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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

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

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

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

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

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 […]