Effective April 11, 2025, Canadians planning to stay in the United States for more than 30 days will be required to register with U.S. immigration authorities.
Renewed enforcement of this existing immigration law aligns with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure compliance, specifically with Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The enforcement of this registration requirement coincides with heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada, including trade disputes and tariffs. These developments have led to a notable decrease in Canadian travel to the U.S., with a 23% drop in driving trips reported in February compared to the same month last year.
Section 262 of the INA requires all foreign nationals aged 14 and older who intend to remain in the United States for 30 days or longer to register with the government. Historically, this requirement has not been consistently enforced for Canadians entering via land borders. Under the new directive, affected individuals must create an account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and complete the registration process. While the law includes a fingerprinting provision, Canadian non-immigrant visitors are exempt from this requirement.
This policy change significantly impacts Canadian “snowbirds,” retirees who spend extended periods in warmer U.S. states like Florida during the winter months. Florida alone welcomed nearly 3.3 million Canadian visitors in 2024, with many staying beyond the 30-day threshold.
The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), representing approximately one million Canadians who travel south annually, has expressed concern over the new requirement. The association is actively working with congressional representatives to amend the registration mandate and seek exemptions for Canadian travelers.
Individual reactions among Canadian snowbirds vary. Some, like Greg Cyfko from Windsor, Ontario, who has wintered in Panama City Beach since 2017, view the registration as a minor inconvenience. Cyfko compares it to international travel health requirements, stating, “This is really very small potatoes compared to having to go… do all the forms and vaccinations to go to a country that requires immunization.”
Conversely, others express frustration and concern. Jean-Guy Seguin, a Canadian property owner in Florida, finds the new rules disappointing and notes that some Canadians are contemplating selling their U.S. properties. “A lot of Canadians that we’ve been in touch with over the last couple of days have considered simply selling their property and moving elsewhere to spend their winters just because they are concerned,” Seguin remarked.
Canadians planning extended stays in the U.S. are advised to verify their registration status. Travelers can check for an electronic Form I-94, which serves as proof of legal entry and registration, by visiting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. If an I-94 was not issued upon entry, individuals must register with USCIS by creating an online account and completing Form G-325R.
Failure to comply with the registration requirement may result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution. Canadian citizens are encouraged to consult the USCIS website for detailed instructions and to ensure adherence to U.S. immigration laws during their stay.
