Canadians spending the winter in the US now have to register

Canadians visiting the United States for longer than 30 days – a norm for many snowbirds who spend their winters south of the border – will need to register with authorities. 

This is according to a new interim final rule (IFR) from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which expands enforcement of an already-existing law that has not been consistently applied to Canadians.

FILE - A truck crosses the Ambassador Bridge, border crossing between Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and Detroit, Michigan, above the Canadian Vietnam Veterans Memorial on March 1, 2025. (Photo by GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty Images)

Canadians spending winter in US required to register

By the numbers:

The new requirement, which takes effect on April 11, applies to all foreign nationals who cross the U.S.-Canada land border and are at least 14 years old who stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more. 

The IFR confirms that children under age 14, whose parents or guardians must register them, will not be fingerprinted. Biometrics will also be waived for Canadian business and tourist visitors who enter by land, but they also must register if they remain in the country for 30 days or more. 

However, according to the IFR, this still has the potential impact of increasing the biometric activities for DHS, such as additional FBI Name checks and fingerprinting, estimated to cost $30 per applicant.

Why you should care:

The change will impact some Canadians who were previously exempt from this requirement, including many Canadian snowbirds – retirees who spend winter months in U.S. states – who now have to register with the government or face fines.

What they're saying:

DHS recognized that the "affected population impacted by this rule are those who are currently unregistered and who would use the general registration form designated under this rule." 

"DHS estimates the affected population to be between 2.2 million and 3.2 million," the rule said. 

The Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) representatives said they are currently working with Congressional representatives to amend this registration requirement and exempt Canadian travelers from having to register with USCIS.

The backstory:

DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in February acknowledged their intention to follow President Donald Trump's Inauguration Day executive order requiring all immigrants to register with the U.S. government and comply with the law.

The Jan. 20 executive order directs DHS to ensure all immigrants are registered under the Immigration and Nationality Act. That law, which has not previously been fully enforced, mandates that noncitizens over 14 years old must register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of entry, and that all registered noncitizens over 18 years old must carry proof of registration at all times.

The new rule was submitted to the Federal Registrar last month. 

Trade war between US and Canada continues

Why It Matters:

The news comes amid an escalating trade war between the United States and its northern neighbor. 

Trump had previously announced 25% tariffs on goods from Canada, and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports. However, he then announced some exemptions and delays.

Canada also promised retaliatory measures. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over the course of 21 days.

The Travel and Tourism Office data released Tuesday didn’t include arrivals from Canada or land crossings from Mexico. Industry analysts are expecting U.S. visits by Canadians to drop significantly.