Bird Talk » Travel

Posted date : May 13, 2019.

As a Canadian snowbird, I fill out an 8840 annually. On occasion, we have taken a cruise which originates in the U.S. How is this time included in my Form 8840? Of particular concern is a recent Alaska cruise which originated and ended in Seattle, WA, but could be in the Caribbean or to Hawaii. […]

Posted date : May 13, 2019.

I took particular note of your editor’s comment in the fall issue which stated, “I have found no rationale for the many and varied decisions given by border guards.” You are so right! Here is a classic example. My wife and I spend just less than six months each winter in California from late October […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017.

Just received the I-194 Form from a past conviction 40 years ago. My wife and I just crossed at Calgary on our way to Vegas. My passport was stamped February 26-August 23 – can we go to Arizona in November for 90 days? Really confused…been travelling back and forth for many years. Thomas T. Airdrie, […]

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.