New registration rules set for Canadian visitors staying over 30 days

Key Takeaways

• All foreign visitors, including Canadians, must register online for U.S. stays of 30 days or longer since April 11, 2025.
• Noncompliance can lead to fines up to $5,000, jail up to six months, or both, as per new DHS rules.
• U.S.-Canada land travel dropped over 30%; confusion and legal challenges persist as rules may change again in 2025.

The United States has started new rules requiring more Canadian visitors and other foreign nationals to register with the government if they stay in the country for 30 days or longer. These changes come after President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, called “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published details about these registration rules in March 2025, and the rules have been in force since April 11, 2025.

These steps are meant to help the U.S. keep better track of people coming from other countries, especially those who plan longer stays. The new policy has brought strong reactions, made travel across the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 border more difficult, and raised concerns for both travelers and legal experts.

Who Has to Register Under the New Rules

All foreign nationals—including Canadians—who want to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for 30 days or more now must complete an online registration with the Department of Homeland Security. This is different from earlier policies, which did not require Canadian visitors to register, especially those driving across the border and not getting a formal arrival/departure record called an I-94.

Here are the basic guidelines:

• Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or green card holder and who plans to spend 30 days or more in the United States 🇺🇸 must register.
• This rule also applies to most Canadians who cross into the country by car for long stays, including many “snowbirds”—retirees who spend winter months in warmer U.S. states.
• Children under age 14 must be registered by their parent or guardian. If a child turns 14 during their stay, they must re-register within 30 days of their birthday. At this point, fingerprinting may be required.
• Permanent residents of Canada 🇨🇦 who are not citizens might have to provide fingerprints, even for short visits.

The Department of Homeland Security has explained that these rules are aimed at improving security and making it easier to track who is in the country at any time. The rules are not just for Canadians; they apply to all foreign nationals who don’t fall under the exempt categories.

Who Doesn’t Have to Register: Key Exemptions

Many people are excluded from these new rules. Here’s a simple breakdown of who doesn’t have to register:

• U.S. lawful permanent residents (people with green cards)
• Nonimmigrant visa holders (those with student or work visas)
• People with parole (those given special temporary permission to enter)
• Anyone who has permission to work in the U.S.
• People already issued a Form I-94 when they entered (this is common for air travelers)
• NEXUS program members (trusted traveler program for U.S.-Canada 🇨🇦 crossings)
• Visa Waiver Program travelers

If you are in these categories, you are already “registered” in the eyes of the United States 🇺🇸 government, so these extra steps do not apply to you.

How the Registration Process Works

The process for registering is clear, but still feels new and confusing for many, especially Canadian visitors who never had to do this before.

Here are the steps you must follow:

1. Create an account on the USCIS website. This will be used for all your registration and updates.
2. Fill out Form G-325R online. On this form, you’ll have to provide your legal name, date and place of birth, the date and place you entered the United States 🇺🇸, your address and contact information, your current immigration status if you have one, and details about any criminal history.
3. Fingerprinting and other biometric requirements. At this time, most Canadians visiting by land for business or for tourism do not have to give fingerprints, according to the interim rules. However, this could change once the rules become final. Permanent residents of Canada 🇨🇦 who are not Canadian citizens may need to provide fingerprints, even if they enter by land.
4. Carry proof of registration. Anyone aged 18 or older who registers must carry proof of registration with them while in the U.S. This may be checked by officials if they are stopped or checked at any time during their stay.

For official information on how to register, you can visit the Department of Homeland Security’s official guidance.

It’s important to remember that if your information changes during your stay—such as your address—you must update your information online as soon as possible.

Penalties for Failing to Follow the Rules

These registration rules are not just suggestions—they are required by law, and the penalties for not following them can be serious. Anyone who is required to register but chooses not to, or who does not provide fingerprints as needed, can face:

• Fines up to $5,000,
• Up to six months in jail,
• Or both penalties, depending on the case.

These tough results are part of a larger push by President Trump’s administration to make immigration enforcement stricter. The Department of Homeland Security has told the public that noncompliance is now a high-priority offense that can bring both civil (financial) and criminal (jail) consequences. This has created worry and confusion among those who plan to stay in the country for longer periods.

Legal Disputes and Questions of Fairness

Since the registration rules were announced and began to take effect, many immigration advocacy groups have filed lawsuits to challenge them. Lawyers and advocates say the Department of Homeland Security moved ahead too quickly, without letting the public have enough input or time to get used to the changes.

Michelle Lapointe, legal director at the American Immigration Council, summarized what many feel by saying, “The regulations came out in a hurry… There still isn’t a lot of clarity on how you complete the process [and] who’s required…”

As of May 2025, these legal challenges are still moving through the court system. A federal judge has allowed the government to keep the rules in place while lawsuits continue. However, the judge has not yet ruled on whether the rules are fully legal or if they cross any lines. This means travelers face a lot of uncertainty during this period.

Impact on Travel and Canada-U.S. 🇨🇦🇺🇸 Relations

These registration rules have had clear effects on travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦. Canadian travel groups warn that the new policy has already led to fewer visits across the border. The policy seems to hit retirees—known as “snowbirds”—especially hard, as many spend months at a time in places like Florida.

Since the rules began, recent statistics show:

• Land travel from Canada 🇨🇦 to the United States 🇺🇸 is down by more than 30% over the previous year.
• Air travel from Canada 🇨🇦 is also down by about 13% compared to last year.

VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that many Canadians, worried about registration rules and the risk of penalties, are simply staying home or shortening their visits. This trend worries businesses and communities that depend on Canadian visitors for income, especially in states that see lots of snowbird traffic.

Besides making travel more difficult, the rules have also strained relations between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 more broadly. Some Canadian officials have complained about heavier checks at the border and new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, adding to the tension.

Common Questions and Ongoing Confusion

Confusion about the rules continues to be a problem for both travelers and legal advisors.

• Many Canadians are not sure if they need to register if they usually don’t get an I-94 record when driving across the border.
• Some who use different entry points are not clear which steps they must follow.
• Others are unsure about what counts as “living” in the country for 30 days or more, or if time spent in another part of North America counts toward that total.

Lawyers and government officials admit that not every question has an easy answer, especially since the Department of Homeland Security may update the rules again when the “interim” status is finished.

Table: Who Must Register and What’s Required

Here’s a simple chart to understand who must follow these registration rules and what’s required for each group:

*Certain non-citizen permanent residents of Canada may still be asked for fingerprints. Children who turn 14 during their trip will need fingerprints.

Extra Steps for Families and Long-Term Guests

The registration rules do not only affect adults. Families must watch out for special steps:

• Parents or guardians must register children under age 14.
• If a child turns 14 while in the United States 🇺🇸, he or she must be re-registered within 30 days of their birthday and provide fingerprints.
• Everyone 18 years and older must always have their proof of registration with them. Police or border agents might ask to see this proof at any time while you are in the country.

Not following these instructions can bring legal problems, so it is important to take each step seriously.

What to Do If You’re Planning a Visit

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident thinking about spending 30 days or more in the United States 🇺🇸, it is important to:

1. Check official resources for the latest rules before you travel. The U.S. Embassy in Canada’s website has clear details.
2. Register online and complete Form G-325R before your trip or soon after arriving, to avoid penalties.
3. Be sure to carry your proof of registration and update your information if you move.
4. If you are unsure about your situation—especially if you have a complicated background, travel often, or bring family—get help from a professional familiar with U.S. immigration.

Ongoing Uncertainty and What’s Next

Because the United States 🇺🇸 is acting under an interim rule, some details of the registration rules may change in the future. The Department of Homeland Security is still listening to feedback and may update its requirements later in 2025.

Meanwhile, travelers and legal experts hope for more clarity, better instructions, and perhaps some changes that would make cross-border visits easier for Canadian visitors, retirees, and students. Immigration advocates continue pushing the government to slow down, listen, and make the process less confusing.

Recap: What Canadian Visitors and Others Need to Remember

• If you’re staying in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than 30 days, you do not need to register.
• For stays of 30 days or more, online registration is required for most Canadians and other foreign nationals.
• Carry your proof of registration, and don’t miss fingerprint appointments if required.
• Penalties for noncompliance are serious and can hurt your ability to visit in the future.

As this situation develops, keeping informed and prepared is the best way to protect yourself and enjoy smooth travels. For the most up-to-date and official answers, visit trusted government sites or contact an immigration lawyer. Remember, the rules around registration are subject to change as legal cases and government policies evolve. Keeping an eye on resources like VisaVerge.com can help you stay aware of the latest updates and how they might affect your travel and stay in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → A U.S. government agency responsible for enforcing immigration and protecting national security, including border and travel regulations.
I-94 Arrival/Departure Record → An official document showing a visitor’s entry into and exit from the U.S., usually given to international air or sea travelers.
Snowbirds → Canadian retirees who temporarily relocate to southern U.S. states during winter months, often staying for extended periods.
Biometrics → Techniques involving fingerprinting or other physical identification required for certain U.S. immigration processes, especially for visitors or residents.
Form G-325R → An online registration form used by foreign nationals staying 30 days or longer in the U.S. to provide personal and immigration information.

This Article in a Nutshell

New U.S. rules now require Canadians and other foreign nationals to register online for stays exceeding 30 days. Implemented on April 11, 2025, these DHS rules include steep penalties for noncompliance and have caused confusion and legal challenges, significantly impacting cross-border travel and straining U.S.-Canada relations, especially for retirees.
— By VisaVerge.com

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