01 · The rule
The 30-day registration rule
US law requires most non-citizens aged 14 or older who stay in the US for 30 days or longer to be registered. Parents or guardians must make sure children under 14 are registered too (USCIS).
Most Canadian visitors are already covered by their I-94 arrival record. USCIS lists Canadian visitors who entered at a land border and were not given an I-94 as one of the groups who still need to register (USCIS).
The rule applies to each trip of 30 days or longer, so check again every time you go. If you last entered the US using NEXUS (or another trusted traveller program), USCIS counts you as already registered.
02 · Your I-94
Flying vs driving
If you fly into the US, CBP normally creates an electronic I-94 for you automatically. You can look it up on the official I-94 website (CBP, i94.cbp.dhs.gov).
If you drive across, you may not get one. You can apply for an I-94 online before you cross at i94.cbp.dhs.gov, which also counts as registration (CBP charges a small fee for this).
03 · Form G-325R
If you still need to register
People who need to register do it with Form G-325R through their own USCIS online account. Each person needs their own account, including children under 14, which a parent sets up in the child's name (USCIS G-325R).
Anyone who turns 14 while in the US must re-register within 30 days of their birthday (USCIS).
USCIS says Canadian visitors are normally not required to attend a fingerprint (biometrics) appointment, and registrants don't pay a biometrics fee.
04 · Before you go
A quick checklist
Count your days: the rule applies to stays of 30 days or longer.
Flying? Check your I-94 online after you land. Driving? Consider getting an I-94 before you cross.
If you're 18 or older and required to register, US law says you must carry proof of registration (such as your I-94 or USCIS registration notice, printed or on your phone) at all times while in the US.
Health care in the US can be very expensive, and your provincial plan covers only a small share. See Does OHIP cover you outside Canada?
Not sure? USCIS has a free "Do I need to register?" tool at uscis.gov/alienregistration. Rules can change; check USCIS and CBP before you travel.
Wintering in the US? Check what travel insurance makes sense for a long stay.
Do I need travel insurance? Take the 1-minute quiz →The quiz is free. If you then get a quote, it's from our partner TuGo, and we may earn a commission.
FAQ
Traveller questions
Do Canadians need to register to visit the US in 2026?+
Only if you will stay 30 days or longer and are not already registered. An I-94 counts as registration. This is general info, not legal advice.
Do I get an I-94 if I fly to the US?+
CBP normally creates an electronic I-94 automatically for air arrivals. You can check yours at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
What is Form G-325R?+
It is the USCIS form for people who need to register and are not already registered. You file it online through your own USCIS account.
What about kids?+
Children under 14 staying 30 days or more must be registered by a parent or guardian. Anyone turning 14 in the US must re-register within 30 days of the birthday.
Sources
Where these facts come from
Last checked October 12, 2026. Schedules and rules change, so always confirm with the airline or the official source before you book or travel.
- USCIS, alien registration requirement: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration
- USCIS, Form G-325R: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/g-325r
- CBP, I-94 arrival/departure forms: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94
- CBP, official I-94 website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home