Canadian snowbirds visiting the United States for more than a month are now required to provide fingerprints when crossing the border, CTV News has confirmed.
As of last April, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), some Canadians planning to visit the U.S. for more than 30 days are required to complete an alien registration form. The application asks for personal and biographical details and requires biometric data collection, such as fingerprints.
“This measure is in compliance with statutory alien registration and fingerprinting provisions,” wrote a CBP spokesperson in an email to CTV News, adding the rule does not apply to those vising for less than a month or who have NEXUS clearance.
The requirement — as laid out in an executive order entitled Protecting the American People Against Invasion and signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on the first day of his second term last January — requires anyone over the age of 14, and hoping to stay in the U.S. for more than a month, to register.
Those who register, and are fingerprinted, must carry the document on them at all times, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The development was first reported by CBC News.
“The Department of Homeland Security fully supports this rule, which aligns with the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and security of the United States,” the CBP spokesperson also wrote to CTV News.
Are you a snowbird planning your trip south for the winter, or have you experienced delays at the border while completing alien registration requirements?
We want to hear from you. Share your story by emailing us at dotcom@bellmedia.ca with your name, general location and phone number in case we want to follow up.
Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.