Key Takeaways
• DHS updates require visa-exempt Canadians staying 30+ days to register by June 9, 2025.
• Foreign nationals entering without inspection and those turning 14 after 30+ days must register.
• Failure to comply may result in fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rolled out major changes to registration requirements for foreign nationals in the United States 🇺🇸, with the most recent update taking effect on June 9, 2025. These changes affect a wide range of people, including certain Canadian nationals, undocumented individuals, and children of foreign nationals. The new rules are part of a broader effort to strengthen the tracking of foreign nationals in the country, following both long-standing laws and recent executive actions.
Who is affected? The new requirements apply to visa-exempt Canadian nationals staying over 30 days, foreign nationals who entered the United States 🇺🇸 without inspection, and foreign nationals turning 14 years old who have been in the country for more than 30 days. The changes are designed to close gaps in the existing system and ensure that all foreign nationals who remain in the United States 🇺🇸 for extended periods are properly registered and accounted for.
Why now? The Department of Homeland Security’s move comes after President Trump’s Executive Order 14159, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” which directed DHS to enforce registration requirements under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The new rules also update a law from 1940 that has long required foreign nationals to register and be fingerprinted if they stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than 30 days.
Let’s break down what these changes mean, who needs to take action, and what steps are required to stay compliant.
Key Changes to Registration Requirements
On June 9, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security amended the existing rule that required certain foreign nationals to register their physical presence in the United States 🇺🇸. This follows the Interim Final Rule (IFR) that took effect on April 11, 2025, which set up a new online registration process for specific groups of foreign nationals.
The main goal is to make sure that all foreign nationals who stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than 30 days are registered, as required by law. The changes also make it easier for authorities to track who is in the country and for how long.
Who Must Register Under the New Rules?
The updated registration requirements apply to three main groups:
1. Visa-exempt Canadian nationals: Canadians who enter the United States 🇺🇸 for business or tourism at a land port of entry, do not receive a Form I-94, and stay for 30 days or more must now register.
2. Foreign nationals who entered without inspection (EWI): Anyone who entered the United States 🇺🇸 without going through an official border checkpoint and plans to stay for 30 days or more must register.
3. Foreign nationals turning 14 years old: Anyone who has been in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than 30 days and is turning 14 must register, even if they were previously exempt or already registered in another way.
Secretary Noem announced on April 11, 2025, that foreign nationals who were already in the United States 🇺🇸 for 30 days or more before the rule took effect were required to register “immediately.”
Who Is Already Registered or Exempt?
Not everyone needs to register under the new rules. Most foreign nationals who entered the United States 🇺🇸 legally and received certain documents are already considered registered. These documents include:
- Immigrant or non-immigrant visa issued by a U.S. Consulate
- Green card (permanent resident card)
- I-94 admission record
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Humanitarian parole under INA 212(d)(5), even if expired
- Notice to Appear (NTA) for deportation proceedings
- Border crossing card
Some groups are also exempt from registration:
- Diplomats holding A or G visas
- Individuals in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than 30 days
- Certain Native Americans born in Canada 🇨🇦 who entered under INA Section 289
If you have one of the documents listed above or fall into an exempt group, you do not need to register again.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
For those who must register, the Department of Homeland Security has set up a clear process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Create a USCIS online account
Each person, including children, must have their own account. You can do this on the USCIS website. - Complete Form G-325R online
This is the Biographic Information (Registration) form. It must be filled out and submitted through your USCIS account. You can find the official Form G-325R here. -
Attend a biometrics appointment
Most people will need to go to a USCIS office to have their fingerprints and photo taken. This is to confirm your identity and run background checks. -
Download proof of registration
After you finish the process, you can download and print your “Proof of Alien Registration” document from your myUSCIS account.
Important details:
– No filing fee: There is no cost to file Form G-325R or to attend the biometrics appointment.
– Attorney accounts: Lawyers cannot use their own online accounts to register for clients. Each person must use their own account.
– Form availability: Form G-325R is already available on the myUSCIS website.
Special Rules for Children and Parents
Children under 14 years old must be registered by a parent or guardian. There are some special rules for children who entered the United States 🇺🇸 on a nonimmigrant visa (like H-4 or L-2) when they were under 14:
- Fingerprinting at age 14: Children must complete fingerprinting within 30 days of their 14th birthday.
- Green card holders under 14: If a child becomes a lawful permanent resident before turning 14, they must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday and file an I-90 application for a new green card.
- Carrying proof: Only people 18 years and older are required to carry proof of registration at all times.
Parents should pay close attention to these rules to avoid penalties and make sure their children remain in compliance.
Compliance Requirements and Penalties
Once registered, foreign nationals must follow certain rules to stay compliant:
- Carry proof of registration
If you are 18 years or older, you must carry your proof of registration at all times. -
Report address changes
You must tell the Department of Homeland Security about any change of address within 10 days of moving. This can be done online through your USCIS account.
Penalties for not following the rules are serious:
- Failure to register: Up to $5,000 fine or 6 months in jail.
- Failure to carry proof of registration: Misdemeanor with up to $5,000 fine or 30 days in jail.
- Failure to report address changes: Misdemeanor with up to $5,000 fine or 30 days in jail.
These penalties show how important it is to follow the new registration requirements closely.
Timeline of Implementation
Here’s a quick look at the key dates for these changes:
- March 12, 2025: DHS published the Interim Final Rule.
- April 11, 2025: The rule took effect.
- April 11, 2025: Deadline for public comments on the regulation.
- May 12, 2025: Deadline for comments on the new Form G-325R.
- June 9, 2025: DHS issued amendments to the registration requirements.
These dates are important for anyone affected by the new rules, especially those who may have missed earlier deadlines.
What Does This Mean for Different Groups?
The new registration requirements have different effects on various groups. Here’s what you need to know:
Employers
If you employ foreign nationals, especially Canadians who often cross the border for work, it’s important to make sure your employees understand the new rules. Employers should help workers keep track of their stay in the United States 🇺🇸 and remind them to register if they will be here for more than 30 days.
Canadian Visitors
Canadians who enter the United States 🇺🇸 by land usually do not receive an I-94 form. Under the new rules, they must now keep track of how long they stay and register if they are here for more than 30 days. This is a big change for many Canadians who are used to coming and going without much paperwork.
Undocumented Individuals
The new rules are mainly aimed at people who entered the United States 🇺🇸 without inspection. While the registration process itself does not give any legal status, it does mean that more information about undocumented individuals will be available to authorities. This could raise concerns about possible enforcement actions in the future. Anyone in this situation should talk to an immigration lawyer before registering.
Parents of Foreign National Children
Parents need to know when their children must register, especially as they approach their 14th birthday. Missing the deadline could lead to penalties or problems with future immigration applications.
What Registration Does—and Does Not—Do
It’s important to understand that registering under these new rules does not give you any new immigration status. It does not make you a lawful permanent resident, give you a visa, or protect you from removal (deportation). Registration is simply a way for the Department of Homeland Security to keep track of who is in the United States 🇺🇸 and where they are living.
If you are not in lawful status, registering does not fix your immigration situation. In fact, you should speak with an immigration attorney before registering to understand any risks or consequences.
How to Stay Informed and Compliant
The Department of Homeland Security has made it clear that these rules will be strictly enforced. To avoid penalties, make sure you:
- Know if you are required to register
- Complete the registration process on time
- Carry your proof of registration if you are 18 or older
- Report any address changes within 10 days
You can find more information and official updates on the USCIS Registration Requirements page.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a larger push to modernize the way the United States 🇺🇸 tracks foreign nationals and to close loopholes that have existed for decades.
Practical Steps for Foreign Nationals
If you think you might be affected by these new rules, here’s what you should do right away:
- Check your documents: If you have a visa, green card, I-94, or other official document, you may already be registered.
- Count your days: If you are a Canadian national or entered without inspection, keep track of how long you have been in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Register online: If you need to register, create a USCIS account and fill out Form G-325R as soon as possible.
- Attend your biometrics appointment: Don’t miss your fingerprinting appointment if required.
- Download and carry proof: If you are 18 or older, always carry your proof of registration.
- Update your address: Report any changes within 10 days.
Final Thoughts
The Department of Homeland Security’s new registration requirements mark a major change for many foreign nationals in the United States 🇺🇸. While the process is straightforward for most, the penalties for missing a step are serious. Employers, parents, and individuals should all take time to understand the new rules and make sure they are in compliance.
For more details and the latest updates, visit the official USCIS registration requirements page.
If you are unsure about your situation, especially if you do not have lawful status, it is wise to speak with an immigration attorney before taking any action. Staying informed and acting quickly is the best way to avoid problems and keep your stay in the United States 🇺🇸 on the right track.
Learn Today
Department of Homeland Security → U.S. federal agency overseeing national security and immigration enforcement.
Visa-exempt Canadian nationals → Canadians allowed entry without a visa for short stays, now required to register after 30 days.
Form G-325R → USCIS biographic information form used for registering foreign nationals under new DHS rules.
Biometrics appointment → Scheduled visit for fingerprinting and photo capture to confirm identity for DHS records.
Notice to Appear (NTA) → Government document initiating removal proceedings against a foreign national in the U.S.
This Article in a Nutshell
The DHS has introduced new registration rules for foreign nationals, effective June 9, 2025. Canadians staying over 30 days, undocumented entrants, and teens turning 14 must register. The measure increases tracking and enforces serious penalties, ensuring compliance with federal law regarding extended stays in the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com
