New U.S. Registration Rule for Canadian Visitors Staying 30+ Days

A major change has arrived for Canadian visitors to the United States 🇺🇸, starting April 11, 2025. The U.S. government now requires many Canadians staying in the country for 30 days or more to register online with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This new alien registration rule marks a significant shift in how Canadians are treated under U.S. immigration law, especially for those who have long enjoyed easier border crossings and fewer paperwork requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what this means for Canadians planning extended stays in the United States 🇺🇸.

Summary of What Changed

As of April 11, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 has begun enforcing a new alien registration rule for Canadian visitors. This rule requires Canadians who plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more to register online with USCIS, unless they were already issued a Form I-94 at entry. The change comes after President Trump’s executive order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” issued on January 20, 2025, which directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strictly enforce alien registration requirements for all foreign nationals, including Canadians.

The DHS published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) on March 12, 2025, making the new registration process effective from April 11, 2025. This update is based on the Alien Registration Act of 1940, which is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically Section 262. While the law has existed for decades, it was rarely enforced for Canadians, especially those entering by land. Now, the U.S. government is applying these rules more strictly.

Who Is Affected by the New Rule?

The new registration rule affects a specific group of Canadian visitors:

• All Canadian visitors staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more who have not already registered must complete the process.
• Canadians who were issued a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) when they entered the U.S. are considered already registered and do not need to take further action.
• Canadians who did not receive a Form I-94—which is common for those entering by land or ferry without a visa—must register online if they plan to stay 30 days or longer.
• Children under 14 must register. When they turn 14 while in the U.S., they must re-register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of their birthday.
• Canadians entering by air may also be affected if they were not issued a Form I-94.
• Trusted traveler programs (like NEXUS or Global Entry) do not exempt Canadians from this registration if they are staying 30 days or more without an I-94.

This rule is especially important for “snowbirds”—Canadians who spend the winter months in the United States 🇺🇸—and other long-term visitors who often enter by land and may not receive a Form I-94.

Effective Dates and Deadlines

• The rule took effect on April 11, 2025.
• Canadians who are already in the U.S. and reach 30 days of stay after this date must register as soon as possible.
• For new arrivals, the 30-day period starts from the most recent date of entry into the United States 🇺🇸.
• Children turning 14 while in the U.S. must re-register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of their birthday.

Required Actions for Canadian Visitors

If you are a Canadian visitor planning to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for 30 days or more, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check if you have a Form I-94:
   • If you were issued a Form I-94 at entry, you are already registered and do not need to take further action.
   • You can check your I-94 status online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
2. If you do not have a Form I-94 and plan to stay 30+ days:
   • You must register online with USCIS using Form G-325R.
   • Registration is completed through the USCIS web-based portal.
   • There is no fee for this registration.

1. Complete the Registration Process:
   • Create an account on the USCIS portal.
   • Fill out and submit Form G-325R online.
   • After submitting, download and print your Proof of Alien Registration document.
   • Carry the printed proof with you during your stay in the United States 🇺🇸, as it is not yet clear if digital copies are accepted.
2. Special Steps for Children:
   • Children under 14 must register.
   • When a child turns 14 while in the U.S., they must re-register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of their birthday.
3. Register Before the 30-Day Deadline:
   • You must register before your 30th day in the United States 🇺🇸, or as soon as possible if you have already passed that point.

What Happens If You Don’t Register?

Failing to register after 30 days in the United States 🇺🇸 is now a civil and criminal enforcement priority. This means you could face penalties, including fines or even removal from the country. The U.S. government has made it clear that it will take non-compliance seriously, so it is important to follow the new rule if you are affected.

How the 30-Day Rule Works

• The 30-day period is counted from your most recent entry into the United States 🇺🇸.
• If you make several short visits, each less than 30 days, these do not add up. Only a single stay of 30 days or more triggers the registration requirement.
• If you leave the U.S. and re-enter, the 30-day count starts over from your new entry date.

Practical Implications for Canadian Visitors

This new rule changes the experience for many Canadian visitors, especially those who:

• Spend winters in the United States 🇺🇸 (snowbirds)
• Visit family for extended periods
• Enter the U.S. by land or ferry and do not receive a Form I-94
• Are children or teenagers who may need to re-register and provide fingerprints

For these groups, the new registration process adds an extra step that was not required before. While the process is free and can be completed online, it does require attention to deadlines and paperwork.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Reactions

The new alien registration rule has sparked a range of reactions:

• Immigration attorneys warn that the policy could strain U.S.-Canada 🇨🇦 relations. Canadians have long enjoyed easier border crossings, and this new rule introduces more paperwork and potential confusion.
• The U.S. government says the change is necessary to enforce existing laws and protect national security. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the move is part of a broader effort to ensure that all foreign nationals are properly documented during their stays.
• The Canadian government has issued travel advisories to inform citizens about the new requirements and encourage compliance. They are also monitoring the impact on cross-border travel and may raise concerns in ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Step-by-Step Guide for Affected Canadians

Here’s a simple checklist for Canadians who may be affected by the new rule:

• Step 1: Check if you were issued a Form I-94 when you entered the United States 🇺🇸. If yes, you do not need to register again.
• Step 2: If you do not have a Form I-94 and plan to stay 30 days or more, go to the USCIS registration portal.
• Step 3: Create an account and fill out Form G-325R online.
• Step 4: Submit the form and download your Proof of Alien Registration.
• Step 5: Print the proof and keep it with you during your stay.
• Step 6: If you turn 14 while in the U.S., re-register and provide fingerprints within 30 days of your birthday.
• Step 7: Make sure to register before your 30th day in the United States 🇺🇸.

Key Details to Remember

• No fee is charged for the registration process.
• Canadians do not need to provide fingerprints when registering online, unless they turn 14 while in the U.S.
• The process is entirely online and can be completed from any device with internet access.
• Carry a printed copy of your Proof of Alien Registration, as it is not clear if digital copies are accepted by U.S. authorities.
• Trusted traveler programs do not exempt you from this requirement if you are staying 30 days or more without a Form I-94.

Implications for Pending and Future Applications

If you are a Canadian visitor who has already applied for a change of status, extension of stay, or another immigration benefit with USCIS, you should still complete the alien registration if you meet the 30-day rule and were not issued a Form I-94. Not registering could affect your pending application or future eligibility for U.S. immigration benefits.

For those planning to apply for a visa, green card, or other status in the future, following the new rule will help avoid problems. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may check your compliance with the alien registration rule when reviewing your application.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• The USCIS Alien Registration Requirements page provides official instructions and access to Form G-325R.
• The CBP I-94 website lets you check your I-94 status online.
• The U.S. Embassy in Canada offers FAQs and guidance for Canadian visitors.
• For questions or help, you can contact USCIS or visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Canada 🇨🇦.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Canadian Visitors?

The Department of Homeland Security and USCIS are expected to continue refining the registration process. There may be updates about whether digital proof is accepted, or changes to fingerprinting requirements for certain age groups. Ongoing talks between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 may also address concerns about how the rule affects cross-border travel and the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

For now, Canadians planning to spend 30 days or more in the United States 🇺🇸 should pay close attention to the new rule, register on time, and keep proof of registration with them. This will help avoid problems at the border or during their stay.

Actionable Takeaways for Canadian Visitors

• Plan ahead: If you expect to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for 30 days or more, check your I-94 status and be ready to register online.
• Register early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Register as soon as you know you’ll reach the 30-day mark.
• Keep proof handy: Always carry a printed copy of your Proof of Alien Registration.
• Stay informed: Watch for updates from USCIS and the Canadian government about any changes to the process.
• Comply with all requirements: This will help you avoid penalties and keep your travel plans on track.

For more information and to start your registration, visit the official USCIS page for Form G-325R.

This new alien registration rule is a big change for Canadian visitors, but with careful attention and timely action, you can stay compliant and enjoy your time in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Form I-94 → An Arrival/Departure Record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection documenting foreign visitors’ entries and exits.
Alien Registration → A legal requirement for certain foreign nationals to register with U.S. immigration authorities during extended stays.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration benefits and alien registration.
Form G-325R → The online alien registration form Canadian visitors without Form I-94 must complete for stays over 30 days.
Trusted Traveler Programs → Programs like NEXUS or Global Entry that facilitate expedited U.S. border crossings but don’t exempt registration here.

This Article in a Nutshell

From April 11, 2025, Canadian visitors staying 30 days or longer in the U.S. without Form I-94 must register online with USCIS, marking stricter enforcement of alien registration rules and affecting snowbirds and other long-term travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com