Canadians spending over 30 days in the US will be required to provide fingerprints

As if heavy tariffs weren't enough, relations between Canada and the United States just got a little more complicated.

If you were planning to work remotely from the U.S. this summer, take an extended road trip, or escape the winter for a few months, a new rule from the Trump administration might change your plans.

Starting April 11, 2025, Canadians staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days will be required to register with U.S. authorities and provide fingerprints as part of the process.

The regulation, published in the U.S. Federal Register on March 12, applies to all foreign visitors — not just Canadians. It enforces an executive order signed by Donald Trump on his first day in office, reviving an existing law from which Canadians were previously exempt.

Who needs to register?

As of April 11, all travellers aged 14 and up will need to complete the digital registration, while parents or legal guardians must register minors under 14. However, registration does not guarantee entry into the U.S.

Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $5,000 or even six months in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The policy is expected to impact between 2.2 and 3.2 million people, including Canadians who cross at land borders without receiving formal entry documentation.

How to register

Travellers will need to submit their registration online through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once submitted, they’ll be required to schedule an appointment to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo.

According to the USCIS, this information will be used for identity verification, security screening, and background checks, including a review of criminal records held by the FBI.

Would this new rule change your U.S. travel plans?

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