TITLE IV:REFORMS TO NONIMMIGRANT VISA PROGRAMS

previous next

§ 4503 : ENCOURAGING CANADIAN TOURISM TO THE UNITED STATES


Section 214(8 U.S.C. 1184), as amended by sections 3609, 4233, and 4405, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

v.

CANADIAN RETIREES.—

1.

IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Homeland Security may admit as a visitor for pleasure as described in section 101(a)(15)(B)any alien for a period not to exceed 240 days, if the alien demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that the alien—

A.

is a citizen of Canada;

B.

is at least 55 years of age;

C.

maintains a residence in Canada;

D.

owns a residence in the United States or has signed a rental agreement for accommodations in the United States for the duration of the alien’s stay in the United States;

E.

is not inadmissible under section 212;

F.

is not described in any ground of deportability under section 237;

G.

will not engage in employment or labor for hire in the United States; and

H.

will not seek any form of assistance or benefit described in section 403(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613(a)).

2.

SPOUSE.—The spouse of an alien described in paragraph (1) may be admitted under the same terms as the principal alien if the spouse satisfies the requirements of paragraph (1), other than subparagraphs (B) and (D).

3.

IMMIGRANT INTENT.—In determining eligibility for admission under this subsection, maintenance of a residence in the United States shall not be considered evidence of intent by the alien to abandon the alien’s residence in Canada.

4.

PERIOD OF ADMISSION.—During any single 365-day period, an alien may be admitted as described in section 101(a)(15)(B)pursuant to this subsection for a period not to exceed 240 days, beginning on the date of admission. Unless an extension is approved by the Secretary, periods of time spent outside the United States during such 240-day period shall not toll the expiration of such 240-day period.