As the winter travel season approaches, the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) is reminding members of the U.S. registration requirement for Canadian travellers who stay in the United States for 30 days or longer.
Under U.S. immigration law, Canadian visitors who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer must be registered with the U.S. government. In many cases, registration is satisfied through a Form I-94, which serves as evidence of registration.
If you receive an I-94
Canadian travellers entering the United States by air are generally issued an electronic I-94. Travellers entering by land may or may not receive one.
After entering the United States, check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 website to determine whether an I-94 was issued and to confirm your authorized stay:
If you have an I-94, you are considered registered and do not need to submit Form G-325R.
The CSA recommends printing a copy of your I-94 and carrying it with you as proof of registration and your authorized admission.
If you do not receive an I-94
If you are staying in the United States for 30 days or longer and an I-94 was not issued, you need to complete USCIS Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), through a USCIS online account here, https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/g-325r.
The form is completed online and asks for information such as your name, date and place of birth, citizenship, U.S. address, immigration information and certain family and biographical details. Canadian citizens are exempt from the fingerprinting requirement.
Once USCIS processes the registration, you can access proof of registration through your USCIS online account. The CSA recommends printing and carrying this documentation while in the United States.
Important new exemption for NEXUS members
USCIS has updated its guidance regarding travellers who enter the United States through Trusted Traveller Programs.
Canadian NEXUS members who are last admitted to the United States using NEXUS are considered to be already registered. They do not need to submit Form G-325R simply because they are staying in the United States for 30 days or longer.
Importantly, this applies to individuals who enter the United States using NEXUS. Simply holding a valid NEXUS membership does not, by itself, qualify a traveller for the exemption.
CSA advice
Before heading south, members should:
- Check whether an electronic I-94 was issued after entering the United States.
- If you entered the U.S. using NEXUS, you are already considered registered and no further action is required.
- If you do not have an I-94 and are staying for 30 days or longer, review the USCIS registration requirements and complete Form G-325R.
- Keep a printed copy of your I-94 or proof of G-325R registration with your travel documents.
- Check your authorized “Admit Until Date” and ensure you do not overstay.
The CSA will continue to monitor U.S. registration requirements and provide members with updates as further guidance becomes available.
For more information, visit USCIS: Alien Registration Requirement.
