By Richard T. Herman, Esq.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced a significant change to the entry requirements for Canadian citizens, which now mandate registration for extended stays. The U.S. government has also expressed interest in attracting more Canadians for longer visits, but the new rule may impact this goal.

Why is this topic important to Canadians spending time in the U.S.?

For decades, Canadian citizens—especially “snowbirds” who spend winters in the U.S.—have enjoyed relatively relaxed border regimes. But as of April 11, 2025, a shift occurred: Canadians staying more than 30 days in the United States (particularly via land entry) must register with U.S. immigration authorities, under a rule that has long existed but previously was not strictly enforced. This change is due to a new rule and new requirement published by U.S. authorities, which now mandate registration for extended stays.

This article answers the key questions:

• What exactly is the registration rule?
• Who must comply?
• What are the steps and deadlines?
• What practical impacts does this have on snowbirds, long-stay travellers and business visitors?
• The new rule is also intended to enhance security and protect the American people by ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.
• How can you prepare and avoid penalties?
• What does this mean for Canadians and U.S. states that rely on Canadian visitors?

What is the “30-day registration” requirement?

Q: What exactly is the rule?

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 262, any non-citizen age 14 or older who remains in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register and, in many cases, provide fingerprints (biometrics). This rule applies to other foreign nationals based on their nationality under the Nationality Act, distinguishing Canadians from other foreign nationals who are subject to these requirements. The law has existed for decades but has not consistently applied to Canadians entering via land borders. The new enforcement takes effect as of April 11, 2025. To implement these changes, the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS issued an interim final rule, making the new registration process immediately enforceable while still allowing for public comment.

While Canadians presently are exempt from fingerprinting for the moment, registration via United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — specifically by submitting Form G-325R — is required for eligible visitors.

Q: What law authorizes this action?

• INA § 262 mandates registration and biometrics for non-citizens.
• The U.S. government has published the regulation and executive order re-enforcing compliance for all non-citizens, including Canadians. The new rule was officially published in the Federal Register, which serves as the primary source for government regulatory updates.
• This is part of a broader push by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen oversight of foreigners staying longer than 30 days.

Q: Why now?

Several factors prompted the change:

• Land-border tracking for Canadians has lagged; many Canadians enter the U.S. without being issued Form I-94, making oversight patchy.
• Politically and economically, border and migration enforcement has become a higher priority.
• U.S.–Canada relations and integrated cross-border travel have created incentives for harmonised rules.
• The enforcement date aligns with an executive order to tighten immigration compliance and registration requirements.

These new enforcement measures were influenced by policies from the Trump administration, heightened concerns about the northern border, and executive orders aimed at protecting against invasion.

Who is impacted by the rule?

Q: Who must register?

You must register if all the following apply:

• You are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
• You are age 14 or older (note: children under 14 must be registered by a parent or guardian).
• You stay in the United States for more than 30 days continuously (i.e., beyond 30 days without departing).
• You entered via a land border (especially important for Canadians who often cross by car) or otherwise may not have automatically been issued Form I-94. Canadians who regularly enter the U.S. for extended stays are particularly affected by this registration requirement.

Q: Who is exempt or already registered?

You are exempt from the new registration requirement if you fall into one of the following categories:

• You are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (green card holder).
• You entered with a visa or non-immigrant status and received Form I-94 or I-94 W.
• You previously submitted biometric forms and registration under a category listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a).
• You are a Canadian entering under specific categories (some are exempt, though the registration requirement still applies).
• You are already registered via the process required.

Q: Canadians specifically — how are they affected?

• Canadians have traditionally entered the U.S. without needing visas for many visits (citizenship privileges).
• Under the new enforcement, Canadian visitors planning to stay over 30 days may be required to register via Form G-325R. Canadian business professionals on extended assignments or those staying for work purposes are also subject to this registration requirement.
• Importantly: At present, Canadians are not required to submit fingerprints (biometrics) as part of this rule.
• Canadians who entered via land and did not receive Form I-94 are more likely to be caught by this rule. Casual travelers visiting the U.S. for tourism, shopping, or short seasonal stays are generally exempt from the new registration requirement.

Q: What are the penalties for failing to register?

• Willful failure to register or provide biometrics (where required) may result in fines up to US $5,000, and/or imprisonment up to six months. Failure to register may also result in civil penalties and misdemeanor prosecution.
• For those who are registered but fail to carry proof of registration during their U.S. stay, fines up to $5,000 and up to 30 days in jail may apply.
• Failure to update your U.S. address within 10 days of moving (for those required to report) may also lead to fines, imprisonment, or removal proceedings. Both criminal and civil penalties can apply for non-compliance with registration requirements.

What does registration involve? (Step-by-step)

Q: How do I register with USCIS?

Here are the key steps:

1. Create a USCIS Online Account.

• Visit the USCIS website. Create an account (each individual, including minors, needs an account).
• Link: USCIS Account Creation

1. Submit Form G-325R (Registration for Noncitizen Nationals).

• This must be submitted online (not by mail or in person) via your USCIS account.
• Provide accurate biographic information (name, date of birth, address, entry date, etc.).
• Link: USCIS Form G-325R Instructions

1. USCIS Review & Biometrics (if required).

• Once you submit, USCIS will determine whether you are already registered or if you need to attend a biometrics collection appointment to provide fingerprints. If you have previously fingerprinted, you may not need to repeat the process. Individuals who have already provided fingerprints as part of a prior registration may be considered compliant with the biometric requirement. Canadians currently are not required to provide fingerprints in this enforcement phase.

1. Receive Proof of Registration.

• If your registration is accepted, you will receive registration documentation as issued evidence of your compliance (downloadable from your USCIS online account). This documentation serves as evidence and USCIS proof of registration, which must be carried as evidence of registration during your stay.

1. Obligations During Your Stay.

• Carry proof of registration at all times (for those age 18 and over).
• Report address changes to USCIS within 10 days if you relocate while registered.
• Stay mindful of your stay length and ensure you don’t exceed what was declared without proper registration.

Checklist of Key Requirements

What this means for Canadian snowbirds & long-stay visitors

Q: How are “snowbirds” impacted?

“Snowbirds” refers to Canadians who migrate south in winter to states like Florida, Arizona, Texas, South Carolina, often staying several weeks or months.

• Many of these Canadians have traditionally stayed up to 6 months under visa-free privileges.
• Under the new enforcement, if a Canadian stays more than 30 days and lacks prior registration, they may need to submit Form G-325R.
• Because many enter via land ports and do not get Form I-94, the risk of falling under the registration rule increases.
• Some estimates suggest as many as 900,000 Canadians could be impacted.

Q: What about business visitors and long-stay family travellers?

• Canadians travelling for extended business stays, projects or conferences in the U.S. — especially if their time exceeds 30 days — must assess whether registration applies.
• Visiting family or staying longer than vacation norms may trigger registration obligations.

Q: What are the economic and travel impacts?

• Travel delays: Additional processing, account creation, document generation.
• Legal risks: Non-compliance can hamper re-entry, lead to fines or removal.
• Cross-border confusion: Canadians may simply be unaware of the rule or that it applies to them, especially if they have not received Form I-94.
• Tourism & real-estate: States heavily dependent on Canadian snowbirds (e.g., Arizona, Florida) may feel an economic ripple if longer stays decline.

Data insights & economic implications

Estimated numbers affected

• The DHS estimates 2.2 million to 3.2 million persons may be impacted annually under this enforcement shift.
• Canadian snowbirds: Roughly 900,000 Canadians travel south for extended visits each winter — many of whom could fall into the 30-day registration rule.

Economic footprint of Canadian snowbirds

For example:

• In Arizona alone, approximately 100,000 Canadian tourists annually winter in the state, contributing an estimated US $1.4 billion to the local economy.
• Residential rentals, RV parks, and seasonal housing heavily rely on Canadian guests. Reduced stays may affect local businesses.
• States most impacted (Florida, Arizona, Texas, South Carolina) 

Broader economic concerns

• Reduced tourism spending in snowbird-heavy regions.
• Slower real-estate sales and rental occupancy rates in seasonal markets.
• Increased border-wait times and administrative burden on U.S. ports of entry.
• Hesitance among Canadian travellers to plan long-term stays, which can shift patterns to alternative destinations (Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do Canadians entering the U.S. for less than 30 days need to register?

A: No. The 30-day threshold applies. If you are staying 30 days or fewer — and you entered under normal visitor admission — the registration requirement under this rule does not apply.

Q: If I already hold a U.S. visa or have an I-94, do I need to register?

A: Possibly not. If you are a non-citizen who was issued Form I-94 or I-94 W (even if your admission period has expired), or if you have submitted registration/biometrics under specified previous categories (8 CFR 264.1(a)), you may already be considered registered and exempt from the new Form G-325R requirement.

Q: Can I apply for registration retroactively?

A: Yes. If you entered before April 11, 2025 and remain in the U.S. beyond 30 days, you may need to register retroactively. It is advisable to create your account and submit Form G-325R as soon as you realise the requirement applies.

Q: What about Canadians who never received Form I-94?

A: These travellers may be particularly affected, as lack of an I-94 means they may not be automatically registered. If staying beyond 30 days, they should consider submitting Form G-325R.

Q: Does the rule affect over-stay or undocumented entrants?

A: This rule is distinct from over-stay or undocumented entry enforcement. However, undocumented entrants are not registered under this rule and may face separate immigration consequences.

Q: What if I travel in and out of the U.S. multiple times, cumulatively staying over 30 days?

A: The interpretation may depend on whether your stay is continuous or cumulative. If your combined stays exceed 30 days without proper registration, you may face registration obligations. It is prudent to track entries/exits and consult legal counsel.

How to prepare and stay compliant

Pre-travel checklist for Canadians

• Verify your intended length of stay: Will you stay more than 30 days?
• Check whether you received Form I-94; if not, you may need to register.
• Create a USCIS online account before or immediately upon arrival.
• Complete and submit Form G-325R online (if required).
• Download/print proof of registration and plan to carry it during your stay.
• Maintain documentation of your entry and exit dates (travel diary, copies of CBP stamps).
• If you relocate during your stay (e.g., change residence from one state to another), ensure you report address change within 10 days (if required).
• Stay apprised of changes: advocacy efforts (such as by the Canadian Snowbird Association) may modify future enforcement.

During your U.S. stay

• Carry your registration document (for persons age 18+).
• Keep your travel records: passport stamps, I-94 entries/exit data.
• Do not exceed the stay you declared; monitor your days in the U.S.
• If you change your residence while in the U.S., report to USCIS if required.

What to do if you realise you should’ve registered but haven’t

• Don’t ignore the issue. It’s better to create your USCIS account and submit Form G-325R as soon as possible.
• Consult a U.S. immigration attorney (such as from Herman Legal Group) to assess your specific situation and any risk of limits on re-entry or status.

Alternative destinations if you prefer to avoid this rule

If you anticipate a lengthy stay or wish to sidestep the 30-day threshold rule, consider alternative destinations with more relaxed entry requirements:

• Mexico — popular with Canadian retirees and long-stay visitors.
• Costa Rica — offers digital-nomad / retiree residency options.
• Portugal — long-stay visas available for retirees or remote workers.
  These may serve as viable substitutes for Canadians phased out of longer U.S. stays due to compliance concerns.

Wider context: why this change matters

U.S.–Canada border and immigration policy shift

This change reflects:

• A tightening of border and immigration controls across the U.S., including land borders.
• A shift in how Canadians are treated for longer stays — no longer automatic exceptions.
• A growing integration of enforcement mechanisms (registration, biometrics, tracking) at land crossings.

Impact on U.S. states and local economies

• States like Florida, Arizona, Texas, and South Carolina rely heavily on Canadian winter visitors for tourism, rentals, RV parks and seasonal housing.
• Reduced longer stays can impact:
  • Local tourism revenue
  • Real-estate and seasonal rental markets
  • Service industries targeting snowbirds

Advocacy and future changes

• The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) and other groups are lobbying Congress and U.S. authorities for carve-outs or exemptions for Canadian retirees.
• Future regulatory amendments may adjust fingerprinting requirements, grace periods or registration thresholds. Canadians should stay updated.

Legal implications: what an immigration attorney can do

Why consulting legal counsel matters

• Navigating registration rules involves understanding your prior status (visa/I-94), entry method, intended stay, and out-of-status history.
• An attorney from Herman Legal Group (specialising in immigration law) can:
  • Assess whether you already meet registration exemption criteria.
  • Guide you through online account creation and Form G-325R submission.
  • Ensure your travel plans align with registration timelines and compliance.
  • Represent you in case of adverse immigration consequences (e.g., removal proceedings, penalties, entry denial).

Specific strengths of Herman Legal Group

• Decades of experience with cross-border issues and non-citizen registration.
• Tailored advice for Canadian snowbirds, business visitors, dual-citizens and longer-stay travellers.
• Up-to-date on evolving policy and enforcement at land borders and for Canadians.

Connecting with Richard T. Herman

• Firm website: Herman Legal Group (see their immigration practice section)
• Richard’s bio page: Richard T. Herman, Esq. Bio
• Website for Canadian-US immigration information:Immigrant, Inc.
• To schedule a consultation: Contact Herman Legal Group via phone or online form (details on their website).

Key questions and answers

Q: What if I only stay 31 days?

A stay of 31 days triggers the registration rule if you satisfy the other criteria (non-citizen and entered without I-94). Submit Form G-325R as soon as possible.

Q: Will I be fingerprinted as a Canadian?

Currently, Canadians are exempt from biometrics under this rule — however, registration alone still applies. Always check for updates.

Q: What if I leave the U.S. and re-enter to reset the 30-day clock?

This is risky. The rule may consider cumulative days or continuous stay. Border officers may examine travel history and entries/exits. Better to seek legal advice.

Q: Does this rule replace the visa requirement?

No. Registration is separate from visas. This rule does not convert you into a visa holder. It simply mandates registration for longer stays.

Q: Could I be denied re-entry because I missed registration?

Potentially yes. Non-compliance may impact future admissibility and cause delays or denial. Documenting your registration or seeking remedial steps ahead of time is wise.

Final thoughts: plan ahead to avoid surprises

For many Canadians, the days of relaxed border stays may be changing. Whether you’re a snowbird heading south for sunshine, a business professional working on a U.S. project for several weeks, or someone visiting family for an extended period, knowing about this new registration rule is vital.
Advance planning, proper registration (if required), and professional legal advice can save you from penalties, travel disruption or entry denial. The key is to treat your U.S. stay like any significant immigration event — organise your documents, monitor your time, and ensure compliance.

Author Bio

Richard T. Herman, Esq. is a partner at the immigration law firm Herman Legal Group, and the founder of the immigration law resource site Immigrant, Inc. Richard has over several decades of experience advising non-citizens, dual nationals and Canadian visitors to the U.S. on complex immigration rules, including registration, visa compliance and cross-border stays.
To learn more about Richard’s experience, view his bio page or visit the Herman Legal Group website. You may connect with Richard for a consultation about your U.S. stay, paperwork requirements or registration concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Can Canadians staying over 30 days in the U.S. now must register with USCIS via Form G-325R if they do not hold I-94 or another exemption.
• Canadian visitors currently do not need to provide fingerprints (biometrics) under the rule, but registration alone is mandatory for those affected.
• Registration process: create a USCIS online account → submit Form G-325R → if required attend biometrics → download & carry proof of registration.
• Failure to register, carry proof or report address changes can result in fines (up to US $5,000), imprisonment (up to six months), or future entry issues.
• Canadian snowbirds, long-stay family visitors and business travellers should assess their eligibility and compliance ahead of travel.
• Keeping track of entry dates, carry registration documentation, and consulting an immigration lawyer (such as Herman Legal Group) are best practices.
• U.S. states and local economies relying on Canadian longer-stay visitors may feel economic effects if compliance increases or stays decline.

For more details, visit:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Canadian Snowbird Association
• U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionU.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 Check
• USCIS G-325R Form Info
• Canadian Snowbird Association – Travel Updates
• Create a USCIS Account
• G-325R Registration Form Instructions
• Check Your I-94 Entry Record
• Preparing for Biometrics Appointment