We would like to clarify recent media reports about the new U.S. “visa integrity fee.” Please note that this fee does not apply to Canadian citizens who are visiting the United States temporarily as tourists, including those spending the winter in the U.S. as snowbirds.
The U.S. government is introducing a visa integrity fee to help fund the costs associated with screening and monitoring specific visa categories. However, since Canadian citizens are not required to apply in advance for a tourist visa for visits of up to six months minus one day, this fee does not apply to standard cross-border travel by Canadian snowbirds. You can continue to enter the United States without incurring any additional charges related to this new fee.
Certain Canadian permanent residents—those with PR status who are not Canadian citizens—may need to pay the new $250 USD U.S. visa integrity fee when applying for a non-immigrant visa. This fee may be refundable if the visa holder meets all visa conditions. Details on how to request a refund will be provided at a later time.
We recognize that changes to immigration policies can be unsettling, and we remain dedicated to keeping our members informed. As new information becomes available, we will continue to share timely updates with members via email.
The Canadian Snowbird Association
The Voice of Travelling Canadians
www.snowbirds.org
