Canadian snowbirds: new U.S. registration rules, fingerprints buzz, and how to prep for this season

Bassyonni

ago 4 hours

Canadian snowbirds

With departures ramping up, Canadian snowbirds are navigating fresh U.S. entry wrinkles—most notably a registration requirement for trips of 30 days or more and growing chatter about fingerprint appointments for longer stays. Add a weak loonie, insurance fine print, and evolving state taxes, and this winter’s planning takes a little extra care.

What’s new for Canadian snowbirds this week

30-day U.S. registration is in effect. Travellers staying 30 days or longer in a single trip are expected to register with U.S. authorities after arrival and before day 30. The exact process can differ by how you enter (air vs. land) and whether you receive an I-94 on entry.
Fingerprints may be required in some cases. Recent updates and reports indicate that biometrics (including fingerprints) can be part of the registration workflow for longer stays, typically completed at an appointment time and place provided after you file the registration. Implementation details are still settling; expect uneven experiences by port of entry and itinerary.
Confusion at the border is real—but trips continue. Travel groups are advising members to cross as usual while keeping documentation handy. Where agents ask about length of stay, have addresses, insurance proof, and return timelines ready.
Currency headwind persists. October rates have hovered near USD/CAD ≈ 1.40, lifting U.S. costs for Canadians on housing, groceries, dining, and car insurance.

Status: Some procedures are still rolling out. If you’re planning a 30+ day stay, build time for registration and potential biometrics. Keep receipts, notices, and appointment confirmations with your passport.

Stay-length math: 182 days vs. 30-day registration

Two clocks matter and they’re different:

Tax/immigration presence tests: Most snowbirds target ≤182 days in the U.S. in the current calendar year and track the Substantial Presence Test across multiple years.
New registration trigger: A single trip of 30 days or more can require registration during that trip, even if your total days this year are far below 182.

Plan your itinerary so you’re compliant with both: file the trip registration if you’ll cross 30 days, and separately track your running day count for tax/residency rules.

Practical checklist before you go

Documents & entries

Bring proof of Canadian residency, return plans, U.S. address(es), and travel medical insurance that names each traveller and shows dates.
If you receive an I-94 on entry, save the number (screenshot). It can streamline registration steps and exit-proof later.

Registration & biometrics

If your trip will exceed 30 days, set a calendar reminder for day 20–22 to file registration so you have buffer time for any follow-up.
Watch for appointment emails/texts for biometrics; carry ID used at entry plus your appointment notice.
Keep copies of everything (digital + paper) with your passport and in cloud storage.

Insurance & health

Confirm pre-existing condition stability windows and maximum trip length. Some plans cap single-trip days even if your province allows longer absences.
Note U.S. urgent-care vs. ER co-pays and network hospitals along your route.

Money & vehicles

Consider a currency exchange program or scheduled transfers to improve rates versus walk-up bank spreads.
Update auto insurance for U.S. stays and verify roadside assistance coverage across states.
If you own property, collect utility and property tax login credentials and set up autopay.

Costs to expect this winter

Housing: HOA fees, condo insurance, and short-term rentals are up; some owners are reassessing or sharing months with friends to split costs.
Car insurance: Many states factor credit and ZIP code; call your insurer before arrival to avoid gaps.
Healthcare out-of-pocket: Even with travel insurance, upfront payment at clinics isn’t unusual—keep a credit card ready and submit claims promptly.

Border-day playbook (for smoother crossings)

Have a crisp answer to “How long are you staying?” and where.
Show you’re prepared: proof of funds, insurance, and a return plan.
If the trip exceeds 30 days, note that you intend to complete required registration within the window.
Keep day counts from prior months handy if you’ve made multiple entries this year.

If you’re staying under 30 days

You can avoid the registration step by structuring stays as shorter, separate trips—but remember the cumulative day counts for tax/presence tests still apply. Meticulous records (entries/exits, boarding passes, toll logs) are your friend.

The longer-stay question (240 days)

A proposal circulated earlier this year to let eligible Canadians stay up to 240 days annually without altering tax status. Treat this as not in force unless and until it becomes law and is implemented. For now, stick to the traditional ≤182-day rules and the 30-day registration trigger.

Key takeaways for Canadian snowbirds

Do your 30-day homework. If any single trip crosses that line, register before day 30 and be ready for a fingerprint appointment if instructed.
Mind your day totals. Keep the Substantial Presence math separate and conservative.
Budget for a 1.40 loonie. Lock in currency where you can and tighten recurring U.S. costs.
Document everything. Organized records make border conversations, insurance claims, and tax filings far easier.