New Snowbird Registration Requirements in Palm Beach County

Tensions are continuing to heighten between Canada and the United States, and this could pose certain problems for Canadian snowbirds who wish to live in Palm Beach County for extended periods. The first step is to gain a complete understanding of the new registration requirements for Canadian snowbirds visiting Florida. Once you understand these requirements, you can work with a Palm Beach County immigration lawyer to discuss potential solutions.

Why Do I Need to Register Before Coming to Florida From Canada? 

A new executive order by the new administration requires all visitors to manually register with US border officials if they plan to stay for more than 30 days. Most snowbirds plan to stay for longer than a month, so this will affect the majority of the one million Canadians who spend their winters down south.

Why is this necessary? It all stems from the “Protecting The American People Against Invasion” executive order, which is designed to curb illegal immigration. Even if you have no desire to enter the United States illegally or engage in illegal immigration, you will likely still fall under the requirements of these new rules.

Canadians Are Not Exempt 

It is important to understand that Canadians are not exempt from these rules. In many other cases, Canadians enjoy more privileges due to the special relationship between Canada and the United States. For example, Canadians still do not have to obtain special visas if they plan to stay for under six months. They also typically avoid filing requirements with the Department of Homeland Security when entering the country by car after driving across the northern border.

However, Canadians still have to complete a new US Citizenship and Immigration form to avoid unnecessary penalties enforced by immigration officials. This new law goes into effect on April 11th, and it also applies to Canadians already living inside Florida by April 11th.

How Do I Complete a New Citizenship and Immigration Form? 

Many in Canada are concerned about these new requirements, as seniors often find immigration forms complex and confusing. Even younger individuals might struggle to figure out how to complete these forms. The Department of Homeland Security seems to indicate that Canadians will not be required to provide their fingerprints – a notable exemption from usual requirements.

Consider asking for an “I-94” when you enter the United States. Border officials should be able to provide you with one of these forms, especially if you explain that you are planning to stay for longer than 30 days. Filling out the form should be easy, but you can always get help from a lawyer if you feel stuck.

Can a Palm Beach County Immigration Lawyer Help Canadian Snowbirds? 

Although visiting Florida as a Canadian snowbird might be a little more tricky in the modern era, it is still a viable choice. New registration requirements can be daunting, but they may be easier to address than you realize. Work with an experienced immigration lawyer in Palm Beach County at Devore Law Group, P.A.  to discuss potential strategies for living and visiting Florida in the near future.

Sources: 

vancouversun.com/news/canadian-snowbirds-face-new-registration-fingerprint-requirements-going-to-us

bnnbloomberg.ca/business/politics/2025/03/11/heres-how-new-us-rules-will-affect-canadian-snowbirds/