How to Apply for and Retrieve your I-94 or Complete Form G-325R

The cold months are fast approaching, and many Canadians are preparing to migrate south to the United States. This annual shift includes long-term ‘snowbirds’ seeking warmer climates, but also a significant number of business professionals and entrepreneurs who take advantage of the season to establish or expand their operations in the U.S.

While you may be familiar with the I-94 form, the U.S. government implemented significant policy changes and stricter enforcement a few months ago. We are circulating this reminder now because, with the peak travel season underway, it is more critical than ever to review the rules before you leave and to remain in compliance during your stay.

Here is what every Canadian, from the seasonal resident to the business owner, needs to know about the I-94 Form : 

What is the I-94?

The I-94 is not a visa; it is an official record managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that defines the terms and duration of your authorized stay in the U.S.

Who Needs an I-94 Form?

While most Canadians entering for short visits or transit are generally exempt, an I-94 is now mandatory for certain travelers:

• Non-U.S. citizens aged 14 and older who plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more and have not previously completed a U.S. visa or fingerprinting process.
  • If you do not pre-register for an I-94 and your stay ends up lasting 30 days or more, you will need to complete the more detailed and intrusive Form G-325R after you are in the U.S.
• Children who turn 14 while in the U.S. must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of their birthday.

Important Note for Land Travellers: Canadians entering by land are generally exempt for short visits, but **must obtain an I-94 if their stay will exceed 30 days.*

Not sure if you need to register?
Refer to our full article: Trump’s Immigrant Registration Rule: A Step Toward Criminalization—Even for Lawful Visitors?

Special Considerations for Canadian Citizens

Registration requirements for Canadian citizens depend on how you entered the U.S.:

1. Entry by Air or Sea

• Canadians entering by air or sea are typically issued a Form I-94 upon arrival.
• In most cases, this means you are already considered registered and do not need to submit Form G-325R.
• See Part 2 below for your next steps.

2. Entry by Land or Ferry

• Canadians entering by land or ferry are not automatically issued an I-94.
• This means you may not be considered registered, and could be required to submit Form G-325R (See Part 3 for information on the G-325R Form).
• See Part 1 and 2 below for your next steps. 

Tip: To increase the chances of receiving an I-94 at a land border, you can apply for a provisional I-94 using the CBP One mobile app before your arrival. Issuance is not guaranteed and remains at the discretion of CBP officers.

Part 1: Online Pre-Registration for Land or Ferry travellers (Recommended)

1. Go to the official U.S. Custom and Border Protection website (CBP) within seven days of travel.

2. Select “Apply for I-94”

3. Fill out your traveler information: 

Including: 

• Full Name
• Date of Birth 
• Country of Citizenship and Residency
• Passport Number
• If applicable: Visa and Visa Number
• Contact Information 
• Address while staying in the U.S.
• U.S. Contact Name

4. Press: Save Application 

5. Optional: Add other travellers 

6. Press: Proceed to Check out 

7. Pay the $30 USD fee. (Note: The fee increased from $6 to $30 USD on September 30, 2025).

8. Submit your application and print the confirmation of submission.

9. At the border, inform the officer that you have pre-registered and ask them to issue your I-94 electronically (Show them your confirmation of submission).

Part 2: After Arrival in the U.S.: How to Retrieve Your Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)

Whether you entered the U.S. by air or sea, or you pre-registered for the I-94 and crossed the land border, once you have arrived in the U.S. you will need to follow these steps to retrieve your I-94 Form.

Your Form I-94 is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and serves as proof of lawful entry.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Once you cross any U.S. border, go to the I-94 Website
   https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
2.  Select “Get Most Recent I-94” 

• • On the homepage, click “Get Most Recent I-94”.
  • This section will give you access to your most recent entry record to the United States.
    

3. Agree to the Terms

• • You will be presented with a disclaimer page.
  • Read it and click “Consent & Continue” to proceed.

4. Enter Your Personal Information

You will be prompted to enter your information exactly as it appears on your travel documents (passport and visa). Required fields include:

• • Last (Family) Name
  • First (Given) Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Passport Number
  • Passport Country of Issuance

5. View and Download Your I-94

• • If your information is correct and your record exists, the system will retrieve your most recent I-94.
  • You can view it online
  • Download it as a PDF
  • Print a copy for your records

The printed record will look like this:

If your record isn’t found:

• • Try reversing your first and last names
  • Double-check for typos, spacings or alternate spellings
  • Confirm your passport details are correct

If it still doesn’t work, you can contact CBP Traveler Communications through their I-94 help page or visit a Deferred Inspection Site in person. This may mean that you were not issued an I-94 and will therefore need to complete a G-325R.

6. (Optional) Retrieve Travel History

• • You can also choose “View Travel History” on the homepage to see a record of your previous U.S. entries and exits tracked by CBP.

7. Verify the dates carefully: 

• The “Issue Date” should match the actual day you entered the U.S.
• The “Admit Until Date” is your authorized length of stay, which is not always 6 months and depends on your previous travel history.

8. Print multiple copies of your I-94 record and keep at least one on you at all times. USCIS requires a physical printed copy, not just an electronic version.

Part 3: How to Complete Form G-325R (Alien Registration)

If you’re not already considered registered, you must complete Form G-325R through your myUSCIS online account.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create a USCIS Online Account
   https://my.uscis.gov

• • Each person must create their own account
  • Parents must create separate accounts for children under 14

          During account setup, you’ll need to:

• • Confirm your email address
  • Set a password and security questions
  • Select “I am an individual applicant” as your account type

2. Start Form G-325R

• • Log into your account
  • Click “File a Form”
  • Select “Form G-325R – Biographic Information (Registration)”

3. Complete the Online Form
   You’ll be asked to provide:

• • Full legal name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Date and place of entry into the U.S.
  • U.S. address and contact info
  • Immigration status (if applicable)
  • Criminal history (if applicable)

4. Attend a Biometrics Appointment (if required)
   Some individuals may be scheduled for a biometric appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center. You may be required to provide:

• • Fingerprints
  • A photograph
  • A signature

Note: According to the Interim Final Rule, Canadian citizens are exempt from the fingerprinting requirement. As such, their registration is considered complete upon submission of the form.

5. Receive Your Proof of Registration

          Once processed, your Proof of Alien Registration will be available in your myUSCIS account.

• • Download and print it
  • If you’re 18 or older, you are legally required to carry it at all times while in the U.S.

If you have not received proof of registration, print a copy of your confirmation of submission in the meantime. Keep it with you as this constitutes proof that you submitted your registration form (G-325R) and are waiting for processing.

Processing times may range from 30 to 60 days

The I-192 Waiver Is Not the Same as an I-94

An I-192 waiver addresses a different situation than the I-94: it applies to travellers who are otherwise inadmissible to the United States, often due to a past criminal record, and need advance permission to enter. Unlike the I-94, which simply records an authorized stay, an unresolved finding of inadmissibility can result in denied entry at the border— which is what the waiver process exists to prevent. If a past conviction may affect your admissibility, our guide to U.S. criminal inadmissibility sets out how the grounds are assessed and where a waiver fits.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the registration and fingerprinting requirements can result in serious consequences. Violators may face fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. This penalty applies not only to the individual but also, in the case of children under 14, to their parents or guardians who fail to ensure compliance for them.

To better understand the risks and ensure you’re fully informed, we encourage you to consult the penalties chart included in our latest article. It outlines the various infractions and corresponding consequences in clear detail. Staying informed is key to staying compliant.

Need Guidance Navigating These Requirements?

The new registration requirement can raise questions, especially if you’re unsure whether it applies to you or how to complete Form G-325R. For a full breakdown of who must register, who is exempt, and what qualifies as already registered, consult our dedicated article:
Trump’s Immigrant Registration Rule: A Step Toward Criminalization—Even for Lawful Visitors?

If you need help retrieving your I-94 or navigating the registration process, our team is available to assist you.

Schedule a call here or contact us: info@exeo.ca