The Alien Registration
Requirement Explained

Overview of the 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.

Many foreign nationals 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.

Categories of Already-Registered Individuals

You are already registered if you fall into any of the following categories:

• You have a permanent residence card (Green Card).
• You are in the U.S. under humanitarian parole (even if the parole period has expired).
• You 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).
• You have a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant admission or parole stamp in your foreign passport.
• You came to the U.S. on an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa (even if it has since expired).
• You are in removal or deportation proceedings or have applied for voluntary departure under the Family Unity Program.
• You have been granted employment authorization (even if it has expired).
• You 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.
• You applied for refugee status on Form I-590.
• You have a Canadian or Mexican Border Crossing Card.
• You applied for a Crewman's Landing Permit by vessel or aircraft.

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.
• Foreign nationals who will stay in the U.S. for less than 30 consecutive days.

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

The following individuals must actively register by completing and 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.
• Foreign nationals who have applied for certain 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, Notice to Appear, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, an unexpired DHS admission or parole stamp, etc.).

Special Rules Based on Age

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

Information Required for Registration

When completing Form G-325R, you will need to provide the following categories of information:

Documents 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 (fingerprints and photo) taken at a local Application Support Center, unless you are exempt from the fingerprint requirement.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Registration Fee

Registration is currently free of charge. However, DHS is considering implementing a $30 fee in the future.

Carry Proof of Registration at All Times

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, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), stamped passport, or similar documentation.

Report Changes of Address

All foreign nationals subject to the registration requirement must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. While this is not a new requirement, it will likely be enforced more strictly than in the past.