A Complete Guide to Understanding the New U.S. Registration Requirements for Canadians
- Dan Donnelly
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Effective April 11, 2025, a new U.S. government rule requires foreign nationals, including some Canadians, to register with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) if they stay in the United States for 30 days or more.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the new U.S. registration requirements, including who is affected, how to comply, and what steps to take.
Why is This Happening?
The U.S. government has cited national security and immigration enforcement as key reasons for enforcing alien registration laws. This is part of the "Protecting the American People Against Invasion" executive order, issued by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. This order requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce registration requirements for all foreign nationals residing in the United States under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Who Needs to Register?
[In all cases applicable to individuals staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more]
All foreign nationals 14 years of age or older who did not register or undergo fingerprinting when applying for a U.S. visa
Parents or guardians of foreign nationals under the age of 14 must register on their behalf.
All foreign nationals, whether previously registered or not, who turn 14 years old while in the United States must register within 30 days after their 14th birthday
Once registered, DHS will issue evidence of registration, which foreign nationals 18 years and older must carry at all times.
When Do I Need to Register?
Within 30 days of your stay in the U.S.
Who is Affected?
Canadian snowbirds travelling to, and long-term visitors staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more.
Snowbirds who are already in the U.S. should also register
Canadians who enter the U.S. by land and do not receive a Form I-94.
Visitors crossing at land borders without official registration.
Who is Exempt?
The following foreign nationals are already considered registered:
Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
American Indigenous Peoples born in Canada who meet certain conditions
Paroled foreign nationals under INA 212(d)(5) (even if their parole period has expired)
Non-immigrants issued Form I-94 or I-94W (including paper and electronic versions), even if the period of admission has expired.
Individuals who received U.S. immigrant or non-immigrant visas before arrival
Foreign nationals placed in removal proceedings by DHS.
Applicants for lawful permanent residence (filed Forms I-485, I-687, I-698, I-691, or I 700—even if denied)
Employment authorization card (EAD) holders
Border Crossing Card holders.
Travellers entering the U.S. by air are generally exempt since they receive an I-94 automatically
What This Means for Canadians
All Canadians who wish to remain in the United States for more than 30 days must now either:
Obtain an I-94 admission record, or
Register according to the new Executive Order
This applies to Canadians currently in the United States and those planning to enter.
Understanding Form I-94
What is Form I-94?
It is a DHS Arrival/Departure Record issued to non-U.S. citizens entering the United States.
Who Receives an I-94?
Most travellers entering by air receive an electronic I-94 automatically.
Who Does NOT Receive an I-94?
Canadians who enter the U.S. through a land border typically do not receive one unless they specifically request it.
How to Check Your I-94 Status
Follow these steps to determine if you have an I-94 record:
Visit the CBP I-94 website: Click here
Click on "Get Most Recent I-94" or Click here
Enter your traveler information:
First and Last Name
Date of Birth
Country of Citizenship
Passport or NEXUS number
Review your most recent I-94 record.
If an I-94 record appears, you are already registered, and no further action is needed.
If no record appears, you must complete the registration process.
How to Register if You Do Not Have an I-94
If you were not issued an I-94, you must register online through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) portal.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Create an account with USCIS: Sign up here
Log in and complete Form G-325R:
Provide personal details, past addresses, and travel plans.
Answer questions regarding criminal history and prior travel.
Submit the form and receive a digital "Proof of Alien Registration."
Carry this proof with you at all times during your stay in the U.S.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to register may result in a fine of up to $5,000 USD, detention for up to six months, or both.
While experts do not anticipate strict enforcement on Canadian snowbirds, the measure is intended to encourage full compliance.
Concerns and Uncertainty
While the process is ‘pretty straightforward’, according to Rosanna Berardi, managing partner of Berardi Immigration Law in Buffalo, N.Y., she has acknowledge it to “a bit lengthy.” And has expressed concerns for snowbirds, typically seniors, who may find the process “confusing or difficult.”
Immigration lawyers warn that the new rule may deter Canadians from visiting the U.S. and impact tourism and real estate markets.
DHS claims that Canadians lawfully admitted into the U.S. may not need additional registration, but the language of the rule suggests otherwise.
Final Thoughts
This new regulation could affect millions of Canadian travellers. If you plan on staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more, take proactive steps to determine if you need to register.
Stay informed, check your I-94 status, and follow the correct registration steps to ensure compliance and avoid any penalties.
We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available.
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