The United States administration plans to tighten the requirements for Canadian citizens traveling to the US.
The administration will start enforcing a US immigration law that requires Canadians staying in the US territory for more than 30 days to register with immigration authorities, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to a report from the New York Times, the new changes are set to become effective on April 11. Those affected by the decision will be required to provide personal details and fingerprints as part of a background check.
The new decision will likely impact about 900,000 Canadians who spend winters in warmer southern US States such as Texas, Florida, and South Carolina, according to CTV News.
The rule comes from an existing US immigration law requiring internationals aged 14 or older to register and provide fingerprints if they plan to stay in the United States for a period of 30 days or more. However, Canadians reaching the US by land have not always been required to meet this requirement, in spite of the fact that the law has existed for years.
The changes come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Canada related to trade issues and new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. The recent decision of the Trump administration comes in a bid to enhance security and monitor foreign visitors.
However, up to this point, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not provided further details on how the registration process will be implemented. Travelers should carefully follow updates and check official sources before planning to travel to the US.
New Changes to the Law
The US President, Donald Trump, upon taking office, announced new changes in policy with an executive order requiring all internationals who were not registered to follow the law.
The US President, on January 20, 2025, issued the Protecting the American People Against Invasion order to ensure that foreigners comply with the requirements.
In addition, the order warned that failure to comply would be treated as “a civil and criminal enforcement priority,” according to a report from the New York Times.
Attempts to Change Registration Requirement
An advocacy organization for Canadian travellers, the Canadian Snowbird Association, previously said that it was working with congressional representatives in order to change the registration requirement and exempt Canadian travelers.
Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) representatives are currently working with Congressional representatives to amend this registration requirement and exempt Canadian travelers from having to register with USCIS.
The association said that it would provide its members with updates as soon as further information is received.