US Plans To Update Rules for Some Canadian Visitors

Some Canadian visitors to the United States could soon face registration requirements when staying more than 30 days, marking a significant shift in cross-border travel policies.

Key Takeaways

Starting April 11, Canadians visiting the U.S. for more than 30 days who arrive by car could have to register with authorities, per an interim final rule.
Affected travelers would need to create a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services account.
Canadian “snowbirds” who winter in the U.S. would be particularly impacted by these new requirements.
The policy would enforce existing immigration laws that Canadians were previously exempted from in practice.
This development occurs amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada.

New Registration Requirements for Canadian Visitors

The United States government has announced new planned travel requirements for Canadian citizens staying in the country for more than 30 days. According to a federal register interim final rule, beginning April 11, Canadian visitors who arrive by car and are planning extended visits would be required to register with U.S. authorities. This significant policy change stands to affect many Canadians who regularly make extended visits to the United States, including the large population of “snowbirds” who traditionally spend winter months in warmer U.S. states to escape harsh Canadian winters.

Under the new requirements, affected Canadians planning stays longer than 30 days would need to create an account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They would also need to provide extensive biographic information including phone numbers, date of birth, current address, family information, criminal records, and immigration history. These requirements represent the enforcement of provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act that had not previously been applied to Canadian nationals consistently.

However, affected Canadians would be exempt from the fingerprinting requirement, a provision that was present in the previous draft rule.

Canadians could be forced to register to stay longer than 30 days in U.S. https://t.co/6JMM4QoZFA pic.twitter.com/9e8rQR3qbX

— Financial Post (@financialpost) March 12, 2025

Alternatives and Compliance Options

Some Canadian travelers will reportedly still have an alternative to the new registration process. One option is to travel by air and I-94 travel document, which would serve in place of the registration requirement. The I-94 form, available through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, documents arrivals and departures to and from the United States by air. This may provide a more familiar pathway for some frequent travelers who already navigate border entry procedures regularly.

The Department of Homeland Security recently established that it plans to fully enforce existing immigration laws. The Immigration and Nationality Act requires noncitizens over 14 years of age to register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of entry to the United States. Additionally, noncitizens over 18 must carry proof of registration at all times while in the country. These requirements, though long established in law, have not been consistently applied to Canadian visitors. Although the fingerprinting requirement will still be waived, the policy change signifies broader efforts to crack down on illegal immigration in the U.S.

Broader Relations With Canada

This policy adjustment draft rule comes amid rising trade tensions between the United States and Canada, with recent disputes over various sectors including lumber, dairy, and automotive industries. However, reports have noted that there’s no indication whether the change has anything to do with the recent tensions. Nevertheless, the practical impact on cross-border travel could be significant, particularly for Canadians who make extended visits to the U.S. annually.

In February, a DHS spokesperson emphasized the administration’s commitment to enforcing all immigration laws without exception, citing homeland security concerns. The policy represents a stricter interpretation of border procedures between two countries that have historically maintained one of the world’s most open borders, with millions of people and billions in goods crossing annually.