Starting April 11, 2025, all Canadians staying 30 days or more in the United States will be required to register with U.S. authorities, in accordance with the presidential decree “Protecting the American People from Invasion”.
What Travelers Should Know
- Travelers arriving by air or sea automatically receive an electronic I-94 upon arrival.
- Travelers entering by land must apply in advance to obtain the I-94 form, which is not issued automatically.
For Your Next Stay of More Than 30 Days by Land
❶ Before Departure: I-94 Application (Recommended)
- You can apply online for your I-94 within 7 days prior to your border crossing: I-94 – Apply Now. A US $30 fee applies for each application.
❷ At the Border
- Whether or not you have completed the form beforehand, you can ask the border officer to issue your I-94 upon arrival.
- Please note that, based on recent reports, officers may, at their discretion, perform additional checks such as fingerprinting* and photo capture.
*Canadians are officially exempt from these procedures, but some travelers have reported that officers still request them. It may be difficult to refuse cooperation at the border, so we recommend remaining polite and honest with officers. Anyone concerned about this procedure should request that their U.S. entry application be withdrawn and ask for permission to return to their home or original departure point.
❸ After Entering the United States
- Check that your electronic I-94 has been issued through the CBP One™ or visit: Get Most Recent I-94.
- Print it — you have 30 days to do so.
- Keep multiple copies for each family member (on you, at home, and in your vehicle).
- If no I-94 has been issued: you must then complete your registration with Form G-325R through USCIS.
Practical Tips
→ To comply with the new rules, it is highly recommended to apply for your I-94 before entering the U.S., to avoid having to complete the G-325R, which is longer, more intrusive, and more complex.
→ Every foreign national must be able to always present proof of registration.
→ If you leave the U.S., even for a few hours, you will need to repeat the registration process (I-94 or G-325R) upon re-entering by land if you plan to stay 30 days or more.
Who Must Register?
- Travelers aged 14 and over staying more than 30 days.
- Parents or guardians of children under 14 who are not registered
- Anyone entering by land who does not automatically receive an I-94.
Consequences of Failing to Register
- Denial of entry to the U.S. on a future trip.
- Shortened authorized stay.
- Severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or ban on entry.
In Summary
These new requirements represent a major change for all Canadians aged 14 and over planning an extended stay in the United States. By applying for your I-94, or confirming its issuance when crossing the border, and printing your document within 30 days, you’ll avoid complications and travel with peace of mind.
For more information and official instructions: Entry and registration procedures in the United States are subject to regular updates. It is strongly recommended to visit the official USCIS and CBP pages before your trip to verify the latest requirements.
With the collaboration of Marc-André Séguin, Immigration Lawyer at Exeo.
