As Canadian snowbirds head to the U.S. to escape the cold winter, many are facing a new registration requirement imposed during the Trump administration in April. This rule mandates that Canadians staying over 29 days must register with the U.S. government. However, the process is not straightforward, as not all long-term travelers are required to register, and there are multiple ways to complete the registration.
Adding to the complexity, there is no centralized U.S. government website outlining the registration options for travelers. Those who choose to register at the border can expect to undergo fingerprinting, photography, and pay a $30 US processing fee. Len Saunders, a U.S. immigration lawyer in Blaine, Wash., expressed dismay at the lack of clarity surrounding the new rule, stating that the rollout lacks common sense.
To provide clarity on the new regulations, here is the information compiled by CBC News:
**Option 1: Register at the border**
Air passengers are usually exempt from registration as they receive an I-94 electronic arrival record. However, land border crossers may not receive this document. Travelers can check online to see if they have automatically received an I-94, which is typically valid for six months. To ensure compliance, land travelers can pre-apply for their I-94 online within seven days of entry or complete the process at the border. Regardless of the method chosen, travelers will undergo fingerprinting, photography, and be charged a $30 US processing fee by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Several snowbirds reported being processed at the border, with some officers offering to complete the registration on-site. However, others, like Brenda Paige of Calgary, were not given a choice and had to comply with the procedures.
**Option 2: Register in the U.S.**
Snowbirds without an I-94 should register to avoid potential fines or jail time. By filling out the G-325R form online through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), travelers can meet the registration requirement while in the U.S. The form requires certain sections to be completed, no fee is charged, and fingerprinting is not required for Canadians.
Additionally, snowbirds should be cautious when leaving the U.S., as the G-325R form becomes invalid upon temporary exits. Failure to reapply upon return could lead to penalties. Nexus card holders were initially believed to be exempt from registration, but recent updates suggest otherwise.
**A Note About Facial Biometrics**
A new rule mandates that Canadians entering and exiting the U.S. be photographed using facial biometrics technology. This requirement will be fully implemented by 2026, enhancing border security measures.
The U.S. aims to expand facial biometrics to land borders next year, capturing images of travelers within vehicles. This measure is distinct from the CBP’s fingerprinting and photography requirements for I-94 applicants.