Obligation to Carry Evidence of Registration in the U.S.
U.S. immigration law requires all foreign nationals aged 18 and over to always carry proof of their lawful visa status while in the country. This rule is based on Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which states:
“Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d). Any alien who fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction for each offense be fined not to exceed $100 or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.”
Although prosecutions for violating this requirement are rare, they have occurred in the past. To stay compliant, all foreign nationals must carry appropriate documentation in the U.S., especially when traveling within the country (e.g., at airports, train stations, bus terminals, or seaports).
Required Documents Based on Visa Status
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders):
- Green card (Form I-551)
- If your green card is pending renewal:
- Form I-90 receipt (for green card renewal)
- Form I-751 receipt (for conditional green card removal)
- I-551 ADIT stamp in passport (if applicable)
- If your green card is pending renewal:
- Nonimmigrant Visa Holders:
- Current passport (biographical page)
- Visa stamp in passport (if applicable)
- Current Form I-94 (proof of lawful entry)
- USCIS approval notice (if applicable)
- Additional documents based on visa type:
- F-1 Students: Form I-20
- J-1 Exchange Visitors: Form DS-2019
- Employment Authorization Holders: Form I-766 (EAD card)
- Green card (Form I-551)
Carrying Digital Copies as a Backup
If you prefer not to carry original documents at all times, you can keep high-resolution color scans on your smartphone. While digital copies are not a substitute for physical documents, they can be helpful if you need to prove your status quickly.
Final Thoughts
Carrying the right documents ensures compliance with U.S. immigration law and helps avoid potential legal issues. If you have questions about your visa status or required documents, consult an immigration attorney for guidance.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
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If you have questions regarding your Immigration Matters, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
