Canadian Snowbird Association pushing for exemption from new registration requirement
A new U.S. registration rule is set to affect Canadian travellers—especially snowbirds who spend extended periods south of the border.
Under the new requirement, non-U.S. citizens aged 14 and older who weren’t previously fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa must now complete a registration process if they stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more. This could mark a major shift for Canadian visitors, who have historically enjoyed visa-free entry and verbal inspections at land borders.
The Canadian Snowbird Association is actively lobbying for an exemption for Canadian travellers, working with U.S. congressional representatives to amend the rule. \On January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump issued the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order, which directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce non-citizen registration under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
This means that:
All non-citizens aged 14+ who were not previously fingerprinted or registered must now complete the process if they stay 30 days or longer.
Parents/guardians must register children under 14.
Those who turn 14 while in the U.S. must re-register within 30 days of their birthday.
Starting February 25, affected travellers should create a USCIS online account to begin the registration process. Details are available on the USCIS website.
Once the system is fully implemented, registration applications—including those for minors—must be submitted online through the USCIS account.
What Happens If You Don’t Register?
Failing to comply with the new rule could lead to:
Fines
Misdemeanor charges
Potential travel restrictions
Non-citizens aged 14+ who weren’t previously registered and stay 30 days or longer
Parents/legal guardians of children under 14 who meet the criteria
Non-citizens who turn 14 while in the U.S.
Lawful permanent residents
Visitors who received Form I-94/I-94W
Individuals who were issued visas before arrival
Anyone placed into removal proceedings
The Canadian Snowbird Association has voiced concerns over the potential impact on frequent travellers. The group is advocating for an exemption for Canadians and is urging the U.S. government to reconsider the rule’s scope.