BIRD TALK

I obtained my first G-325R Certificate (Proof of Registration) in March 2025. When I returned to the states in November 2025 for my next five-month stay, I applied for a new certificate. After making my submission, I received a Courtesy Notice stating that “you have already complied with your duty to register …”. As such, I was not issued another certificate for my second stay in the U.S. in excess of 30 days. In the event that I was asked for a certificate for my second five-month stay, I carried the original March 2025 certificate and copy of the Courtesy Notice saying that I was compliant. Should Canadians expect to be issued a new certificate for each new declaration or just for the first time (after setting up an account with the USCIS) and then subsequently just receive Courtesy Notices that they are compliant? I don’t want to risk an ICE detention.

Cameron Dickie
Tecumseh, ON

Ed.: It remains a best practice for Canadians to complete a new G-325R registration submission for each trip to the United States that will be 30 days or longer. However, it is becoming increasingly common for individuals who have previously registered to receive a Courtesy Notice confirming that they have already complied with the registration requirement, rather than being issued a new Certificate of Registration.

For this reason, travellers should retain their original Certificate of Registration and carry it with them during future stays in the United States, along with copies of any subsequent Courtesy Notices they receive. Having both documents available can help demonstrate compliance, should questions arise during your stay.