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Spend Your Winters in the U.S.

Escape Canada’s cold winters with your own place in the Florida sunshine. We specialize in mortgage solutions for Canadian snowbirds and foreign nationals looking to purchase a vacation home or investment property in the United States.

Whether you’re planning to spend your winters in Florida, purchase a second home for family getaways, or invest in a rental property, we can help you explore financing options designed specifically for foreign buyers. Join thousands of Canadians who enjoy warm Florida winters and summers back home—with the right financing, owning your Florida property may be more attainable than you think.

Schedule your free consultation to get expert mortgage advice, custom solutions, and a clear path forward—no cost, no obligation.

Essential Documents for a Canadian Snowbird Loan

If you’re planning to spend your winters south of the border and are considering a Canadian Snowbird Loan, having the right documentation ready can help make the application process faster and easier. Preparing these documents in advance can help avoid delays and ensure you meet the lender’s requirements.

Below is a list of documents commonly required when applying for a Canadian Snowbird Loan:

⭐ Valid Passport: A current, valid passport is typically required to confirm your identity and citizenship.

⭐ Proof of Current Address: Documentation confirming your current residence, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or other acceptable proof of address.

⭐ Income Documentation: Depending on the loan program, you may be asked to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, employment letters, or other documentation verifying your income.

⭐ Bank Statements: Recent bank statements may be required to verify available funds, banking history, and the source of your down payment.

⭐ Bank or Financial Reference Letter: Some lenders may request a reference letter from your financial institution confirming your banking relationship and account history.

⭐ Proof of Down Payment: Documentation showing that sufficient funds are available for the required down payment and closing costs.

⭐ Proof of Reserves: Some loan programs require evidence of additional funds after closing, commonly equal to 6 to 12 months of mortgage payments. These funds may be held in bank, investment, or other eligible accounts.

Documentation requirements vary by lender and loan program. Some foreign national mortgage programs may also offer alternative qualification options that do not require traditional income documentation.

Becoming a Snowbird FAQs

How Long Can I Spend in the US as a Snowbird?
Canadian snowbirds can generally spend up to six months in the United States, with many travelers using a six-month period within a rolling 12-month timeframe as a practical guideline. The actual length of each stay is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when entering the United States.
Will I need a US bank account?
Using a US-based lender to obtain financing means you will most likely be required to have a US bank account for the transfer of funds and mortgage payments. Having a US bank account can also make it easier to pay for expenses related to your home purchase, such as closing costs and property taxes.
 

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Do I need an ITIN to buy property in the USA?

In general, you do not need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) simply to purchase property in the United States. However, you may need an ITIN if you have U.S. tax filing obligations, such as reporting rental income.

If you are a nonresident alien selling U.S. property and do not have a Social Security number, you will generally need an ITIN for tax reporting purposes, including FIRPTA requirements and reporting any gain or loss from the sale.

We recommend consulting with a qualified tax professional who can provide guidance specific to your situation.

Do I need a Visa?

As a Canadian, you do not need a U.S. work visa simply to own a rental property and receive passive rental income in the United States. However, actively working in or managing a U.S. business while you are in the United States may require appropriate immigration status.

For Canadians who want to establish and actively operate a qualifying U.S. business, an E-2 Treaty Investor visa may be an option. To qualify, you must make a substantial investment in a real and operating U.S. business and meet other E-2 requirements.

An E-2 visa can allow you to live in the United States while developing and directing your business. Your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may also qualify for E-2 dependent status. A spouse may generally work in the United States, while dependent children may attend school.

Immigration circumstances vary, so we recommend speaking with a qualified U.S. immigration attorney to determine which options may be available to you.

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Can I retire in the US as a Canadian?

No. Canadians cannot permanently retire in the United States simply as visitors. Canadian snowbirds are generally permitted to visit the U.S. for up to six months at a time, subject to the period of admission granted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

If you want to live in the United States permanently or spend substantially more time there, you would need to qualify for an appropriate U.S. immigration status or visa.