Can You Complete USCIS Form G-325R Before Entering the U.S.?
No, you cannot complete Form G-325R before entering the United States. This form is only for non-citizens already inside the U.S. who have been present for 30 days or more and have not previously registered or been fingerprinted, as required by law.
This registration requirement is based on Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and further emphasized by Executive Order 14159, issued on January 20, 2025.
What Is Form G-325R?
Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), is used by USCIS to collect biographic and biometric information from non-citizens who are in the United States and subject to registration under INA 262.
The form is part of a legal process to ensure that non-citizens living in the U.S. are properly identified. It does not grant any immigration benefit, work authorization, or legal status.
This form must be filed online only through a USCIS online account.
Who Must File Form G-325R?
You must register and file Form G-325R if:
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You are 14 years of age or older
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You are physically present in the U.S.
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You did not register or get fingerprinted when applying for a visa or entering the U.S.
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You have remained in the U.S. for 30 days or more
Parents or legal guardians must file on behalf of children under 14 who meet the same criteria.
If you turned 14 while in the U.S. and were previously registered, you must re-register within 30 days of your 14th birthday.
Who Is Already Registered?
You are likely already registered and do not need to file Form G-325R if:
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You were issued a U.S. visa and were fingerprinted during the process
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You received a Form I-94 or I-94W at a port of entry
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You were paroled into the U.S. by DHS
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You are a lawful permanent resident
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You were granted employment authorization
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You applied for a green card using Forms I-485, I-687, I-698, I-700, or I-691 and provided fingerprints
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You were placed into removal proceedings
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You hold a Border Crossing Card
Who Is Not Registered and Must File?
You likely need to file Form G-325R if you are in the U.S. and:
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Entered without inspection, such as crossing the border illegally
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Are a Canadian visitor who entered at a land border without being issued an I-94
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Submitted applications for benefits like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action, and were not issued an official registration document
Can I Get an I-94 in Advance Instead of Filing G-325R?
If you are planning to travel to the U.S. legally, the best way to avoid needing Form G-325R is to obtain an I-94 when you enter the country.
What is Form I-94?
Form I-94 is your official Arrival/Departure Record, which is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you lawfully enter the United States. This document confirms your entry and often satisfies the registration requirement.
How to Get Your I-94 in Advance:
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Go to the CBP I-94 Website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
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Select “Apply for New I-94”: This is available for travelers entering by land. It allows you to complete your arrival information and pay the processing fee before your trip.
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Print and Carry the I-94 Confirmation: When you cross the border, CBP can quickly verify your pre-registration and issue your official I-94 record electronically.
Why this matters:
If you are issued an I-94 upon entry, you are considered already registered under INA 262 and do not need to file Form G-325R after you arrive.
How to File Form G-325R If Required
If you are already inside the U.S. and are not registered, follow these steps:
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Create a USCIS Online Account: Visit www.uscis.gov and set up an account. Each person must have their own account, including minors.
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Submit Form G-325R Online: The form is only available online. Paper submissions are not accepted.
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Attend Biometrics Appointment (If Required): If needed, USCIS will schedule you for fingerprinting. Failure to appear may result in legal penalties.
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Download Proof of Registration: Once approved, USCIS will upload a registration document to your account. Adults 18+ must carry this proof at all times while in the U.S.
Penalties for Not Registering or Carrying Proof
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Failure to register: Up to $5,000 fine or 6 months in jail
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Failure to carry registration proof (age 18+): Up to $5,000 fine or 30 days in jail
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Failure to update your address with USCIS within 10 days of moving may also result in fines, jail time, or even deportation
Summary
- Can I file Form G-325R before entering the U.S.? No
- Who must register? Non-citizens in the U.S. 30+ days who are not already registered
- How to avoid filing G-325R? Get an I-94 during legal entry
- How to file G-325R? Online through a USCIS account
- Is G-325R a legal status? No, it does not grant legal status or benefits
Legal Reminder
Filing Form G-325R does not provide legal immigration status, employment authorization, or protection from removal. It only fulfills the registration requirement under INA 262. If you need legal advice or help understanding your immigration situation, speak with a licensed immigration attorney.
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