Changes in extended stays for Canadian visitors

Question

Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring all visitors including Canadians staying in the US 30 days or longer to register as "Alien " visitors and potentially be finger printed. This will have an impact on many Canadians who in the past have been used to just flashing their passport when entering the US. Many own vacation properties and spend their winters in Florida or Hawaii which they are now selling. There are many others who rent for a Month or longer in Hawaii every winter especially Waikiki who will not be returning

Answer

This is a timely and important question, because the situation has indeed changed. What you posted captures a lot of what people are hearing — but there are some details that clarify exactly what the new U.S. rule requires and who is affected. Here’s a breakdown, based on the most recent public-information sources:

What the New Rule Actually Is

As of April 11, 2025, certain foreign nationals — including many Canadian visitors — must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more.
This registration is being enforced under an interim final rule published by DHS.
The required form is G-325R (Biographic Information), which must be submitted via a USCIS online account (myUSCIS).
Notably, Canadians are generally exempt from the fingerprint (biometric) requirement, according to multiple legal sources.
Once registered, Canadians 18 and older must carry proof of their registration while in the U.S.

Who Is Most Affected

“Snowbirds” or Canadians who spend the winter in the U.S. (e.g., in Florida, Arizona) for extended stays will be among the most impacted.
Canadians entering at land ports who were previously *not issued a Form I-94* are especially affected, because those with an I-94 are considered already registered.
Younger visitors: Canadians aged 14 or older must register per the rule.

Penalties & Enforcement

Failure to comply with the registration requirement could lead to significant penalties. Legal sources indicate possible fines up to $5,000 or even imprisonment, though enforcement details are still evolving.
Because USCIS will provide “proof of alien registration” once you’ve submitted your form, you should keep a *printed copy on you* while in the U.S. if you are required to register.

Common Misunderstandings / Clarifications

This isn’t a *completely new law* — the alien-registration requirement has existed for decades (Alien Registration Act of 1940). What’s new is the stricter enforcement.
It’s not limited to Canadians — the rule applies to “all unregistered aliens” per DHS, but Canadians are particularly affected because many historically entered without I-94.
There’s no blanket fingerprinting for all Canadians: many are exempt, but USCIS may require biometrics for some cases.

Impact on Canadian “Snowbirds” & Long-Term Visitors

You’re absolutely right that this could affect the snowbird population: Canadians who traditionally rent or own homes in states like Florida, Arizona, or even Hawaii might reconsider extended stays now that there’s a formal registration requirement. Some may feel the cost (in time, paperwork, and risk) makes long-term stays less attractive.

What Canadians Who Plan to Stay > 30 Days Should Do

Before or shortly after arriving, check whether you were issued a Form I-94 (many air arrivals are issued one electronically). If you have it, registration may *not* be required.
If you don’t have an I-94, create a myUSCIS account and submit Form G-325R before or soon after hitting 30 days in the U.S.
Obtain and print your USCIS “Proof of Alien Registration” once submitted — keep it with your important documents while in the U.S.
Consult an immigration lawyer or trusted advisor if you have existing U.S. property, or if you plan to stay multiple months or re-enter frequently — this rule may change how people view long-term stays.

Bottom Line: Yes, the rule you mentioned is real, but it’s *not quite* what many think in terms of fingerprinting. Most Canadians who stay over 30 days and don’t already have an I-94 must register, but fingerprinting is generally not required for them. For people who used to winter in the U.S. long term (snowbirds), this adds an extra step and some risk — but it doesn’t necessarily mean they must give up those stays altogether.