For decades, Canadian retirees and seasonal travelers—often called Snowbirds—have spent winters in the United States. In 2025, however, major policy updates are reshaping how long Canadians can stay and what procedures they must follow. This guide explains the new requirements, the proposed legislation, the new I-94 fee, and the official government resources every Snowbird should consult.

1. The 30-Day Registration Requirement

Who Must Register

As of April 2025, Canadians who remain in the United States for more than 30 consecutive days must comply with Alien Registration rules. This requirement comes from the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA, Section 262), enforced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• If you are admitted to the U.S. and issued a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), you are considered already registered.
• If you are not issued an I-94 (common for Canadians entering by land), you must register directly with USCIS.

Official Source: USCIS Alien Registration – INA Section 262

How to Check if You Have an I-94

• Use the official CBP I-94 Website to confirm your status: CBP I-94 Lookup Tool
• Air travelers usually receive an electronic I-94 automatically.
• Land travelers may not, which means they must complete registration.

How to Register if Required

If you stayed beyond 30 days without an I-94, you must:

1. Create an online USCIS account: USCIS Online Account Portal
2. File Form G-325R (Biographic Information): Required under INA 262.
3. Provide fingerprints: Most non-U.S. citizens must complete biometric collection. Canadians are generally exempt, but USCIS may request confirmation.
4. Keep proof of compliance: Always print or save a copy of your registration.

Failure to comply can lead to fines, misdemeanor charges, and complications for future U.S. entries.

2. New I-94 Fee at Land Borders (Effective September 30, 2025)

Travelers entering by land and requesting a Form I-94 will soon face higher costs:

• Old fee: $6
• New statutory fee: Additional $24
• Total fee: $30 per I-94 application at land borders, effective September 30, 2025

Official Source: Federal Register Notice – CBP Immigration Fees, FY 2025

Air and sea travelers: No fee, since I-94 is issued electronically at entry.
Land travelers: Must pay $30 at ports of entry beginning Sept 30, 2025.

3. Proposed Law: Extending Stays to 240 Days

In parallel with the registration and fee changes, U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation to extend the length of stay for Canadian Snowbirds:

• Bill: Canadian Snowbird Visa Act of 2025 (H.R. 3070, 119th Congress)
• Proposed Change: Allow Canadians aged 50 and over, who own or rent a U.S. residence and maintain a Canadian home, to stay up to 240 days (about eight months) per year without changing tax or immigration status.
• Restrictions: The Act does not grant work rights or access to U.S. public benefits.

Official Source: Congress.gov – H.R. 3070 (2025)

This bill is still under review. Until passed, the current rule remains: Canadians may stay up to 182 days (about six months) in the U.S. per calendar year without a visa.

4. Tax and Residency Considerations

While these changes concern immigration and entry, tax residency rules remain separate:

• Canadians must ensure they do not trigger U.S. tax residency by exceeding substantial presence thresholds.
• The Substantial Presence Test applies if you spend more than 183 days in the U.S. over a rolling 3-year period, with weighted calculation.

Official IRS Source: IRS Substantial Presence Test

5. What Snowbirds Should Do in 2025

Before Traveling:

• Check the CBP I-94 portal after each entry.
• If no I-94 is issued and you plan to stay beyond 30 days, register with USCIS.

At the Border (Land Entries):

• Be prepared to pay $30 for an I-94 application beginning Sept 30, 2025.

While in the U.S.:

• Keep a record of all entries and exits.
• Carry printed confirmation of your I-94 or USCIS registration.

Monitor Legislative Updates:

• Bookmark the Congress.gov page for H.R. 3070
• Check USCIS and CBP portals for official updates.

Conclusion

The Snowbird lifestyle is still very much alive, but the rules are evolving. Canadians who spend winters in the United States must now balance three realities:

1. Mandatory compliance with registration after 30 days if no I-94 is issued.
2. Increased fees for land border I-94 applications, rising to $30 on September 30, 2025.
3. Potential opportunities to stay longer under pending legislation.

By relying on official resources—USCIS, CBP, IRS, and Congress.gov—Snowbirds can enjoy extended stays in the U.S. while avoiding legal or tax problems.

Read more from Curianic:

• Worked 40 Years, Still Working: How Policy Shifts, Rising Costs, and Unbalanced Priorities Broke the Western Retirement Promise
• The Real Cost of Living Abroad: Taxes, Culture, and Surprising Price Gaps Worldwide
• U.S. Immigration Changes 2025: The Complete Guide
• Canada’s Immigration Landscape – August 2025: What’s Changing?