Time for Reciprocity: Canada Should Require U.S. Visitors to Register Too

 

 

The U.S. is now requiring Canadians staying longer than 30 days to register with immigration authorities. If they can do it, why shouldn’t Canada do the same?

For years, wealthy U.S. visitors have treated Canada as a seasonal retreat—staying in their empty condos, using our healthcare system, and driving up housing prices in key vacation areas. If Canada were to implement a similar rule, we might finally see some positive changes in affordability and fairness.

Why Canada Should Implement a 30-Day Rule for U.S. Visitors

1. Leveling the Playing Field

   • Other countries already do this. In Rarotonga (Cook Islands), visitors who stay longer than a month must pay additional fees. Many European countries require strict visa processes for long-term stays. Canada has been too lax for too long.

2. Discouraging Empty Investment Properties

   • Vancouver, Whistler, and other prime locations are filled with vacant luxury condos owned by foreign investors, many from the U.S. If these owners could only stay for 30 days without registering, they might rethink their property use or even sell—freeing up much-needed housing.

3. Protecting Canadian Healthcare

   • Some long-term U.S. visitors have taken advantage of Canada’s healthcare system, using loopholes to access services meant for residents. A 30-day registration requirement would allow better tracking and prevent misuse.

4. Generating Revenue

   • Other countries charge extended-stay fees or require paid visas. Canada could introduce a similar system, bringing in revenue while ensuring that long-term visitors contribute fairly to infrastructure and services.

5. Encouraging Domestic Travel

   • If wealthy foreign property owners stop monopolizing key areas, Canadians might finally get a fair shot at affordable rentals and vacation spots.

What This Could Look Like

• 30-Day Limit Without Registration – Like the new U.S. rule for Canadians, U.S. visitors could stay for up to 30 days freely.
• Registration & Fees for Longer Stays – Visitors who want to stay beyond a month would need to register and potentially pay a fee.
• Proof of Purpose for Stay – Those staying long-term must prove they contribute to Canada (employment, study, or significant investment).

Time for Canada to Act

If the U.S. wants to track and regulate our long-term visitors, Canada should do the same. It's time to take control of our housing, healthcare, and tourism economy by ensuring that extended-stay foreign visitors—especially those with empty investment properties—are contributing fairly.

What do you think? Should Canada implement a similar rule for U.S. visitors? Share your thoughts!