On November 2, we published and shared on the Soleil de la Floride Facebook page our article Echoes from the Canada-US border, which presents testimonials we received from Canadian snowbirds who crossed the land border for a stay of 30 days or more in Florida. Since this post generated many comments on Facebook, we thought it would be a good idea to share some of them with you, not only because it is a hot topic, but also because they are even more recent experiences with land border crossings, compared to the I-94 and the new measures.
Lise wrote in a comment: « I completed the I-94 five days in advance and paid $60, but we had to go to the border for fingerprints and photos in order to register and validate our entries. I did that, and my I-94 was on the website that same evening, with an expiration date of April 2026. «
Pauline says: « We went through customs at Thousand Islands on Thursday morning and filled out the I-94 form within the previous seven days.
When we arrived at the border, we were greeted by a customs officer without any waiting. At his request, we went to the second stage where our photo and fingerprints were taken. We were served in French by a friendly customs officer. The whole procedure took us 18 minutes. Our passports were stamped with a note valid until April 26, 2026, and the customs officer told us that no further procedures would be necessary when we next enter the country in January 2026, as we are returning to Canada for Christmas. We are registered, and if anyone asks us anything, the customs officer told us to show them our passport (we have a photo on our phone) and that they could track us down in their system. So, yes, it’s a little more complicated than before, but nothing to complain about. »
However, it should be noted that official government and legal information websites indicate that a copy should be printed and that the form must be repeated for each stay of 30 days or more in the United States. Just make sure you comply with the requirements for each visit.
Now here is Jocelyn’s situation: « I pre-registered for the I-94. At customs, I gave them my Nexus card, confirmed the $30 payment for the form, and mentioned that I was staying for more than 30 days. I asked the customs officer for the I-94, and he nodded. After a few seconds, he handed me my documents and wished me a good trip. I didn’t receive my I-94 and had to fill out my G325. So $30 down the drain. »
Diane’s case is similar: « I completed the I-94 five days before crossing the border and took a screenshot of my $60 receipt. I wanted to print the I-94 two weeks after we arrived in Florida, but it wasn’t on their system. Grrrr. Now I have to fill out the other long form again. It’s really not pleasant to be treated this way. Be sure to tell the U.S. customs officer that you did send your form; it might wake him up! »
Hélène wrote to us directly to say that when she and her husband went through customs, they really had to insist that the customs officer register them. They stood their ground, and finally, the customs officer agreed to register them.
Suzanne says: “We went through on Monday and there were five cars at the Lacolle customs office, three lanes open and 10 people to serve us inside. It took a total of 15 minutes to get through customs.”
Irene says: « We arrived at Lacolle at 5:20 this morning (Saturday). One lane was open and there were a lot of cars waiting. After waiting 45 minutes, the customs officer sent us inside. It wasn’t clear what to do. Another 30-minute wait. The nice gentleman (the only one working with a lot of people in the room) asked us the usual questions and if we had filled out and paid for the I-94 online. We said no. He asked if we wanted to do it. I replied that I had thought I would wait to fill out the 325 when we arrived. He didn’t really have any information about that. But he told me that we didn’t have to fill out the I-94 and pay right away. That was it. We finally left. Ridiculous. »
Roger exclaims: « At the Thousand Islands today, they don’t seem to care about the I-94. I showed my receipt and met another customs officer inside. I showed him the receipt too. He gave it back to me and said it was OK. Next to us, a couple was having their photos taken and their fingerprints taken…??? »
Finally, Claire says: “I went through customs this morning in Detroit. I asked them for my I-94 and it was very quick. No problem.”
Thank you, and be prepared for your border crossing, if you haven’t already done so!
