Effective April 11, 2025, the United States will implement a new registration requirement for certain Canadian visitors. This policy mandates that Canadian citizens aged 14 and older, who were not issued an electronic Form I-94 upon entry and plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more, must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Understanding Form I-94:
The Form I-94, officially known as the Arrival/Departure Record, is a document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to track the arrival and departure dates of non-U.S. citizens. It serves as proof of legal visitor status and specifies the duration of an individual’s authorized stay.
Application to Canadian Citizens:
- Air Travel: Canadian citizens entering the U.S. by air typically receive an electronic Form I-94 automatically upon arrival. This issuance satisfies the registration requirement, and no further action is needed.
- Land or Ferry Travel: Those entering via land border crossings or by ferry may not automatically receive an electronic Form I-94. If planning to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more, these individuals should ensure they obtain an I-94 to avoid the separate registration requirement
- Apply Online: Alternatively, travelers can apply for a provisional I-94 online up to seven days before their arrival through the CBP I-94 website or the CBP One™ mobile app.
It’s important to note that not all Canadian travelers need to obtain an I-94. Typically, Canadians entering the U.S. for short visits without requiring an I-94 are not subject to this fee. However, if you plan to stay in the U.S. for an extended period or require an I-94 for other reasons, you should plan.