- Canadians staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days must now register with immigration authorities and provide fingerprints, according to a rule published in the Federal Register. The requirement, previously unenforced for land travelers, takes effect April 11.
- The Trump administration reinforced existing immigration law through an executive order, making non-compliance a civil and criminal enforcement priority.
- Failure to register may result in fines up to $5,000, imprisonment up to 30 days or both, with exemptions for certain groups.
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The U.S. government will now require Canadian visitors staying in the country for more than 30 days to register with immigration authorities. It’s a mandate that had previously been unenforced for those entering through land borders.
Canadians aged 14 and older must also undergo fingerprinting as part of the process, according to a rule published in the Federal Register.
Why is the US enforcing this rule now?
Existing immigration law requires this, but officials had not consistently applied it to Canadian travelers.
President Donald Trump reinforced its enforcement through an executive order signed on the first day of his second term, directing all previously unregistered foreign nationals to comply.
The administration will prioritize civil and criminal enforcement against those who fail to register.
How does this impact Canadian travelers?
The rule takes effect April 11 and will impact about 900,000 Canadians, including seasonal visitors who spend winters in the U.S.
Previously, only air travelers had to register. Those who do not comply could face a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days or both.
Are there any exemptions?
The requirement does not apply to American Indians born in Canada who enter the U.S. under Section 289 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and members of the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians who enter under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act.
Green card holders, individuals in deportation proceedings and those entering the country with visas are also exempt.
How does this fit into broader US-Canada relations?
The rule’s enforcement follows escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
The Trump administration threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum but pulled back after Ontario suspended its planned surcharge on U.S. electricity. However, a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum remains.
The visitor registration requirement is part of the administration’s broader immigration policy under the Protecting American People Against Invasion executive order, which aims to remove barriers to deportation and strengthen enforcement measures.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that further details on compliance procedures will be provided in the coming weeks.
