As Canadian snowbirds head to the U.S. to evade the harsh winter, many are facing a new registration mandate introduced during the Trump administration in April. The requirement stipulates that Canadians staying over 29 days must register with the U.S. government. Despite the seeming simplicity of the rule, the process is intricate, with exceptions for some long-term travelers and multiple registration methods available.
Adding to the complexity, there is no centralized U.S. government platform detailing registration options for travelers. Those registering at the border can expect to undergo fingerprinting, photography, and a $30 US charge. U.S. immigration lawyer Len Saunders, based near the Blaine, Wash., border, criticized the rollout, calling it confusing and lacking common sense.
Saunders has been inundated with inquiries from bewildered Canadians seeking clarity on the new regulation. He emphasized the widespread confusion surrounding the process.
To alleviate the confusion, CBC News compiled information on the new regulations.
Option 1: Border Registration
While air passengers are typically exempt due to receiving an I-94 electronic arrival record, land border crossers often miss out on this document. Travelers can check online for their I-94 status, valid for approximately six months, or opt to pre-apply online within seven days of entry or complete the process at the border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clarified that regardless of the method chosen, travelers will undergo fingerprinting, photography, and pay a $30 processing fee. These measures aim to boost border security and ensure compliance with entry and exit regulations.
Interviewed snowbirds confirmed undergoing the registration process at the border, including being photographed, fingerprinted, and charged the fee. Some were given the option to complete registration at the border, while others, like Brenda Paige from Calgary, had no choice in the matter.
U.S. immigration lawyer Jennifer Behm highlighted the discretion border officers exercise in handling long-term travelers, with many officers possibly allowing entry without registration due to logistical constraints.
Option 2: U.S. Registration
Saunders stressed the importance of registration for snowbirds without an I-94, warning of potential fines or jail time for non-compliance. He recommended utilizing the USCIS form G-325R online to meet registration requirements in the U.S., emphasizing that the process is straightforward for Canadians.
Notably, snowbirds departing the U.S. temporarily must update their G-325R upon return if exceeding the 29-day limit. The form is no longer valid after leaving the country temporarily, necessitating a fresh application upon reentry.
Nexus Members and Facial Biometrics
Confusion surrounds whether Nexus card holders are exempt from the registration mandate. Initially deemed exempt, CBP later clarified that Nexus members must register. The U.S. announced a new rule mandating facial biometrics for Canadians at checkpoints, expanding the existing program at airports to land borders by next year.