The Alien Registration Requirement Explained

March 26, 2025•8 min read

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The Alien Registration Requirement Explained

What Is the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR)?

Starting on April 11, 2025, the U.S. government will require non-U.S. citizens to be registered with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) if they stay in the United States for 30 consecutive days or more. Registration must occur before the 30 days are over, and failure to register—as well as failure to carry proof of registration—may result in civil and criminal penalties.

Important

Many foreign nationals (FNs) in the U.S. are already considered registered, but some individuals will have to actively register by completing Form G-325R online and getting fingerprinted. Also, it is important to understand that registration is a new governmental requirement and enforcement tool; it does not confer any immigration benefits or protections.

Am I Already Registered?

You are already registered if you:

Have a permanent residence card (aka Green Card).
Are in the U.S. under humanitarian parole (even if the parole period has expired).
Were issued a paper or electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record when you last entered the U.S. (even if the admission period has expired).
Have a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant admission or parole stamp in your foreign passport.
Came to the U.S. on an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa (even if it has since expired).
Are in removal or deportation proceedings or have applied for voluntary departure under the Family Unity Program.
Have been granted employment authorization (even if it has expired).
Applied for permanent or temporary residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I-700, and provided fingerprints (unless waived)—even if your application was denied.
Applied for refugee status on Form I-590.
Have a Canadian or Mexican Border Crossing Card.
Applied for a Crewman's Landing Permit by vessel or aircraft.

Note: If you have children, also check the requirements below under "Who Must Register…"

Who Is Exempt from the Registration Requirement?

Diplomats and foreign government officials in A or G status.
American Indians born in Canada with at least 50% of American Indian ancestry and members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.
FNs who will stay in the U.S. for less than 30 consecutive days.

Who Must Register by Submitting Form G-325R Online?

Individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection and admission, or without being granted parole.
Canadian visitors who entered the U.S. at a land port of entry but were not issued evidence of registration (e.g., Form I-94) and are staying in the U.S. for 30 consecutive days or more. However, the fingerprint requirement will be waived for Canadian business and tourist visitors who enter by land.
FNs who have applied for some benefits, such as TPS, DACA, or asylum, but who have not been fingerprinted and whose applications have not been approved.
Applicants for DACA, TPS, or asylum who were not issued certain evidence of registration (e.g., Form I-94, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Notice to Appear (NTA), Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, an unexpired DHS admission or parole stamp, etc.).
FNs age 14 or older who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa and who stay in the U.S. for 30 days or longer must register before the 30 days are over.
Parents or legal guardians of unregistered FNs younger than 14 must register the minor if the minor stays in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. Registration must occur before the expiration of those 30 days, but the child will be exempt from the fingerprint requirement.
FNs who turn 14 while in the U.S. must re-register and get fingerprinted within 30 days after their 14th birthday, even if they were registered previously.

Note

Permanent residents who turn 14 must re-register by filing an I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, no later than 30 days after their 14th birthday.

What Information Is Required for Registration?

Your current legal name and other names used since birth.
Your contact information and physical address, including your address history for the past five years.
Immigration information (including, but not limited to, last arrival in the U.S., expected date of departure, activities since entry, and expected activities before departure).
Biographic information (including, but not limited to, sex, ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye and hair color).
Criminal history (if applicable).
Family information (including, but not limited to, marital status, information about your spouse and parents).

What Documents Are Needed for Registration?

When submitting Form G-325R online, you may upload any additional evidence or documents you think may be helpful, including:

A completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.
Documentation related to any criminal history (e.g., police and court records, evidence of a pardon, amnesty, rehabilitation, or other act of clemency).

The registration process also involves having your biometrics (i.e., fingerprints and photo) taken at a local Application Support Center, unless you are exempt from the fingerprint requirement.

How to Register

Step 1: Create an online account

Create an online account by signing up for myUSCIS. Each registrant must have their own individual account, including minor children.

Step 2: Complete and submit Form G-325R

Step 3: Attend biometrics appointment

Attend a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken (you will receive an appointment notice unless you are exempt from the fingerprint requirement).

Step 4: Background checks

The government will also conduct background checks on you, including a criminal history check.

Step 5: Download proof of registration

Once the registration process is complete, you must download and print a "Proof of Alien Registration" document from your myUSCIS account.

Is There a Registration Fee?

Registration will be free for now, but DHS is considering a $30 fee in the future.

Important for All Non-Citizens in the U.S.:

Key Requirements

If you are over the age of 18, you must always carry proof of registration with you. This means either proof of your online registration or any other document that is considered proof of registration, such as your I-94, Green Card, EAD, stamped passport, etc.
All foreign nationals subject to the registration requirement must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. This is not a new requirement, but it will likely be enforced more strictly than in the past.

Legal and policy sources:

8 C.F.R. § 264.1
Federal Register.gov: Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration
gov: Alien Registration Requirement

Immigration policies and regulations are complex and frequently subject to change. The information contained in this document is intended to provide you with a general overview and may not address your particular circumstances and needs. Serotte Law will help you determine whether you should register with USCIS and answer any questions you may have about the process. Request a consultation or give us a call at 888-875-8110.

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