- Mandatory registration for Canadians staying 30+ days in US begins April 11
- New Form G-325R replaces visa requirements through myUSCIS portal
- Exemption from fingerprinting maintained for Canadian citizens
- Business travelers and snowbirds most affected by policy change
- Rule change follows recent US-Canada trade and political tensions
The United States will implement a controversial new border registration requirement for Canadian citizens starting April 11, 2025. For the first time in history, Canadians remaining in the country beyond 30 days must complete the Department of Homeland Security's Form G-325R through the myUSCIS online system. This policy shift comes amid growing trade disputes and the unresolved '51st state' territorial debate involving parts of northern Maine.
While Canadians remain exempt from fingerprinting requirements applied to other foreign nationals, the registration process introduces new bureaucratic hurdles. Immigration attorney Rosanna Berardi reports a 40% increase in consultation requests from concerned business travelers since the rule's announcement. Cross-border professionals now face additional documentation burdens that could delay project timelines in sectors like construction and healthcare.
The Buffalo-Niagara region provides a telling case study of the policy's potential impacts. Over 15,000 Canadian workers regularly cross this border section for employment at New York hospitals and manufacturing plants. Local economic analysts predict a 2-3 week adjustment period for frequent commuters, with potential productivity losses exceeding $8 million monthly during the transition.
Canadian Snowbird Association representatives argue the rule unfairly targets retirees who traditionally winter in southern states. Their lobbying efforts have secured temporary exemptions for travelers aged 65+, but younger snowbirds must now document extended stays. This creates particular challenges for digital nomads and remote workers who blend tourism with professional activities.
Industry experts identify three critical implications: First, reduced cross-border collaboration in tech sectors due to administrative friction. Second, increased demand for immigration legal services along northern border states. Third, potential decline in Canadian investment properties purchases in Sun Belt markets like Arizona and Florida.
DHS officials emphasize the rule enhances national security through better visitor tracking, but critics counter that it strains diplomatic relations. The policy coincides with heated debates over shared electricity grid management and proposed tariffs on Canadian maple products. As both nations navigate these complex issues, Canadian travelers face unprecedented scrutiny in what was once considered the world's friendliest border relationship.