New Immigration Bill May Allow Canadians in Scottsdale to Stay Longer

A new immigration reform bill may allow Canadians in Scottsdale to remain at their seasonal homes for longer periods. The bill has recently been released by The United States Senate’s “Gang of 8” and opens up new opportunities for Canadians in Scottsdale. The bill, titled “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization of 2013,” will include opportunities for retirees that allow them to remain in Visitor status for up to 240 days. It also includes the creation of a non-immigrant retiree visa that allows individuals to live year-round in the US if they meet certain qualifications.

The terms to qualify for extended Visitor status include:

• Be 55 years of age or older,
• Be a citizen of Canada AND maintain a home in Canada, and
• Own a home in the US.

To qualify for a nonimmigrant retiree visa, the individual must:

• Be 55 years of age or older,
• Have health insurance coverage,
• Own an appraised value of 500,000 USD or more in US real estate, and
• Live for 180 days each year in a US residence worth at least 250,000 USD.

For the bill to pass, it will need to go through the Senate and the House, as well as the President. Given that it is a bipartisan bill, however, it may have a chance at passing into law.

There are many Canadians in Scottsdale. It is natural that they would want to spend their winters soaking up our sunny weather. Canadians are the number one group of foreigners who purchase Arizona real estate. We welcome them with open arms! Call (602) 791-0536 or email Carmen@TopScottsdaleHomes.com for information on Scottsdale real estate for Canadians.

Carmen Brodeur JD
Realtor
Trillium Properties, LLC
9825 E Bell Road, Suite 120, Scottsdale AZ 85260
(602) 791-0536
Carmen@TopScottsdaleHomes.com
www.TopScottsdaleHomes.com