Canadian Snowbirds Face New U.S. Registration Rules for Winter Stays in Arizona

Canadian Snowbirds Face New U.S. Registration Rules for Winter Stays in Arizona

A sign at a U.S.-Canada border crossing. Canadian snowbirds driving to Arizona this winter will encounter a new U.S. registration requirement if their stay exceeds 30 days. Effective April 11, 2025, U.S. immigration authorities are enforcing a long-standing law that foreign visitors (including Canadians) staying over one month must register with the federal government. For the tens of thousands of Canadians who flock to Arizona each winter, this change adds a bit of paperwork to their travel plans. Local officials and businesses, however, remain eager to welcome them with open arms, emphasizing that Arizona’s warm sunshine and hospitality await despite the new rule.

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Why a New Registration Requirement?

U.S. authorities – specifically the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – introduced the registration mandate as part of an effort to better track long-term visitors. The rule was outlined in an executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” issued by U.S. President Donald Trump in early 2025. It directs foreign nationals aged 14 or older who plan to stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register with USCIS, unless they are already documented in the system.

This largely impacts Canadian snowbirds because historically Canadians, being visa-exempt, could enter the U.S. for up to six months with minimal paperwork. Many were not issued the typical entry document (Form I-94) that other international visitors receive, leaving them “unregistered” in U.S. immigration databases. The new rule is solely a U.S. government requirement, not something the Canadian government mandates. DHS and USCIS have amended U.S. regulations to implement this policy, and Canadian authorities are not requiring their citizens to register when leaving for extended stays.

In fact, Canadian advocacy groups are pushing back – the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA) is working with U.S. lawmakers to exempt Canadian tourists, arguing the rule was intended for illegal entrants and shouldn’t apply to law-abiding snowbirds. For now, however, Canadian travelers must comply with the U.S. registration to avoid any issues at the border.

What Are the New Rules?

Under the new regulations, any Canadian visitor who stays in the United States beyond 30 days must be registered with U.S. immigration authorities. In practice, this means if you spend more than a month in Arizona (or anywhere in the U.S.) this winter, you need to ensure you’re in the U.S. government’s alien registration system.

Many Canadians who arrive by air are already recorded automatically: air travelers are typically issued an electronic Form I-94 upon entry, which serves as evidence of registration. Those arriving by land, however, often do not receive an I-94 record. Previously, a Canadian driving across at, say, the Peace Arch or Niagara border could be admitted for up to six months without any formal record number or fingerprinting. Now, if that traveler remains in the U.S. past 30 days, they must proactively register.

The rule applies to Canadians of all ages (children under 14 must be registered by a parent or guardian) and all types of long-term visits – whether you’re wintering in an RV park, staying with family, or managing business in the U.S. Exceptions include Canadians who are in the U.S. on other official documents: for example, those on work visas (like NAFTA/USMCA TN visas) or with U.S. green cards are already registered and thus do not need to file again. But the typical retiree or vacationer on a B2 tourist status (which Canadians automatically get when visiting) will need to pay attention to this requirement if staying over 30 days.

Failure to register when required is not something to take lightly. The change empowers U.S. officials to treat non-compliance as a legal offense. Not registering (or failing to carry proof of it) is now classified as a misdemeanor, with possible penalties up to a $5,000 fine or even 30 days imprisonment. In practice, border agents might simply warn or deny entry to someone who hasn’t complied, but the law allows for strict enforcement. In addition, not registering could result in being given a shorter stay or being refused entry on your next trip. The intent isn’t to punish Canadian visitors, officials say, but to ensure everyone staying longer-term is documented – a security measure in line with post-9/11 tracking of foreign nationals.

How to Register: Step-by-Step

The good news is the registration process is straightforward, online, and free. There is no fee to register (Form G-325R has a $0 filing cost, and any required biometrics for this process are also free). Canadian snowbirds can take the following steps to comply:

Check if you’re already registered: First, find out if you have an electronic I-94 entry record from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This likely exists if you entered by air (or if you explicitly obtained an I-94 at a land crossing). Visit the official CBP I-94 website and use the “Get Most Recent I-94” tool. By entering your passport details, you can see if an I-94 record was created for your latest entry. If it displays your I-94, you are considered already registered – simply print a copy of the I-94 record and carry it with you as proof of your legal entry and registration.
Create a USCIS online account if needed: If the I-94 site shows “Not Found” for your most recent entry, that means you were not issued an I-94 and do need to register. To do so, create an account on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online portal. The USCIS account setup will require an email and password and some identity verification steps.
Complete Form G-325R (Alien Biographic Information): Once logged in, select the option to file Form G-325R electronically. This is the form for alien registration. You’ll fill in your personal details — full name, date of birth, and other biographical information — as well as your date and place of entry into the U.S., your current U.S. address, and some basic questions about your immigration status and any criminal history. Submit the form online; it’s an entirely digital process. A Canadian snowbird would typically select B-2 visitor (since you’re in the U.S. for pleasure, not working), unless you have some other status.
No fingerprinting for Canadians: Normally, the law calls for foreigners who register to provide fingerprints (biometrics). However, Canadian citizens are exempt from the biometrics requirement for this registration. That means you won’t be asked to go to a U.S. Application Support Center for fingerprinting. (Children under 14 are also exempt from fingerprints regardless of nationality.)
Download and carry your proof of registration: After submitting the form, USCIS will process your registration (typically very quickly). Your USCIS online account will be updated with a “Proof of Registration” notice once everything is in order. Print a copy of this notice and keep it with your passport. If a border officer or other authority needs to verify your status, this document serves as evidence that you followed the rules.

There is no need to register in advance if your stay will be under 30 days – this is only for longer visits. But if there’s any chance your trip might extend, it doesn’t hurt to complete the registration early. Planning ahead will save hassle and ensure you’re enjoying Arizona’s sunshine worry-free.

Immigration and Border Considerations

It’s important to note what this registration does and doesn’t do. Registering is not the same as a visa extension – it doesn’t give Canadians any extra time beyond what’s normally allowed. Canadian citizens remain visa-exempt visitors in the U.S., which generally means you can stay up to six months at a time as a tourist. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry typically admit Canadians for up to 180 days on a B-2 visitor status. The new rule doesn’t change that limit; it simply requires that if you use more than 30 of those days in one stay, you should be in the system.

Snowbirds should continue to track their time in the U.S. to avoid immigration troubles. If you approach the six-month mark in one stretch, you must exit the country or risk overstaying your status – an overstay can lead to serious consequences. The 30-day registration is not a permission to stay longer than six months; it’s a reporting requirement for stays between 30 and 180 days.

Another tip: Maintain strong ties to Canada. U.S. border officers may occasionally ask long-term visitors about their ties home to ensure you don’t intend to reside illegally. Having a Canadian home, job or other commitments to return to can help demonstrate you’re truly a visitor. Canada and the U.S. share travel data, so every day you spend in the States is counted. Trying to “live” in Arizona year-round by doing back-to-back border hops is not advisable.

Tax and Financial Implications for Long Stays

Extended stays in Arizona’s pleasant climate can have tax implications. The U.S. uses the Substantial Presence Test to determine if a foreign national should be treated as a U.S. resident for tax purposes. This test looks at the days spent in the U.S. over a three-year period. For example, spending 4–6 months in the U.S. every year could push you over the limit unless you take action.

The good news is that most snowbirds can avoid IRS entanglement by using an easy exemption. Canadian snowbirds can live in the United States for up to 182 days per year without paying U.S. taxes by filing Form 8840 (Closer Connection Exception). Most retired snowbirds easily meet those conditions. Filing the 8840 form each year (by June 15 of the following year) is highly recommended for anyone who spends extended periods stateside.

Aside from income tax, consider other financial aspects of wintering in Arizona:

Property Ownership: Owning U.S. property does not confer immigration privileges but does mean local property taxes apply.
Currency Exchange: The loonie’s exchange rate affects spending. Many snowbirds use U.S. bank accounts or currency exchange services to save.
Income: If you have U.S.-source income (rentals, consulting), you may need to report it. Remote work for Canadian companies is usually fine.

Healthcare and Insurance Considerations

Canadians must secure travel medical insurance for their stay. Provincial plans reimburse very little for out-of-country care. For example, Ontario’s OHIP might cover just C$50/day, while a U.S. hospital stay can cost thousands.

Experts recommend policies offering at least $1 million in coverage, ideally more. Also, check how long you can be out of your province without losing coverage. Ontario allows 212 days. If you travel often, track this carefully.

Arizona offers excellent healthcare services, especially in Phoenix and Tucson. But all care is private and costly without insurance. Also bring prescriptions, carry your travel policy number, and keep a record of your medications. Some policies require you to call before getting care. If respiratory conditions are a concern, Arizona’s dry climate may affect you, so plan ahead with necessary supplies and coverage.

Arizona’s Warm Welcome to Snowbirds

Despite the paperwork, Arizona continues to welcome Canadian snowbirds warmly. Around 100,000 Canadians spend winter in Arizona, contributing roughly $1.4 billion annually. Locals value that deeply, and communities often organize social events, poutine-themed nights, and even Canada Day in February.

Officials and businesses are optimistic that Canadians will adjust to the new process. It’s a quick, free online form – a small step for months of sunny, stress-free living. You’ll see Canadian flags flying in parks, RV resorts hosting hockey nights, and snowbird clubs all around.

Conclusion

For Canadian snowbirds, the winter of 2024–25 brings a few extra preparations – but rest assured, Arizona’s communities are eager to see you and help you navigate the changes. The key steps are to register with USCIS if you’ll be here over 30 days, mind your immigration and tax guidelines, secure good health insurance, and then make yourself at home under the Arizona sun. Local businesses, from golf resorts in Scottsdale to cafes in Tucson, are grateful for the yearly influx of Canadian patrons and neighbors. By being informed and prepared, you can avoid any legal hiccups and focus on enjoying your winter escape. Arizona welcomes you warmly, as always. A little paperwork won’t cloud the sunshine and friendship awaiting you here in the Valley of the Sun and beyond. Safe travels – and enjoy your stay in Arizona! We hope you have a wonderful winter, and we look forward to many more seasons with our Canadian snowbird family here in the Grand Canyon State.

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