As Canadian snowbirds head south to escape the harsh winter, they are facing a new U.S. registration rule for the first time.
Implemented in April under the previous administration, the rule mandates that Canadians staying over 29 days must register with U.S. authorities.
While the rule may seem straightforward, it is actually quite intricate. Not all long-term travelers are required to register, and there are various ways to comply with the regulation.
Adding to the complexity, there is no central U.S. government website providing clear guidance for travelers. Those who opt to register at the border can expect to undergo processes such as being photographed, fingerprinted, and paying a $30 US fee.
U.S. immigration lawyer Len Saunders, situated near the border in Blaine, Wash., expressed frustration, stating, “It’s confusing, there’s no common sense in how they’re rolling this out.”
Saunders disclosed that he receives numerous inquiries daily from Canadians seeking clarification on the new regulation.
“Nobody knows how this works,” he emphasized.
To alleviate the confusion, here is a summary of the information collected by CBC News regarding the new regulations.
Option 1: Registration at the Border
Typically, air travelers are exempt from the registration rule as they usually receive an I-94, an electronic arrival record. However, individuals crossing land borders often do not receive this document.
Upon arrival, travelers can verify if they were automatically issued an I-94 by checking the U.S. Customs and Border webpage, which is usually valid for six months.
To fulfill the registration requirement, land travelers can pre-apply online for their I-94 within seven days of entering the U.S. or complete the process at the border.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), travelers will be fingerprinted, photographed, and charged a $30 US processing fee, regardless of the chosen method.
CBP spokesperson Jessica Turner stated via email, “These measures are necessary under U.S. immigration law to bolster border security, verify traveler identities, and ensure compliance with entry and exit regulations.”
Five snowbirds interviewed by CBC News reported being processed for I-94 at the border, with each undergoing photography, fingerprinting, and payment of the fee.
While three snowbirds were given