Key Takeaways
- DHS will enforce a visitor registration law from April 11, 2025, for foreign nationals staying in the U.S. over 30 days.
- Canadians entering by land without an I-94 form must register online via USCIS, including biometric data for those aged 14+.
- Non-compliance risks fines up to $5,000, six months imprisonment, or both; registered visitors must carry proof at all times.
On March 9, 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intention to enforce a visitor registration law starting April 11, 2025. This law targets foreign nationals, including Canadian citizens, who stay in the U.S. for over 30 days. This development, stemming from President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” signifies a notable shift in the travel relationship between the U.S. 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦. The law obliges certain visitors to register with the U.S. government under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and its effects will be far-reaching.
Who Does the Law Affect?
The visitor registration law applies to all foreign nationals, including Canadians, who remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days. However, exemptions exist for travelers who are issued an electronic Form I-94 admission record at U.S. airports, a document many international travelers receive upon arrival.
The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), a group that represents approximately one million “snowbirds”—Canadians who spend winter in warmer U.S. regions—has drawn attention to how this law will specifically impact those traveling by land into the U.S. Land border entrants, who are typically not issued an I-94 form, are among the most heavily affected by this enforcement.
Key Timelines and Details You Need to Know
Understanding the timeline and requirements of this law is essential for travelers to ensure compliance. Key dates and details include:
- Implementation Date: Enforcement begins April 11, 2025. This means those entering the U.S. on or after this date for more than 30 days must adhere to the registration requirements.
- Preparation Period: DHS has provided Canadian visitors and other affected foreign nationals with approximately one month to prepare, creating their accounts with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and familiarizing themselves with the new system.
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Registration Requirements: Starting February 25, 2025, individuals can set up a USCIS online account. The process will involve filling out Form G-325R, a new Alien Registration Form introduced to comply with section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Instructions for this step remain to be fully developed and shared by the USCIS.
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Biometric Data: The registration may require biometric information, such as fingerprints. According to the DHS, those aged 14 and older who have not submitted fingerprints or been registered during a previous U.S. visa application must complete this step.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this new registration law carries significant penalties, underscoring the importance of understanding and adhering to its requirements. Individuals who fail to meet these obligations may face:
- Criminal Penalties: Non-compliant visitors risk imprisonment for up to six months.
- Civil Penalties: Potential fines of up to $5,000 may be imposed.
- Dual Penalty Risk: Some individuals could face both imprisonment and fines.
These tough penalties underline how seriously the U.S. government is taking this enforcement push, making adherence a critical part of any extended stay planning for Canadians.
Registered individuals aged 18 and older must also carry proof of registration on their person at all times while they are in the United States. Failing to do so could also result in legal challenges or additional fines.
Implications for Canadian Travelers
Canadian travelers—including the large number of snowbirds—will likely feel the greatest impact of this law. The enforcement timetable and the mechanics of land-border crossings pose particular challenges. Among the key effects:
- Snowbird Challenges: Many of the one million Canadian snowbirds regularly staying in the U.S. for months on end will need to adjust their travel habits to comply with this law. For those entering the U.S. at land borders, the absence of an issued I-94 form will compel them to proactively complete the registration online.
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Changes in Travel Preparation: Travelers planning to stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days will now need to consider the registration process a key part of their preparations. This adds a layer of complexity to otherwise routine travel plans.
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Land Border Crossings: The lack of I-94 forms for most land-border entries means Canadian travelers will have to ensure they register themselves. This represents a major change in protocol traditionally associated with seamless land-border crossings between Canada and the U.S.
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Verification: Visitors should verify whether they were issued an I-94 form at entry by visiting the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home. This is an essential first step for understanding whether further action is required.
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Advocacy by CSA and Canadian Government: The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) has vowed to provide its members with updates as they become available, signaling an active response to the law’s enforcement. Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada has publicly stated its awareness of the issue and declared its commitment to monitoring developments closely.
Wider Context and Controversy
This registration law is a departure from the historically open movement of people between Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸. Over the years, the ease of crossing the border has become a hallmark of the two nations’ friendship. However, the shift toward enforcing stricter registration practices is largely driven by broader policymaking from the Trump administration.
When President Trump signed the “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” executive order on January 20, 2025, it marked a policy decision aimed at stricter obligations on foreign nationals. While proponents argue that enforcing such laws improves accountability for foreign visitors and their movements in the U.S., critics, including advocacy groups like the CSA, argue it imposes undue hardship on groups like snowbirds, who have long followed legal processes.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the move raises questions about balancing national security interests with maintaining friendly bilateral relations between neighboring countries. This concern ensures the focus will remain on how effectively Canadian travelers adapt to these requirements and whether advocacy efforts by groups like the CSA bear fruit.
Advocacy and Implementation Uncertainties
The Canadian Snowbird Association is leading efforts to amend or exempt Canadian citizens from this law’s requirements. According to CSA representatives, they are actively engaging with U.S. Congressional leaders to address the disproportionate impact of this policy on Canadian visitors.
In the meantime, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has yet to activate the full online registration portal. This delay has left travelers with uncertainties only weeks before the enforcement date. Additional policies or updates on the law’s implementation may emerge as this critical date draws nearer.
Advice for Travelers
As the April 11 deadline approaches, compliance remains essential for Canadians who plan to stay in the U.S. for longer periods:
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates from DHS, USCIS, and Global Affairs Canada to ensure you have the latest information.
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Prepare Early: Create a USCIS online account before traveling and complete as much of the registration protocol as possible ahead of your trip.
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Verify I-94 Form Status: Use the official link to determine whether you were issued an I-94 upon entry into the U.S.
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Carry Proof of Registration: Once registered, ensure you carry proof with you at all times while in the U.S.
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Seek Clarifications: If unclear about any aspect of the new regulation, consult official government websites or organizations like the CSA for guidance.
Final Thoughts
The enforcement of this visitor registration law underscores a pivotal change in the regulatory environment governing U.S.-Canada travel. Its impact is particularly significant for Canadians who frequently travel for extended stays, including the sizable snowbird population. Beyond individual preparation for compliance, this policy has stirred ongoing diplomatic discussions, with efforts to mitigate unnecessary disruptions for Canadian visitors.
Moving forward, travelers must remain proactive. By understanding the requirements, adhering to key deadlines, and staying connected to trusted organizations such as the Canadian Snowbird Association, they can ensure a smoother transition into this new travel landscape while minimizing potential legal and financial risks.
Learn Today
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. government agency responsible for public security, including immigration, border control, and customs enforcement.
Form I-94 → An official document issued to some travelers upon entry to the U.S., recording arrival and departure details.
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) → A foundational U.S. law governing immigration and citizenship policies, including visitor registration and visa requirements.
Biometric Information → Unique personal identifiers, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, collected to confirm an individual’s identity.
Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) → Organization representing Canadian citizens who spend extended periods in warmer regions, particularly in the United States, during winter.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting April 11, 2025, Canadians staying in the U.S. over 30 days must register online, aligning with new DHS requirements. Land-border travelers, including snowbirds, face added steps without I-94 forms. Non-compliance risks fines or jail. Stay informed, register early, and carry proof—key moves ensuring seamless U.S. visits under this evolving policy.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• DHS Launches New Registration Rule, Penalties for Noncompliance
• Preventing Glitches: How to Make Electronic Registration Systems Reliable
• Who Must Have an Alien Registration Number? Here’s What to Know
• U.S. Revives Alien Registration Requirement, Impacting Millions Nationwide
• H-1B Registration Checklist
