Dear Snowbirds,
As you prepare for your extended visit to the United States, we want to inform you of important U.S. registration requirements that may affect your travel plans this season.
While Canadian citizens entering the U.S. under B2 visitor status have traditionally experienced smooth border crossings, U.S. authorities are now placing increased emphasis on compliance with registration laws. This includes stricter expectations regarding documentation for Canadian tourists spending 30 or more days in the United States, such as Form I-94 and the USCIS Form G-325R when an I-94 is not issued.
Understanding and following these requirements will help ensure your time in the U.S. is lawful, properly documented, and stress-free.
Important: These forms are not required to enter the U.S. You may continue to travel with the same documentation you’ve always used for tourism purposes.
What Is the U.S. Alien Registration Requirement?
Under U.S. immigration law (INA § 262), all non-U.S. citizens staying for 30 days or longer are required to register with the U.S. federal government. This is usually done via Form I-94, which records:
- Your entry date
- Your status (typically B2 Visitor)
- Your authorized stay duration (up to 6 months minus one day)
I-94: What You Need to Know
✈ If Entering by Air:
- An electronic I-94 is typically generated automatically.
- You should retrieve and verify it online after arrival: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- Print a copy and keep it as proof of registration.
🚗 If Entering by Land:
- An I-94 may or may not be issued automatically.
- Check online to confirm if one was created: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
How to Get an I-94 (Land Entry)
Important: When entering the United States at a land crossing, you may or may not receive an I-94 upon entry. You can visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov in order to check to see if one was issued. If one was not issued, you can complete USCIS Form G-325R instead.
However, there are other options as well:
Option 1: Apply Online Before You Travel*
- This can be done up to seven days prior to crossing the land border
- Visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- Click “Apply for New I-94”
- Fill out the form and pay the $30 USD fee
- Show your receipt at the border and request your I-94
Option 2: Request It at the Border*
- Inform the CBP officer that you’d like to be issued an I-94
- Be prepared to pay the $30 USD fee
- Requests for I-94 forms by Canadian citizens have not been typical practice until now. As a result, requesting one may lead to additional questions or inspection at the border
* Please note, that despite applying for a provisional I-94 or requesting one at the border, the U.S. CBP officer processing your admission to the United States has final say on whether or not one is issued.
If You Are Not Issued an I-94
If an I-94 is not provided at entry, you must complete USCIS Form G-325R while in the U.S. if you will be staying for 30 days or longer
What Is Form G-325R?
- An online registration form used when I-94 is not issued
- Collects personal information to fulfill U.S. legal registration requirements
- No fee at this time
Information You’ll Need to Complete Form G-325R:
- Full legal name (and any aliases)
- Date/place of birth
- Citizenship
- Marital status
- U.S. addresses from the past 5 years
- Spouse’s full name and marriage info
- Parents’ full names, birth dates, and places of birth
How to File Form G-325R
- Create a USCIS Account
Follow instructions at: https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account - Complete the Form
Go to: https://www.uscis.gov/g-325r
Fill out, sign, and submit the form - After Submission
- You’ll receive a receipt confirming your registration
- Print and keep a copy for your records
🔁 Reminder: A new G-325R must be filed for each stay of 30 days or more if no I-94 is issued — even if you’ve submitted one before.
What is the Canadian Snowbird Association doing about this?
The CSA is actively advocating for the removal of the registration requirement for Canadian travellers entering the United States for tourism purposes. We will keep our members informed and share updates as soon as new information becomes available.
Final Tips for CSA Members
✅ Keep a copy of your I-94 or G-325R receipt
✅ Track your “Admit Until Date” to avoid overstaying
✅ Monitor total days spent in the U.S. for tax purposes
✅ Re-entry is always at the discretion of CBP officers
If you have any questions, the Canadian Snowbird Association is here to help. For official information from U.S. authorities, please visit: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration.
Canadian Snowbird Association
The Voice of Travelling Canadians
www.snowbirds.org
