On March 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will issue a Final Interim Rule (IFR), which will take effect within 30 days and require individuals to register their presence and provide fingerprints if they remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more. An early version of the IFR was published on March 7, 2025. This publication adds online registration as an additional method, with certain exceptions.

Our office will closely monitor this situation and provide more detailed guidance as it becomes available.

Additionally, Canadians entering the U.S. for business for 30 days or more must register. To simplify this process, the I-94 form serves as the registration document. Canadians arriving by air will receive an I-94 admission record but should check the CBP website to confirm. Those entering by land or ferry must ensure an I-94 record is issued. The I-94 fee is $6.00, and the application can be submitted in advance at the land border. Note that the CBP One mobile app can also be used for this purpose.

What You Must Do and the Possible Penalties

  • Register and Provide Fingerprints (Note: Penalties include a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 180 days, or both; fraudulent registration can result in deportation); and
  • Carry Proof of Compliance if Over 18 (Note: Penalties include a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both); and
  • Notify the Department of Homeland Security in Writing of Any Address Change Within 10 Days of Moving (Note: Penalties include a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both).

Who Needs to Register and Provide Fingerprints?

All non-citizens aged 14 and older who stay in the United States for 30 days or more, with certain exceptions (see below).

For non-citizens under 14 who stay in the United States for 30 days or more, their parents or guardians must register them. Fingerprints are not required at this stage. However, within 30 days of their 14th birthday, the individual must register in person and have their fingerprints taken.

NOTE: Canadians traveling to the U.S. who do not receive an I-94 form must register if their stay is 30 days or longer.

Who Is Exempt?

  • Visa holders who have already registered and had their fingerprints taken during their visa application;
  • A visa holders;
  • G visa holders;
  • Individuals staying in the U.S. for less than 30 days;
  • If a lawful permanent resident (LPR) is outside the U.S. upon turning 14, they must register and provide a photo within 30 days of their return.
  • American Indians born in Canada with at least 50% American Indian blood who are in the U.S. under Section 1359 of Title 8 of the United States Code (USC).

What Are the Penalties for Failing to Comply with Registration and Fingerprinting Requirements?

Those who fail to comply with registration and fingerprinting requirements may face a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Failure to comply will be considered a criminal offense. The same applies to parents or guardians of children under 14 who fail to meet these requirements.

What Happens If You Fail to Provide Proof of These Requirements?

Individuals over 18 must carry proof of their registration and fingerprinting at all times.

Failure to do so may constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. This is considered a criminal offense.

What Happens If You Fail to Register an Address Change?

Failure to register an address change is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.

What Proof Is Available to Show Registration?

If you have any of the following documents, it serves as proof of registration. You must carry this proof with you at all times.

  • I-94, Arrival/Departure Record: Non-immigrant aliens; aliens admitted to the U.S. under Section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA); aliens who claimed entry prior to July 1, 1924; and aliens granted departure without initiating removal proceedings.
  • Form I-95, Crew Landing Permit;
  • Form I-184, Landing Permit and Identification Card for Foreign Crew Members;
  • Canadian Border Crossing Card for Non-Resident Aliens;
  • Mexican Border Crossing Card for Non-Resident Aliens;
  • Form I-221, Notice of Hearing; Form I-221S, Alien’s Notice of Hearing, Order to Appear, and Arrest Warrant;
  • Permanent Resident Card;
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD);
  • Form I-862, Notice to Appear, for aliens against whom removal proceedings are being initiated;
  • Notice of Referral to an Immigration Judge, for aliens against whom removal proceedings are being initiated;
  • Valid and unexpired DHS admission or parole stamp in a foreign passport;
  • Proof of Registration upon filing Form G-325R and completing biometrics;

What Is the Legal Basis for Registration and Fingerprinting?

The legal basis is found in the Alien Registration Act of 1940, also known as the Smith Act, and in 8 U.S.C. §§ 1301–1306.