New policy mandates registration for extended stays in the US
Washington, D.C.: Canadians who spend extended periods in the United States—commonly known as “snowbirds”—will now be required to register with US authorities if their stay exceeds 30 days, starting April 11. The new rule, outlined in a federal register notice, has sparked concerns as tensions rise between the two countries amid ongoing trade disputes.
Previously unenforced, the law mandates that foreign nationals aged 14 or older who are not already registered must complete the process and undergo fingerprinting if they plan to stay in the US for more than a month.
Impact on Canadian travelers
The policy shift is expected to affect approximately 900,000 Canadian citizens, many of whom escape harsh winter months by residing in southern states such as Florida, Texas, and South Carolina. The US Department of Homeland Security estimates that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million travelers could be impacted by the updated enforcement measures.
Although the rule has existed for years, reports indicate that Canadian citizens were often exempt. However, President Donald Trump, on his first day in office, issued an executive order making it clear that all previously unregistered foreign visitors must now comply. The order also emphasizes that failure to register will be “treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority.”
Rising trade tensions between the US and Canada
The announcement follows escalating economic disputes between Washington and Ottawa. Earlier this month, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on most Canadian imports, though some goods were temporarily exempted. More recently, Trump doubled tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum after Ontario retaliated by increasing charges on electricity exports to the US.
Broader immigration measures and political rhetoric
In a further crackdown on foreign visitors, the administration has extended the registration requirement to undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older, with non-compliance now subject to criminal prosecution. Meanwhile, Trump has made controversial statements suggesting Canada should consider becoming the 51st US state—a remark seen by some as a veiled political provocation.
With cross-border relations already strained, the new travel regulations are expected to add another layer of complexity to US-Canada diplomatic and economic ties.