As of April 11, Canadians planning extended stays in the United States—particularly those staying for more than 30 days—need to be aware of an important change. A new registration requirement is being introduced by the U.S. government, and failing to comply could lead to penalties, fines, or even misdemeanor charges.
Whether you’re a snowbird seeking warmth in Florida, visiting family long-term, or just planning a road trip with no rush back home, these new rules could directly affect you.
Let’s break down everything Canadians need to know in an easy-to-read guide so you can stay safe, compliant, and informed on your next visit south of the border.
📢 What’s Changing?
The Canadian government recently updated its official travel advisory for the United States, warning Canadians of a new U.S. registration requirement that applies to foreign nationals staying more than 30 days.
“Canadians and other foreign nationals visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days must be registered with the United States government,” the advisory states.
This rule stems from an executive order called “Protecting the American People Against Invasion”, signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20. While the name may sound dramatic, the practical outcome is a new level of tracking and compliance expected from non-U.S. visitors—including Canadians.
🗓️ When Does the Rule Take Effect?
The rule will officially be enforced starting April 11. That means any trips that cross the 30-day mark after this date will require active registration with U.S. authorities.
If you’re currently in the U.S. or planning a trip that overlaps with this date, it’s important to check your status right away.
🇨🇦 Why Does This Matter for Canadians?
Historically, Canadians have enjoyed one of the most flexible and friendly border agreements with the U.S. Most Canadians can visit for up to six months without a visa. But this new rule adds a layer of complexity for anyone planning longer stays.
This includes:
• Canadians visiting family or taking extended vacations
• Retired snowbirds spending the winter in Florida, Arizona, or California
• Students or freelancers working remotely while staying in the U.S.
• Dual-country couples or property owners
While your eligibility to enter hasn’t changed, how you report your stay and what’s expected of you during that stay has.
🔍 How Do I Know If I Need to Register
According to Canada’s advisory, you should consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to determine if you need to register. This is especially important if:
• You’re staying more than 30 consecutive days
• You’re not sure if your arrival was automatically registered
You can check your status by viewing your I-94 admission record, which is available online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
If your record shows no automatic registration or is unclear, you may need to manually complete registration to stay compliant.\
⚠️ What Happens If I Don’t Register?
This is where things get serious. If you’re required to register and fail to do so, you could face:
• Fines
• Legal penalties
• Misdemeanor charges
• Possible bans or future entry issues
This could also impact your ability to renew trusted traveler programs like NEXUS or Global Entry, or even influence your future visa applications.
🌐 What’s Behind the Rule?
This new policy is part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration oversight, particularly under the executive order from the Trump administration. While Trump is no longer president, some policies signed into action during his term continue to move through administrative processes.
The rule is said to be aimed at ensuring that foreign nationals are properly accounted for, especially those who might otherwise slip through the cracks of the existing tracking systems.
🧭 How Does This Fit Into Broader U.S.-Canada Relations?
This development also comes amid strained diplomatic ties between Canada and the U.S. during the Trump era, particularly due to:
• Tariffs on Canadian imports
• Border disputes and political rhetoric
• Trump’s inflammatory remarks about Canada, including suggesting it become the “51st state”
This has stirred a fair amount of public reaction, including online trends like the “Elbows Up” movement—Canadians encouraging each other to stay home and avoid U.S. travel altogether.
🌍 Not Just Canada: Other Countries Affected To
Canada isn’t alone in reacting to this policy. The United Kingdom and Germany have also updated their travel advisories for the U.S. in recent weeks. There have been reports of British and German nationals being detained at the U.S. border as part of broader immigration crackdowns.
If you’re a dual citizen or traveling with friends from other countries, be aware that these rules may apply differently or more strictly depending on nationality.
📋 Checklist for Canadians Staying in the U.S. Over 30 Days
Here’s a quick reference to help you prepare:
✅ Before You Go:
• Review your travel plans: Will you be in the U.S. for more than 30 days?
• Check the USCIS site: See if registration applies to your trip.
• Review your I-94 form: Confirm your admission record and dates.
• Buy travel health insurance: Your provincial plan may not cover everything.
• Bring original prescription meds: Keep them in labeled containers.
✅ While in the U.S.:
• Track your days: Know how long you’ve been there and when you hit 30 days.
• Register if required: Complete the process through official channels.
• Keep emergency contacts: Canadian consulates, local services, and family.
✅ Before You Return:
• Check re-entry documents: Ensure everything is in order to avoid delays.
• Save your receipts and records: You may need to show proof of length of stay.
• Avoid overstaying: Staying longer than allowed can affect future travel.
🏡 Alternatives to Long U.S. Trips
If the new rules feel too complex or risky, you might want to consider:
• Exploring more of Canada—coastal getaways, the Rockies, or the East Coast
• Shorter U.S. visits under 30 days
• Extended stays in other countries with more relaxed entry rules for Canadians, like Portugal, Mexico, or Costa Rica
Travel is meant to be enjoyable, not stressful—so don’t be afraid to adapt your plans to keep things easy and safe.
💬 Final Thoughts
The new U.S. registration rule for Canadians staying over 30 days is a big change—but it’s manageable with the right information and a little preparation.
As always, it’s crucial to stay updated through official sources, double-check your travel documents, and follow the rules to avoid unexpected trouble while abroad.
If you’re unsure about your situation, consult an immigration lawyer or speak with Canada’s travel advisory team to get personalized advice. Safe travels, and keep your paperwork tidy!
