Forum Discussion

luckyd's avatar
luckyd
Explorer
May 19, 2013

looking for links...not opinions

I live in BC Canada. As usual will head south for my six months winter. In BC, we are allowed to apply for an extended stay out of province/country for 2 years every five years. We plan on returning in spring and then would apply for the two year term.

I am looking for links that give actual facts of staying in the USA for two years. We want to be able to travel all across the states and see what we cannot in our six month journeys.

Would appreciate any and all "factual" information from people that know a link to access either in Canada or the States pertaininbg to
taxes, etc.

Thank you for your help.
Snowbirds
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 22, 2013
    Hi,

    The first 30 days of health care may be covered under your local credit union Global Payment card. They do sell extended benefits after that point in time as well. The age limit is 75 on my card.
  • road2002runner's avatar
    road2002runner
    Explorer
    May 22, 2013
    I just hope you are healthy (wealthy) enough to afford insurance for - "OUT of CANADA" for six months. I know I can't, (and travel too).

    bbt
  • bjbear's avatar
    bjbear
    Explorer
    May 21, 2013
    Almot wrote:

    Canadian citizens DON'T need a visa for going to the US as visitors, see this section of the same website. Maximum stay is still 183 days, but read this website for possible extensions. To my best memory, extensions can be granted sometimes - will say no more as I don't remember the details, so this would be an "opinion".


    The way I had it explained to me is that Canadians do not have to have a visa in thier hand when they enter the US and they do not get a visa stamp in there passport. However, we are granted entry under the rules of a B2 visa and all the rules apply including the normal 6 month limit. Here is another link to more info.

    http://canada.usembassy.gov/mobile//visas/information-for-canadians.html

    Definitely best to talk to US officials directly to get a definitive answer. Breaking the rules can have some serious consequences.
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    May 21, 2013
    Phone Homeland Security anyway. It is possible that getting B2 visa, even if you as a Canadian don't need one, might be a necessary step for obtaining further extension - again, check in advance with HS office. People in HS do know something. On the contrast, border agents checking your passport and vehicle, don't know much, I've heard enough nonsense from them already.
  • luckyd's avatar
    luckyd
    Explorer
    May 20, 2013
    Thank you for the grerat response.
    Will certainly be checking it all out.
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    May 20, 2013
    bjbear wrote:

    For types of visas, check out http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html

    You will see that for Tourism, you will need a B-2 Visa which is issued at the border.

    Canadian citizens DON'T need a visa for going to the US as visitors, see this section of the same website. Maximum stay is still 183 days, but read this website for possible extensions. To my best memory, extensions can be granted sometimes - will say no more as I don't remember the details, so this would be an "opinion".
  • bjbear's avatar
    bjbear
    Explorer
    May 19, 2013
    More info

    For types of visas, check out http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html

    You will see that for Tourism, you will need a B-2 Visa which is issued at the border. I cannot find anywhere that states the time you are allowed to stay, but I believe it is ~180 days right now with a proposed extension of several months. I do know that you can extend your stay by filing an I-539 form (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=94d12c1a6855d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD)

    Your best bet is to call US immigration and Homeland Security and discuss it with them in detail. I have always found them very polite and helpful.

    Good Luck
  • BusyBees's avatar
    BusyBees
    Explorer
    May 19, 2013
    Here's a link:

    http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Substantial-Presence-Test


    At the bottom of the above page you will find the link to a page concerning a closer connection exception. Note it still requires that you are in the US less than 183 days in a calendar year.

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