answered the question, because I have often imported fruit from the U.S. myself. I also send fruit […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I would like to know how many months we can be in the U.S. every year and when does the year start? All this in plain English. Thank you. Joe Hall Niagara Falls, ON Response: Ed.: The year starts on the day you cross the border. You may stay for up to six months during […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Do you have to return to Canada for 30 days or more to get a new B2 visa, or can you go to Mexico or other countries? Maurice Michaud Response: Ed.: The B2 visa is verbally issued by, and applies only for travel to, the United States. You may travel to other places any time, […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Many in the snowbird community must be thinking about the use of medical marijuana. Please give us guidelines concerning Medipac and U.S. border regulations. James Butler Oakville, ON Response: Ed.: A great and timely question. DO NOT try to take marijuana into the United States, or anywhere else for that matter. Many countries have severe […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Regarding the 30-day absence rule, I have recently had a fellow snowbird inform me that they have been told that you must actually return to Canada in order for those days not to be counted toward your U.S. time as opposed to travelling, for example, to Mexico for 30 days. Can you clarify this for […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

If my wife and I visit Arizona for five months every calendar year (say Nov. 1-March 31) and file an 8840 every year, will we be subject to U.S. taxes based on worldly income? Our U.S. tax accountant in Canada says that it is very possible and recommends to not spend more than 120 days […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I enjoy reading the various questions and answers re: Dear Bird Talk. One answer caught my attention in the summer 2017 issue 103. It was mentioned that, sometimes, a border guard will only allow you a shorter period (for instance – only 90 days). In that case, you will have to comply with the shorter […]