Thinking of an extended getaway to the U.S.?
As the Trump administration strengthens migration rules amid rising tensions (hello, Canada bagel!) between the two countries, the U.S. is cracking down on Canada travel rules for tourists staying over 30 days.
A required mandatory registration and fingerprinting to enhance immigration tracking and border security was announced, part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order, "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," signed on January 20, 2025.
This new rule applied to all non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents.
Under this policy, visitors aged 14 and older must register with U.S. authorities, provide biometric data, and carry proof of registration if their stay exceeds 30 days.
Failure to comply could result in misdemeanor charges for Canadians, with penalties including fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both upon conviction.
With 20.4 million Canadian visitors to the U.S. in 2024, this change will significantly impact snowbirds, long-term tourists, and business travellers.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million Canadian visitors will be impacted annually.
Canadian travellers to the U.S. are currently exempt from new fingerprinting requirements imposed on all other foreign nationals, but will still have to apply for registration with the DHS.
Any foreign national over the age of 14, or anyone submitting an application for a child, must create a USCIS online account.
Detailed instructions on creating an account can be found on the USCIS website.
Once the DHS provides registration evidence to an adult traveller, they must carry it at all times while in the U.S.
Time Out Tip: Make sure you have your registration on you. Once the DHS issues evidence of registration to an adult traveller, they will be required to carry it at all times while in the U.S. The order empowers U.S. police to stop anyone who appears not to be American, and individuals who violate immigration laws could face civil and criminal penalties, including fines and prosecution.
On February 25, the new policy was announced requiring all foreign nationals, including Canadians, to register for longer stays in the U.S.
Known as the Alien Registration Requirement, the policy initially stated that fingerprinting would also be mandatory for all foreign nationals, as posted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the fingerprint requirement for Canadian nonimmigrants has been waived.
The rule applies only to Canadian visitors who enter the U.S. by car and stay for more than 30 days, while air travellers are automatically registered.
Starting April 11, Canadians must carry proof of registration, and they can register by creating a USCIS account and submitting form G-325R.
The U.S. government cites border security and immigration tracking as key reasons for this new regulation.
By requiring long-term visitors to register and submit biometric data, authorities aim to enforce immigration laws and monitor extended stays more effectively.
