Several Canadian snowbirds have recently undergone fingerprinting and photographing at the U.S. border as part of the new standard procedure by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Jacquie and Steve Ree from Ladysmith, B.C., experienced this when they arrived at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in October. The couple agreed to complete the registration process at the border, leading to a thorough search of their motorhome in secondary inspection.
Despite waiting for 1.5 hours, the Rees were initially told they couldn’t register at the border. However, a subsequent officer permitted their registration, collecting their fingerprints and photographs for data collection purposes. The couple was charged a total of $60 US for the completed registration. Jacquie Ree expressed frustration over the process, citing conflicting information from CBP officers.
The confusion surrounding the registration rules stems from an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year, mandating registration for foreign visitors staying over 29 days. Failure to comply may result in fines or jail time. This requirement has been effective since April, causing uncertainty and frustration for many Canadian snowbirds as they navigate the new regulations during the current snowbird season.
While air travelers are usually exempt due to an electronic arrival record, land travelers often face registration challenges. CBP offers two options for obtaining the I-94 form: pre-applying online or registering at the border, with a $30 US fee per traveler for the application process, including fingerprinting and photographing.
Immigration lawyers suggest an alternative registration method for snowbirds, involving filling out the G-325R form online within 30 days of arrival, without any fee or fingerprinting requirement. However, the decision to apply for the I-94 at the border or complete the form later may vary based on individual CBP officers, leading to mixed experiences for snowbirds like Brenda Paige and Caroline Horne.
The confusion surrounding registration options is exacerbated by the involvement of separate immigration agencies, CBP, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), causing discrepancies in operations. Snowbird Advisor’s president, Stephen Fine, emphasizes the importance of clarifying the registration process for snowbirds and addressing the uncertainties to ensure a smoother experience for travelers.