US Imposes New Registration Rule for Canadians Staying Over 30 Days

Planning an extended road trip or winter getaway to the United States? Travellers from Canada should be aware of new regulations impacting visits lasting 30 days or more. Starting April 11th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will require certain Canadian visitors to register with authorities and provide fingerprints.

Who Is Affected by the New US Travel Rules?

This new interim final rule targets foreign nationals, specifically Canadians, aged 14 and older, who cross the US-Canada land border and intend to stay in the United States for 30 days or longer. This includes many “snowbirds,” Canadian retirees who spend their winters in warmer U.S. states.

• Key Changes for Canadian Travellers:
  • Registration is mandatory for stays exceeding 30 days.
  • Fingerprinting is required for those 14 and older.
  • Failure to comply can result in fines and potential penalties.

What You Need to Know: Registration and Biometrics

While children under 14 will not be fingerprinted, they must still be registered by their parents or guardians. Business and tourist visitors entering by land are also subject to registration if their stay extends beyond 30 days. Individuals 18 and older must carry this proof at all times.

Who Is Affected by the New Rule?

The rule applies to all foreign nationals, including Canadians aged 14 and older, who cross the US-Canada land border and stay in the country for 30 days or more.

Key points of the new requirement include:

• Mandatory registration with U.S. authorities for long-term Canadian visitors.
• Fingerprinting is required for those who are 14 years or older.
• Exemptions for children under 14, although their guardians must register them.
• No biometric requirement for business and tourist visitors, but registration is still necessary for stays exceeding 30 days.

Impact on Canadian Travellers

The new travel rule affects Canadian snowbirds, retirees who traditionally spend the winter months in the U.S. Previously, many were exempt from registration, but they will now have to comply or risk fines and penalties.

DHS estimates that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million travelers will be impacted by this change. The registration process aligns with a broader U.S. immigration policy requiring noncitizens to register under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to register and complete the required biometric process may lead to:

• Fines and misdemeanor prosecution.
• Criminal and civil penalties.
• Possible incarceration for those who violate the regulations.

Under the I.N.A., registered noncitizens over 18 years old must also carry proof of registration at all times while in the U.S.

How to Register?

To comply with the new rule, unregistered travelers must:

1. Complete Form G-325R, Biometric Information (Registration).
2. Submit the form online through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
3. Appear for fingerprinting, unless specifically waived.

What This Means for Future Travel

While registration does not affect immigration status or employment authorization, it is now a necessary step for Canadians planning extended stays in the U.S. Travelers should ensure they are aware of the new rules to avoid any legal complications.

For more updates on U.S. travel regulations, stay tuned to our latest travel news articles.