Canadian Snowbird Association Reacts as U.S. Adds Fingerprinting Rule

Key Takeaways

• Effective April 11, 2025, Canadians staying in the U.S. beyond 30 days must register using the myUSCIS online portal.
• Registration applies to individuals aged 14 and older, requires Form G-325R, but exempts Canadians from fingerprinting requirements under this policy.
• Non-compliance risks criminal or civil penalties, including fines or incarceration; travelers should verify registration and maintain documentation.

On March 12, 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced a new rule that will significantly impact Canadian visitors staying in the United States for extended periods. Effective April 11, 2025, Canadians who intend to remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days will be required to register with U.S. authorities. Although this regulation amounts to a stricter enforcement of existing legal obligations under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), its inconsistent application in the past has left many Canadians largely unaware of its implications.

Overview of the New Requirements

The interim final rule submitted to the Federal Register underscores the new obligations and clarifies specific requirements for Canadians. These include:

1. Mandatory Registration: Canadians planning to stay in the U.S. beyond 30 days must complete the registration process.
2. Age Limit: Individuals aged 14 and older fall under this rule.
3. Fingerprinting Exemption: Unlike most other foreign nationals, Canadians are exempt from mandatory fingerprinting, recognizing the close relationship between the two countries.
4. Implementation Date: The regulation will apply from April 11, 2025.

These measures aim to align Canadian travelers with the INA’s broader registration requirements for all noncitizens, ensuring regulatory compliance while maintaining the unique bilateral relationship the two nations share.

How the Registration Process Works

The Department of Homeland Security has established a straightforward process to ensure Canadians can meet the new requirement while minimizing procedural barriers. To comply, Canadian travelers must:

1. Access the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) myUSCIS online portal.
2. Create an account through the system.
3. Complete the newly released Form G-325R designed specifically for this process.
4. Submit the completed form via the online platform.

It is worth noting that this process does not equate to applying for a traditional visa. Registration under this policy exclusively fulfills the INA statute requiring noncitizens aged 14 and above to register within 30 days of entering the country.

Key Implications for Different Groups of Travelers

The new requirement is expected to alter travel dynamics for several groups of Canadians, especially those accustomed to spending extended spans of time in the United States.

1. Snowbirds: Perhaps the most affected will be Canadian retirees who flock to warmer states like Florida and Arizona during the winter. The Canadian Snowbird Association has expressed deep concern about this rule, noting its potential to create additional bureaucratic obstacles for thousands of retirees.

2. Business Travelers: Canadians undertaking long-term work assignments in the U.S. will now encounter more administrative procedures as part of their stays.

3. Family Visitors: For Canadians visiting family members for over 30 days, the regulation will add logistical challenges in ensuring compliance.

While short-term travelers and those entering for day trips will remain unaffected, these groups account for a substantial portion of the estimated 2.2 to 3.2 million individuals the DHS anticipates this policy will impact annually.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Despite its focus on registration over broader immigration controls, this new rule carries potential penalties for non-compliance. Officials from the USCIS have indicated that failing to fulfill the registration requirement could lead to:

• Criminal or civil penalties, including prosecution under misdemeanor statutes.
• Monetary fines.
• In extreme cases, incarceration.

The government has not yet released precise details on enforcement mechanisms, but it is clear that non-compliance could bring significant complications for affected travelers.

Broader Context of the U.S.-Canada Relationship

The introduction of this policy arrives at a time of noticeable tension in U.S.-Canada relations. On the same day the DHS submitted the new rule for publication, Canada announced $21 billion in new tariffs targeting American products, escalating long-standing trade disputes. Compounding these trade issues, President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks suggesting that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state have sparked public backlash among Canadians.

This strained bilateral climate highlights how domestic immigration policy shifts can sometimes extend beyond their immediate regulatory scope, feeding larger political and economic dynamics. These developments have already prompted some Canadians to reconsider their travel plans, according to reports from affected communities.

For example, seasonal RV resorts in Arizona—popularly frequented by Canadian residents—have begun to notice hesitancy among guests. As reported by VisaVerge.com, some snowbirds openly question whether they will continue their annual migrations in light of these new rules.

Steps for Travelers to Navigate the Process

To reduce confusion surrounding the new requirements, Canadian travelers should take proactive steps to ensure they comply. The following guidelines prove especially critical:

1. Verify Registration Status: Those already in the U.S. upon the rule’s implementation should check their registration status through the new myUSCIS portal.
2. Request an I-94 Document: Canadians entering U.S. borders for visits longer than 30 days should explicitly request an I-94 form—a document provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—upon arriving in the country.
3. Maintain Documentation: Always keep proof of completed registration and supporting documents readily available during extended stays.
4. Stay Alert for Updates: Monitor updates posted on official government sites, such as those provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, for any further changes in regulation.

These preparations will help Canadian travelers avoid the potentially steep penalties and sudden disruptions associated with non-compliance.

Exemptions and Special Cases

While broadly applied, the rule provides certain exemptions and caveats worth noting:

• Minors Under 14: Children below the age of 14 remain naturally exempt from the registration requirement. Parents or guardians, however, remain responsible for ensuring compliance on behalf of minors accompanying them.
• Biometric Exemptions: Canadians entering by land for business or tourism are exempt from biometric (e.g., fingerprinting) requirements. However, these travelers must still register under the newly introduced system if their stays exceed 30 days.
• Air Travel Exceptions: Travelers arriving via air are often issued I-94 or I-94W forms, which may fulfill “registration equivalent” conditions.

These exceptions provide some flexibility within the rigid boundaries of the overarching policy.

Unresolved Questions and Future Developments

Taken as a whole, the new rule marks a pivotal moment in shaping U.S.-Canada border procedures. Even so, lingering uncertainties surrounding its execution remain:

1. Online Systems: While the USCIS announced plans for the myUSCIS online portal, the system is still under development as of March 13, 2025.
2. Nexus Cardholders: Nexus cardholders benefit from expedited processing at U.S.-Canada borders. Yet, it is uncertain whether these trusted travelers will receive exemptions or expedited registration under the new rule.
3. Advocacy by the Canadian Snowbird Association: Ongoing lobbying efforts may lead to policy exemptions or alterations, particularly benefiting retired Canadians.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, the April 11, 2025, requirement for Canadians intending to stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days adds a new layer of accountability to cross-border travel. While the exemption from fingerprinting offers some relief, the rule nonetheless introduces administrative obligations that groups such as snowbirds and long-term visitors must carefully navigate. By staying informed of registration requirements and monitoring legal adjustments, travelers can avoid penalties and ensure that their U.S. experiences remain smooth and compliant.

For further details, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services official portal. As this policy begins to influence travel patterns and bilateral ties, the broader implications will continue to unfold, shaping the longstanding relationship between the neighboring nations.

Learn Today

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. government agency responsible for public security, including immigration and border enforcement policies.
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) → A foundational U.S. law establishing rules for immigration, visas, and registration of foreign nationals.
myUSCIS online portal → A digital platform provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for managing immigration-related applications and registrations.
I-94 Document → A U.S. Customs and Border Protection form documenting noncitizens’ entry and authorized duration of stay in the United States.
Biometric Exemptions → Exceptions from procedures like fingerprinting, applied here to Canadians entering the U.S. for tourism or business trips.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting April 11, 2025, Canadians staying in the U.S. beyond 30 days must register with U.S. authorities via myUSCIS. Exempt from fingerprinting, they’ll complete Form G-325R online. Non-compliance risks fines or penalties. Snowbirds and long-term visitors should prepare for this new rule to ensure smooth travel and compliance with U.S. regulations.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• DHS Launches Migrant Registry, Requiring Fingerprinting and Proof
• USCIS Shares Final Rules on Who Must File Alien Registration
• Trump Administration Introduces Rule Requiring Migrants to Register
• Canadian Snowbirds Required to Provide Fingerprints for U.S. Travel
• DHS Launches New Registration Rule, Penalties for Noncompliance