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New Registration Requirement for Canadian Visitors: What’s Changing?
Effective April 11, 2025, Canadian visitors aged 14 and older staying in the United States for 30 days or longer will face a new federal registration requirement if they were not issued an electronic Form I-94 upon entry. This change primarily affects Canadians entering the U.S. via land ports of entry, as those arriving by air are typically issued an electronic I-94 automatically. This electronic form serves as proof of registration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
To determine your status, visit the CBP I-94 website at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home, select “Get Most Recent I-94,” and enter your traveler details (name, date of birth, passport number, etc.). If your most recent I-94 appears, no further action is needed—you’re already registered. Always print your I-94 record and carry it with you as proof of your legal status in the U.S.
To be clear, your I-94 determines your legal status in the U.S. Not your visa or your visa stamp in your passport. The governing document is your I-94, so know exactly what is on record.
Canadian citizens are normally allowed entry up to six months in duration, but your actual authorization period will be recorded in your I-94.
Leveraging the CBP Home Mobile App
The CBP Home Mobile App, launched in March 2025, is the current tool for Canadian travelers to access CBP services and manage entry requirements. Available for free on iOS and Android, it replaced the previous CBP One app and offers a streamlined platform for compliance with U.S. border regulations.
Key Features for Canadians:
I-94 Management: Apply for a provisional I-94 up to seven days before arrival, access digital copies, and review up to five years of travel history.
Border Wait Times: Check real-time wait times at land ports of entry, aiding in trip planning.
Travel History: Verify past entries to ensure consistency with your I-94 records.
Register your exit from the U.S. on the app before you travel back to Canada.
How to Use It: Download CBP Home from your app store, create an account with your passport details, and select services like “I-94” to manage your status. For land entries, ensure your I-94 is updated post-registration via Form G-325R (see below) if required. Always carry a printed I-94 or G-325R registration as a backup, as officers may not always accept digital versions.
Benefits: The app reduces paperwork, provides real-time updates, and serves as a digital backup for your I-94—handy if you lose your printed copy. It’s an essential tool for staying compliant and prepared at the border.
Addressing Errors on Your Form I-94
Errors on your I-94—such as incorrect travel history, visa type, or duration of stay—can lead to complications, including denied entry or overststay accusations. Correcting these discrepancies promptly is essential. Here’s how Canadians can resolve I-94 issues:
Identify the Error: Review your I-94 at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home to pinpoint inaccuracies.
Gather Documentation: Assemble your passport, visa, travel itineraries, approval notices, and any evidence supporting the correct information.
In-Person Correction (Deferred Inspection Sites): If you’re in the U.S., visit a CBP Deferred Inspection Site or Port of Entry (locations listed at https://www.cbp.gov/about/contact/ports/deferred-inspection-sites). Present your documents and explain the issue.
Online Correction (Traveler Communication Center): If you’re back in Canada, use CBP’s “Ask a Question” webform at https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/questions?language=en_US. Select “I-94/Traveler Compliance” and “Issue with my I-94/Traveler History,” then upload your supporting documents. Collect documents to prove you exited the U.S., such as a receipt from a Canadian store from the same day or the day after you re-entered Canada.
Acting quickly ensures your travel record remains accurate, avoiding future immigration hurdles.
Form G-325R
If no electronic I-94 was issued and were unable to correct it as per the steps above, and if you intend to remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days, you must register with USCIS by submitting the new Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration) online. Here’s how:
Create a USCIS Account: Visit https://my.uscis.gov and follow the instructions at https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account.
Complete Form G-325R: Provide your full legal name, birth details, entry information, current address, immigration status, and criminal history (if applicable). This form must be filed electronically—no paper submissions are accepted.
Obtain Proof of Registration: After submission, USCIS will upload a “Proof of G-325R Registration” notice to your account. Download and print this document as evidence of compliance.
Notably, Canadian citizens are exempt from biometric fingerprinting requirements, simplifying the process compared to other nationalities.
Demonstrating Proof of Funds and Ties to Canada
When entering the U.S., Canadian travelers may be asked to demonstrate sufficient financial resources and strong ties to Canada to prove they intend to return home and will not overstay their authorized period. While this is not a new requirement, CBP officers have discretion to request such evidence, especially for extended stays.
Proof of Funds: Carry documentation showing you can support yourself during your U.S. visit. This might include recent bank statements, credit card statements, or a letter from your financial institution confirming available funds. There’s no set amount required, but it should align with the duration and purpose of your trip (e.g., lodging, food, and travel expenses).
Ties to Canada: Evidence of your intent to return can include a return ticket, property ownership documents (e.g., a mortgage or lease agreement), employment verification (e.g., a letter from your employer stating your return date), or family obligations (e.g., proof of dependents in Canada). These documents reassure CBP that you have compelling reasons to leave the U.S. at the end of your stay.
To avoid delays at the border, organize these documents in advance and be prepared to present them clearly and concisely if requested.
CBP’s Authority to Scan Digital Devices
Another critical consideration for Canadian travelers is CBP’s legal right to inspect electronic devices at the U.S. border. Under U.S. law, border officials have broad authority to search belongings—including smartphones, laptops, and tablets—without a warrant, as part of their mandate to protect national security and enforce immigration laws. This policy has sparked debate, but it remains in effect as of April 2025.
What to Expect: CBP officers may ask you to unlock your device and allow them to review its contents, such as emails, texts, photos, or social media. Refusal to comply could result in denial of entry, device seizure, or detention for further questioning. While Canadians are not subject to criminal penalties solely for refusing to provide passwords, CBP can impose administrative consequences like barring entry or confiscating the device.
Protecting Your Privacy: Before traveling, consider backing up sensitive data and removing it from your device, using encrypted cloud storage instead. Travel with a “clean” device if possible, and avoid storing passwords or confidential information locally. If questioned, remain polite and cooperative while understanding your limited rights as a visitor. That said, travelling with an empty or wiped device can raise its own suspicions.
Legal Recourse: If you believe a search was overly intrusive, consult an immigration attorney after the fact. While CBP’s authority is extensive, documenting the incident (e.g., officer names, times, and details) can support a complaint or legal challenge.
Awareness of this policy can help travelers prepare and reduce the risk of complications at the border.
Additional Considerations for Canadian Traveler's
Beyond these updates, other recent developments warrant attention:
Border Security Enhancements: The U.S. continues to strengthen land border protocols, with increased scrutiny on entry documentation. Canadians should ensure all travel documents are up-to-date and readily available.
CBSA and CBP Coordination: Both Canadian and U.S. border agencies are enhancing data-sharing agreements, meaning discrepancies in travel records could be flagged more easily. Consistency across your I-94 and Canadian records is critical.
Always carry with you sufficient documents to prove you meet your entry into the United States.
If asked a direct question, answer truthfully. Please note that any admission related to cannabis use will lead to a denial of entry and a bar to the U.S., as cannabis products, including medical marijuana, are Federal offences.
If entering the U.S. through a land Port of Entry, we strongly recommend to first purchase an I-94 through the CBP Home App and to report your anticipated exit from the U.S.
While greater preparation and additional steps are required to visit the U.S., to date we are still seeing Canadian citizens cross the border as visitors or obtain work permits without significant hassles, although the tone and questioning from CBP officers has become more aggressive.
Source:
Borders Law Firm https://borderslawfirm.com
Home Winterization
If you are a snowbird that heads south for the winter, there are several key things you can do to help winterize your vacant home. Taking the right winterization steps can help protect your home from theft, water damage heating or electrical system malfunctions and other possible threats while you are away for an extended period of time.
What is winterization?
Winterization of a house is the process of preparing the property to be vacant during the winter. Typically, you will want to take these preventive steps this fall, ahead of winter weather season. Being proactive can help protect against risks of damage due to bursting water pipes and other home and property issues.
1. Prevent your home from appearing unoccupied
Forward your mail, stop newspaper delivery and make sure your Home Watch provider is there to pick up items that may be left at your door.
Arrange for someone to remove snow after storms.
Put motion-sensitive exterior lights and interior lights on timers and set them to come on at varying times to discourage prowlers.
2. Take steps to protect your home from thieves
Confirm that your alarm systems are in working order and have been activated.
Secure external doors and windows with deadbolt locks, security-type hinges. Install slide locks or other equivalent security locks on sliding glass doors.
Store valuables that you are not taking with you in a safe deposit box or other secure offsite location.
Avoid posting your vacation or travel plans on social media sites, as potential thieves can use that information to learn when your house will be vacant.
3. Help avoid water damage by turning off your water supply
If a pipe bursts or leaks while you are away, it could cause significant damage. Consider completely turning off the water supply if you will be away for an extended period of time. If your home is heated by an older steam heating system, consult with your heating professional to determine if it is safe to turn off the water supply for your particular heating system. Also, if your home is protected by a fire sprinkler system, make sure that you do not turn off the water to this system.
4. Keep your home and plumbing warm
Keep the furnace running to help make sure the home stays warm and the pipes do not freeze.
Set the temperature at 55°F or higher to help keep the interior of the floor and wall cavities, where the water piping is likely located, above freezing temperatures. Keeping room and cabinet doors open can also help heat to circulate and warm the areas where pipes are located.
Shut off the water to washing machines and dishwashers where possible, to avoid any leaks or broken hoses while you are away.
Turn off the heat source and water supply to hot water heaters (if separate from your boiler).
Consider shutting off and draining outdoor faucets to prevent water damage due to freezing.
Have a water flow sensor and low temperature sensor installed on your main water supply pipe and hooked into a constantly monitored alarm system or your smartphone.
Consider wrapping water piping in UL-Listed heat tape and insulating if it is exposed in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces or attics. Use only thermostatically controlled heat tape if your water piping is plastic, and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
5. Perform routine winter maintenance before you leave
Heating system maintenance
Before you give your heating system a workout this winter, take the time for preventive maintenance. It may help extend the life of your system and identify potential problems.
Before winter:
Have your heating system inspected and serviced by a licensed professional before the onset of cold weather. Have your fuel tanks filled before you leave and make sure you have set up periodic fuel deliveries, if needed. Have someone check on heat and fuel levels regularly while you are gone.
Be sure to maintain electrical power if required to keep the heating system running. If electrical service to the home is to remain on while you are away, consider having a licensed electrical contractor inspect your main electrical panel, wiring and outlets. Repair or replace anything that may be defective.
Have your furnace or boiler checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year, preferably before the heating season begins.
Clean or replace the furnace filter on forced hot air systems.
Have your chimney checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year. Pay particular attention to having creosote buildup removed from chimneys servicing woodstoves and fireplaces.
During winter:
Have your fuel tanks filled and keep an eye on levels throughout the winter.
Set your heat no lower than 55 degrees as the temperature inside the walls where water piping is located is colder than the living spaces; open doors to unoccupied rooms to keep an even temperature throughout the house.
Maintain your wood-burning or pellet stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Insulation maintenance
Is your insulation prepared to protect you from the cold? As an important line of defense from winter’s gusty winds and freezing temperatures, it is worth taking time to have your insulation inspected. While you’re at it, have the insulation and weather stripping upgraded before the cold weather season starts.
Add extra insulation in the attic to help guard against ice dams. If too much heat escapes into the attic, it can warm the ice and snow on the roof. When it refreezes, it can cause an ice dam, which can lead to water damage inside your home or possibly even a roof collapse.
Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.
Remove screens from windows and install storm windows, if appropriate.
Winter safety measures
As you prepare for winter, following are some additional safety measures that can be effective preventive steps to take before the cold season begins.
Trim trees and remove dead branches so they do not damage your home or injure someone if they fall because of ice, snow or wind.
Keep gutters clear of leaves, sticks and other debris to help make sure melting snow can drain properly. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
Repair steps and handrails to make them safer in the ice and snow.
Check smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries to ensure they are operating properly.
Unplug all unnecessary appliances, such as your stove and microwave, before you leave.
Key supplies and equipment
The first storm of the year can come sooner than you think. Stock up early and get key equipment, like snow blowers and generators, in good working condition long before you need them.
Make sure you have snow shovels and a roof rake on hand. Stock your ice melting compound to melt ice on walkways.
Have your snowblower and generator serviced and any necessary repairs made.
Keep fuel for snowblowers and generators in approved safety containers and away from heat or flame-producing devices. Do not store fuel in your basement.
6. Make your home unattractive to pests
Clean your home thoroughly to help discourage new “residents” from moving in.
Clean, defrost and unplug refrigerators and freezers, wiping them dry and leaving doors propped open to prevent mildew. Also, clean the oven.
Inspect your home for openings that animals could use to enter. For example, make sure your fireplace flue is closed, as bats, birds and squirrels are known to get inside this way.
Check weather-stripping, insulation and exterior doors and windows to make sure no major deficiencies are present. Water and insects can enter through these openings.
Chimneys should be inspected by a chimney service and, if necessary, cleaned to make sure that they are free from obstructions such as nesting birds. Install chimney guard screen-caps to help prevent any infestation.
7. Be ready for emergencies
Install smoke detectors on at least every floor (preferably tied to a constantly monitored fire alarm system so the fire department will automatically be notified in case of alarm) and confirm that the sensors and system are tested regularly.
In higher wind-exposed or coastal areas, install storm shutters to secure windows, or consider using other mitigation measures, such as 5/8" marine plywood.
Hire Strathmore Home Watch to check on your home and allow them to manage any emergencies that may occur while you are away. Give them access to your home so they can regularly monitor heating, electrical and water systems.
If the weather turns frigid, have them look at the edge of the roof for ice dams and look for leaks inside. Make sure they have your contact information and a list of local contractors they can reach if repairs or service are indicated.
8. Make sure you have the insurance coverage you need
Be proactive about protecting your home when leaving the property – whether it’s for a few days or longer. Contact your Home Insurance provider to verify your policy on home check requirments. to make sure your homeowners coverage is up to date and premiums are paid up so you’ll be covered in case anything happens while you’re away.
Source:
http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.How-Do-I-Winterize-A-Vacant-House.10834.html