Bird Talk » Travel

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

My wife and I filed a Closer Connection Form 8840 this year (2018) relative to our seasonal stay in Florida. Having done so, does this extend the length of time for which we are entitled to stay in the U.S. this calendar year and, if so, by how many days? Thanks for your help. Maxine […]

Posted date : May 13, 2019.

I have heard that if we leave the U.S. during our calendar year, we have to be clear of the U.S. for at least a 30-day period, otherwise those days away are still included in our U.S. day count. Is this true? Barry Woods Penticton, BC Response : Yes, it is true. This rule is […]

Posted date : May 13, 2019.

We travel to Florida every year and complete the Closer Connection forms…we are usually there for approx. 172-175 days. Our question deals with a “less than one day” visit across the border to shop, or play bingo or go to casino. If we were to cross the border and return to Canada the same day, […]

Posted date : May 13, 2019.

Hi, my husband and I have a 15-day Panama cruise booked out of Ft. Lauderdale next month. We will be departing from Toronto, ON and will spend one night in Ft. Lauderdale pre-cruise. 15 days later, we will disembark in San Francisco and will be departing from San Francisco for Toronto that same day. My […]

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 […]