Canadian travelers should be prepared for new requirements for extended stays in the U.S. Learn who the changes affect, how to register, what the consequences are for violating the rules, and what to do to comply with the new regulations

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Canadian travelers planning a long road trip or vacation in the United States should be aware of the updated requirements. In particular, the changes will affect foreign nationals whose trip to the United States exceeds 30 days. Details in our new article.

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What will change for Canadian travelers to the United States in 2025?

Starting April 11, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is introducing mandatory registration and fingerprinting for certain categories of Canadian visitors.

Who are the new requirements in the United States?

The changes affect all foreign nationals aged 14 and over who enter the United States through the land border with Canada and plan to stay in the country for 30 days or more. In particular, the update will affect the so-called “snowbirds” - Canadian retirees who spend the winter in warm states.

Key changes:

- Registration required for visitors staying in the US for more than 30 days.

- Fingerprinting required for those 14 years of age and older.

- Children under 14 do not need to provide biometrics, but must be registered by their parents or guardians.

- Business people and tourists do not need to provide fingerprints, but must register if they are staying in the US for more than 30 days.

What are the penalties for violating the rules?

Failure to comply with the new requirements can have serious consequences:

- Administrative fines and penalties.

- Civil or criminal liability.

- Possible imprisonment for immigration violations.

Important! According to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), registered non-citizens aged 18 and older must carry proof of registration with them at all times during their stay in the US.

How does a Canadian tourist register in the US?

To meet the new requirements, you must:

1. Complete Form G-325R (biometric information).

2. Submit it online through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

3. Appear for fingerprinting (if required).

How will the approval of the new plans affect the world of travel?

While the new procedure does not affect immigration status or work authorization, it has become mandatory for long-term visits. Canadians planning to stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days should familiarize themselves with the requirements in advance to avoid legal problems.

Overall, DHS estimates that this change will affect between 2.2 and 3.2 million travelers.

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Recall! The other day, the Canadian government announced that it plans to accept 10,000 applications under the PGP program in 2025. We’ve already covered who will be eligible for the permit and what alternative pathways are currently available in Canada for elderly parents and grandparents to move.

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