According to a notice received by ABC News, Canadians that have been in the United States for 30 days or more and cross the land border will soon have to enter their information with the US government.
Foreign citizens who plan to live in the US for more than 30 days will need to apply for registration with the federal government and as per the rule, the fingerprint will be done on April 11, which was posted on the federal register on Wednesday.
According to an immigration lawyer who talks with ABC news, Canadians are free from fingerprinting, which applies to other foreign nationals.
Traditionally, Canadians that cross the northern border from the land and live for more than 30 days have not had to register with the federal government, but the Secretary of the Homeland Security Department can unilaterally change that rule.
Canadians who live in the US for 30 days or more and did not issue evidence of registration, such as Form I-94, AT Entry will require to complete the new form G-325R through the Muuscis online portal.
The rule will not need to apply for Canadian people to apply for visas, but is a separate federal look to enter America
On March 4, 2025, a car waits on the United States and Canada border at Surrey BC.
Ethan Cairns/Canadian Press AP
Attorney Rosanna Berrdi, an immigration in Buffalo, New York, told ABC News that his firm had heard from many Canadians who have expressed “strong disappointment” in the new rule.
He told ABC News, “It is important to clarify that this measure affects Canadian citizens to cross land boundaries that intend to live in the United States for more than 30 days.” “Casual travelers coming for tourism or shopping will not be affected. However, Canadian business professionals who enter the US for regular expanded assignments will now face these new registration requirements.”
Berdy told ABC News that some Canadians are rethinking their journey to the US as a result of the “recent tension” between the US and Canada.
“Historically, Canadians have enjoyed a visa-free position and are never necessary to formally register their presence in the United States,” he said. “This development aligns with recent stresses in the US-Canada relations, including the 51st state hazards, trade tariffs and other policy changes.”
The Canadian Snowbird Association, which represents the Canadian “Snobards”, travels around the US during the warm months, said it is working with the Congress whether Canadians will be allowed to be allowed to register.
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