U.S. considers requiring Canadians staying 30+ days to register

Canadians who stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days will be required to register their information with the U.S. government.

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Canadians who stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days will be required to register their information with the U.S. government.

The rule would enforce existing U.S. immigration law for foreign nationals 14 or older. Further information is expected to be published in the U.S. federal register on Wednesday, Canadians will also need to be fingerprinted starting on April 11 in compliance with the rules.

Canadians who enter the U.S. via its northern border by land have traditionally been allowed to stay for longer than 30 days without having to apply for any foreign national registry.

However, the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to unilaterally change that rule.

When enacted, the new requirement will force Canadians staying longer than 30 days to create an account with US Citizenship and Immigration Services and schedule an appointment for fingerprinting as part of a background check.

A notice obtained by ABC News states that those who remain in the country for longer than 30 days will be required to apply for registration with the federal government.

Canadians who were not issued official documentation such as evidence of registration (Form I-94) at entry, would need to complete the new Form G-325R should the changes take effect.

This policy could dramatically impact Canadian snowbirds–often retirees–who travel to the U.S. annually to escape the winter.

The move is part of U.S. President Trump’s broader plan to crack down on migration and likely a punitive measure to place added pressure on Canada amid an escalating trade war.

Trump announced he would double the forthcoming steel and aluminum levies on Canada. Canada is the top source of US aluminum imports.