As of April 11, 2025, Canadians who plan to stay in the United States for 30 days or more must now register with the U.S. government. This new requirement is part of updated U.S. immigration policies and could impact many snowbirds and extended-stay visitors.
What’s Changing?
In the past, Canadian visitors often entered the U.S. through land borders without being issued a Form I-94 (a U.S. entry record). But with the latest executive order, Canadians who stay for more than 30 days must now ensure they are registered—even if they didn’t receive an I-94 when crossing the border.
What You Need to Do
If you’re staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more, here are the steps to follow:
Check Your I-94 Status:
Visit i94.cbp.dhs.gov to see if you have an active I-94 record for your current trip.If You Don’t Have an I-94:
You’ll need to register online with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).Create a USCIS Account:
Sign up at my.uscis.govComplete Form G-325R:
Log in to your USCIS account and fill out the Form G-325R, a new registration form for extended visitors.Get Your Proof of Registration:
After submitting the form, you’ll receive a digital “Proof of Alien Registration” in your USCIS account. Keep this document with you while in the U.S.
Note: Canadians not seeking permanent residency or immigration status do not need to be fingerprinted.
Why This Matters
Failing to comply with these new rules could lead to civil or criminal penalties. The U.S. government is increasing enforcement, so snowbirds and long-term visitors should take this seriously to avoid disruptions or legal issues.
We recommend all Canadians planning extended stays in the U.S. review their travel plans and stay informed as policies continue to evolve.
For more information on this policy, visit the USCIS Alien Registration page.
