What You Need to Know
Effective April 11, 2025, Canadian citizens planning to stay in the United States for more than 30 days will be required to officially register with U.S. authorities. This move enforces a long-standing law that had previously been inconsistently applied to Canadian visitors entering the country by land.
While the rule itself isn’t new, this is the first time it’s being enforced strictly under a new executive order issued by President Donald Trump at the start of his second term, with the federal government imposing new regulations on Canadians staying in the U.S. for extended periods.
This rule is part of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion and is already sparking concern, especially among frequent Canadian visitors.
For official details, visit the Federal Register.
What’s Changing for Canadians and Foreign Nationals?
Under the new enforcement:
- Canadians entering the U.S. via land borders and staying more than 30 days in the U.S. must:– Register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is part of the new ‘registration rule’ which requires compliance with registration and fingerprinting provisions.
- Create an online USCIS account
- Provide biographic data
- Fingerprinting: Not required for Canadians (a key clarification after initial confusion).
- Proof of Registration: Registered individuals must carry proof of their registration at all times during their U.S. stay.
Implications for Travelers:
This change affects approximately 900,000 Canadian “snowbirds” who spend extended periods in the U.S., particularly during winter months. The Canadian Snowbird Association is actively seeking exemptions for its members by engaging with U.S. legislators.
Criminal and Civil Penalties may apply to those who do not comply.
This rule enforces Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which requires all noncitizens over the age of 14 to register with the U.S. government if their stay exceeds 30 days.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Willful failure or refusal to register or be fingerprinted can result in:
· Criminal Penalties: Fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
· Failure to Carry Evidence: Registered individuals aged 18 or older must carry proof of registration at all times. Failure to do so can lead to fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
· Address Updates: All aliens in the U.S. must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. Non-compliance can result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation unless the failure was reasonably excusable or not willful.
According to the executive order:
“Failure to comply may result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution, the imposition of fines, and incarceration.”
🔗 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – Traveler Compliance Info
Who Must Register?
The rule applies to:
- Noncitizens age 14 and older staying 30+ days
- Canadians entering for business or extended stays, including Canadian business professionals
- Children under 14 (must be registered by a parent or guardian)
- Foreign nationals who were not fingerprinted during prior visa processes
❗ Exemptions include:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Foreign nationals staying less than 30 days
- Holders of certain visas or documents already involving registration
- Specific groups, such as American Indians born in Canada
Who is Already Registered?
Individuals who have been issued certain documents or have completed specific processes are considered already registered:
· Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): Those who have been granted the right to live permanently in the U.S.
· Parolees: Individuals paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5), even if their parole period has expired.
· Nonimmigrants with Form I-94 or I-94W: Those admitted as nonimmigrants and issued these forms, regardless of whether their admission period has expired.
· Visa Holders: Individuals issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last arrival in the U.S.
· Individuals in Removal Proceedings: Those whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings.
· Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Holders: Individuals issued an EAD.
· Applicants for Permanent Residence: Those who have applied for lawful permanent residence using specific forms and provided fingerprints, even if their applications were denied.
· Border Crossing Card Holders: Individuals issued Border Crossing Cards.
Who is Not Registered?
Individuals who have not applied to the Department of State for a visa, been issued specific evidence of registration, or submitted designated forms with fingerprints are not registered.
This includes:
· Undocumented Entrants: Individuals present in the U.S. without inspection and admission or parole.
· Certain Canadian Visitors: Canadians who entered the U.S. at land ports of entry without being issued evidence of registration.
· Applicants for Certain Benefits: Individuals who submitted benefit requests not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), such as applications for deferred action or Temporary Protected Status, without receiving evidence of registration.
Steps to Register: Understanding the Registration Process
- Create a USCIS Online Account: Begin by creating an account on the USCIS website. Each individual, including children under 14, must have their own account. Parents or legal guardians should create accounts on behalf of minors. The registration process involves creating an account and submitting the necessary forms online, ensuring all procedural aspects and requirements are met.
- Submit Form G-325R: After creating an account, complete and submit Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), online. This form cannot be filed by mail or in person. Ensure accuracy to avoid legal consequences.
- USCIS Review: Once submitted, USCIS will review the information. If you have already complied with registration requirements, USCIS will notify you. If registration is required, USCIS will determine if you need to provide biometrics.
- Biometric Services Appointment: If required, USCIS will schedule a biometric services appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). There is no fee for this service under the Interim Final Rule.
- Receive Registration Documentation: After completing the necessary steps, USCIS will provide proof of registration through your online account. It’s essential to download and print this document for your records.
Key Requirements
|
Requirement |
Applies To |
Additional Info |
| Register via Form G-325R | All eligible noncitizens | Register Here |
| Provide fingerprints (biometrics) | Most noncitizens over 14 | Canadians are currently exempt |
| Carry proof of registration | Required for ages 18+ | Must be shown on request |
| Update address within 10 days | All registered individuals | Must notify DHS |
What This Means for Canadians
Canadians have traditionally entered the U.S. visa-free for visits up to 6 months. However, under this new rule:
- Those staying over 30 days, especially for business, may need to register.
- Canadians are exempt from fingerprinting for now.
- Those entering by land are less likely to be issued Form I-94, making them more likely to fall under the new registration requirement.
Tip: Check if you already have an I-94
Visit the U.S. CBP I-94 Portal to verify if you were automatically registered at entry.
🔗 Federal Register – Official Notice of the Rule
Potential Impacts
- Travel Delays: Canadians may need to adjust itineraries to accommodate the fingerprinting process.
- Legal Risks: Failing to comply could result in fines, denial of re-entry, or visa ineligibility in the future.
- Cross-Border Confusion: With inconsistent enforcement in the past, travelers may be unaware of the rule or how it applies to them.
Key Requirements at a Glance
|
Requirement |
Applies to Canadians? |
More Info |
| G-325R Registration Form | Yes, if staying 30+ days without an I-94 | myUSCIS Portal |
| Fingerprinting | No | Canadians are exempt |
| Form I-94 issuance | Sometimes | I-94 Website |
| Visa Required? | No | Registration ≠ visa application |
How to Check If You’re Already Registered
- Visit the U.S. CBP I-94 website.
- Enter your travel details to see if a record exists.
- If no I-94 was issued and you plan to stay beyond 30 days, you must complete Form G-325R via USCIS.
If you’re a Canadian who entered the U.S. in January and is still there after April 11, you need to register—even retroactively.
Background: Why Now? Insights from the Department of Homeland Security
This regulation stems from existing U.S. immigration law, which mandates registration for any foreign national staying over 30 days. However, Canadians had long been treated as an exception, especially given the long-standing friendly relations and integrated economies between the two nations.
That changed with:
- A renewed crackdown on border control and migration enforcement.
- Rising political and economic tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
- A broader push by the Trump administration to enforce immigration laws more rigidly.
Canada-U.S. Relations Under Strain
This policy change is just one piece of a broader diplomatic conflict between the two countries. Recent developments include:
- New U.S. tariffs: 25% on Canadian steel and aluminum
- Canada’s retaliation: Tariffs on nearly C$30 billion worth of U.S. imports
- Political rhetoric: Trump jokingly suggested Canada should become the 51st state—seen by some as a veiled annexation threat
The decision appears to be part of broader U.S. efforts to tighten immigration enforcement and track foreign nationals more rigorously. Several factors have contributed:
- Rising U.S.-Canada trade tensions, including tariffs on aluminum and steel
- Increased border security measures introduced by the Trump administration
- Efforts to close loopholes in land border tracking, particularly for Canadian citizens
This policy shift is seen as part of a larger movement to treat Canadians more like other international visitors when it comes to border security and immigration compliance.
Who Will Feel the Impact Most?
❄️ Snowbirds:
An estimated 900,000 Canadians—mostly retirees—spend winters in U.S. states like:
- Florida
- Arizona
- South Carolina
- Texas
These travelers may now face new bureaucratic hurdles if their stays exceed 30 days.
Retirees who winter in states like Florida, Arizona, or California
💼 Long-Term Business Travelers
- Professionals attending conferences or working on projects in the U.S.
- Must plan in advance to accommodate processing time for fingerprinting
👨👩👧👦 Extended Family Visitors
- Canadians visiting family for several weeks or more
- Must now include USCIS registration in their travel plans
✈️ Frequent Cross-Border Travelers
- Those making recurring trips that cumulatively exceed 30 days
- May be asked to prove cumulative time spent in the U.S.
Exemptions:
- Green card holders (lawful permanent residents)
- Canadians entering with valid work or student visas
How Many People Could This Affect?
The Department of Homeland Security estimates that 2.2 million to 3.2 million people may be affected annually by this enforcement shift.
Why This Matters
- Approximately 100,000 Canadian tourists winter in Arizona alone each year, contributing an estimated $1.4 billion to the state’s economy.
- Many retirees and long-term visitors from Canada have traditionally entered the U.S. without additional registration requirements.
- The policy change could impact tourism, local businesses, and the real estate market in states popular among Canadian snowbirds.
Economic & Business Concerns
Arizona’s RV Parks & Tourism Industry
- Many Canadian snowbirds own property or rent long-term in RV parks, contributing significantly to local businesses.
- Business owners worry that declining Canadian visits could negatively affect their revenue.
Bill Evans, manager at Palms RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona, expressed concerns:
“What we don’t want to do is disturb that population so they hop over us and go down to Mexico instead of staying with us.”
Potential Consequences for the U.S. Economy
- Reduced tourism spending in states reliant on Canadian visitors.
- Slower real estate sales in snowbird-heavy regions.
- Increased border wait times due to added processing requirements.
Concerns from Canadian Travelers & Advocacy Groups
Canadian Snowbird Association Response
The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), a nonprofit advocating for Canadian travelers, is actively working with U.S. congressional representatives to seek an exemption for Canadian visitors.
Potential Impact on Snowbirds
- Some Canadians may reduce their travel time to the U.S. to avoid registration hassles.
- Increased paperwork could deter retirees from visiting states like Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California.
- This change might divert tourism to Mexico or other destinations with fewer entry requirements.
For more information on advocacy efforts, visit the Canadian Snowbird Association.
What This Means for Canadian Travelers
Key Steps for Snowbirds Before Entering the U.S.:
- Check registration requirements before travel on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
- Ensure all documents are up to date, including passports and visas if necessary.
- Plan for additional processing time at border crossings and airports.
- Stay informed on policy changes, as advocacy efforts may lead to modifications.
Alternative Destinations
For those looking to avoid the new rule, popular warm-weather alternatives include:
- Mexico – Increasingly popular for Canadian retirees due to its lower costs and easier entry requirements.
- Portugal – Offers long-stay visas for retirees and digital nomads.
- Costa Rica – A tropical destination with relaxed residency options.
What You Should Do
✅ Canadian Travelers Staying Over 30 Days Should:
- Check if your intended stay exceeds the threshold
- Track travel days in the U.S. carefully
- Create an account: USCIS Online Account Creation
- Register online with DHS (when portal becomes active)
- Retain all travel documentation
- Track your entry and exit dates
- Consult with a U.S. immigration attorney
- Visit the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov
If unsure whether this rule applies to you, consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines or a qualified immigration attorney.
🔗 U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Traveler Information Hub
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead to Avoid Problems
For decades, Canadians enjoyed a relaxed border dynamic with the U.S. But as of April 11, 2025, that era is shifting.
Whether you’re a snowbird seeking sunshine, a professional with cross-border commitments, or a dual citizen spending time with family, it’s essential to understand this new rule.
A little preparation can save a lot of trouble at the border.
Why Consult Herman Legal Group About the New U.S. Registration Requirement?
Navigating immigration policies can be complex, especially with new regulations like the U.S. registration requirement for Canadian visitors. Misunderstanding the rules could lead to unnecessary delays, fines, or even travel restrictions. That’s why working with Herman Legal Group, a trusted immigration law firm with decades of experience, is your best choice.
Our knowledgeable attorneys stay ahead of changing immigration laws and can provide clear, tailored advice on how this requirement affects you. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a dual citizen, a business professional, or someone visiting family, we help ensure you meet all compliance requirements while minimizing any risks to your travel plans.
With personalized consultations, proactive legal strategies, and a commitment to client success, Herman Legal Group can help you confidently navigate this new policy. Don’t leave your travel status to chance—contact us today to get expert guidance and peace of mind.
📞 Call us at 216-696-6170 or 📩 Schedule a consultation online
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