New Policy Change To Affect Canadians Planning Extended US Visits

Some Canadians planning extended U.S. visits will need to submit to registration, per an interim final rule expected to take effect April 11.

Quick Takes

An interim final rule will require Canadians staying over 30 days in the U.S. and arriving by car to register starting April 11.
The initial draft rule indicated Canadians would also need to submit to fingerprinting, but the interim final rule said they would be exempt from this provision.
The policy primarily impacts Canadian “snowbirds” who winter in warmer U.S. states.
Affected travelers would need to carry proof of registration at all times.
Travelers who are given an I-94 document are considered to be registered.
The change comes amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.

Registration Requirements for Extended Stays

The Department of Homeland Security plans to toughen up enforcement of a long-standing law, requiring Canadians who stay in the United States for more than 30 days after arriving by car to register with authorities. An interim final rule requires Canadian citizens over 14 years old to create an account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services , starting on April 11. While this regulation has technically been on the books for years, it represents a significant departure from the historical practice of exempting most Canadian nationals from such requirements.

Travelers affected by this change will need to provide extensive biographic information including phone numbers, date of birth, current address, family information, criminal records, and immigration history. Additionally, the rule mandates that noncitizens over 18 must carry proof of this registration at all times while in the United States. The alternative to registration is an I-94 travel document from the Department of Homeland Security for those who arrive by air.

Initially, the draft rule said that Canadians would also be subjected to fingerprinting, but that provision has been waived in the interim final rule.

Impact on Canadian Snowbirds

This policy change particularly affects Canadian “snowbirds” – typically retirees who escape harsh northern winters by spending extended periods in warmer U.S. states like Florida and Arizona. Many of these seasonal travelers stay well beyond the 30-day threshold and will need to navigate the new registration system.

Border Security and Trade Tensions

This change comes amid a broader effort to enhance border security and fully enforce existing immigration laws. Back in February, the DHS revealed it would be taking steps to fully enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act, which requires noncitizens over 14 years old staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days to be fingerprinted and registered. The law had not been consistently enforced in the past.

The timing of the policy change also coincides with escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada.