The Alien Registration Form (G-325R) is a new registration form issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It allows certain non-citizens to comply with U.S. immigration laws that require foreign nationals to register their presence in the United States.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), most non-citizens who stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register and be fingerprinted. This requirement applies to most foreign nationals, except for certain visa holders and diplomats.
This guide explains who needs to register, how to complete the registration process, and what documents serve as proof of registration.
Who Is Required to Register?
Most non-citizens who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer must register with USCIS unless they fall under an exemption. Registration includes providing biographic information and, in most cases, fingerprints.
The following groups must register:
- Non-citizens who have entered the U.S. without inspection and have not yet registered
- Individuals who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days and have not previously registered
- Canadian visitors who entered the U.S. at a land port of entry and were not issued a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Individuals who turn 14 years old while in the U.S. and have not previously registered (must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday)
Who Is Exempt From Registration?
Certain groups of people are not required to register, including:
- Visa holders who were already fingerprinted and registered during the visa application process
- Diplomats and foreign government officials holding A or G visas
- American Indians born in Canada with at least 50% Indigenous ancestry who are lawfully present in the U.S. under Section 289 of the INA
While exempt individuals are not required to register, they may still choose to do so voluntarily.
How to Register Using Form G-325R
To complete registration, individuals must follow these steps:
1. Create an Account on myUSCIS
Registration is done electronically. Non-citizens must create a unique account on the USCIS online portal at myUSCIS.gov. Parents or legal guardians can create an account for their minor children.
2. Fill Out Form G-325R (Biographic Information – Registration)
The form requires the following details:
- Full legal name
- Date and place of birth
- Date and place of entry into the United States
- Current address and contact information
- Immigration status (if applicable)
- Criminal history (if applicable)
3. Attend a Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
Once the form is submitted, USCIS will schedule a biometric services appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). During this appointment, individuals will have their fingerprints, photograph, and signature collected.
USCIS uses this information for identity verification, security screenings, and criminal background checks conducted by the FBI.
For individuals who are exempt from fingerprinting (such as certain Canadian nonimmigrants and children under 14), registration is complete upon submission of Form G-325R.
4. Receive Proof of Registration
After completing registration and the biometric appointment (if required), USCIS will generate a Proof of Alien Registration document. This document is uploaded to the individual’s myUSCIS account.
What Is Proof of Alien Registration?
Once an individual registers, they are issued a certificate of alien registration or an alien registration receipt card, which serves as official proof of compliance with immigration laws.
Documents That Serve as Proof of Registration
USCIS recognizes the following documents as acceptable proof of alien registration:
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) – Issued to certain nonimmigrants and parolees
- Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card or Green Card) – Issued to lawful permanent residents
- Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document – EAD) – Issued to certain non-citizens who are authorized to work in the U.S.
- Form I-862 (Notice to Appear) – Issued to individuals in removal proceedings
- Form G-325R Proof of Registration – Issued upon successful completion of the new registration process
Additionally, a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant admission or parole stamp in a foreign passport may also serve as evidence of registration.
Requirement to Carry Proof of Registration
Under 8 U.S.C. 1304(e), registered non-citizens who are 18 years of age or older must carry proof of their alien registration at all times. Failure to carry proof of registration is a misdemeanor offense and can result in:
- A fine of up to $5,000
- Imprisonment for up to 30 days
- Both fine and imprisonment
Individuals who fail to update their registration after moving to a new address may also face additional fines and penalties.
Why Is Alien Registration Important?
1. Legal Compliance
Failure to register is a violation of federal law and can result in fines, imprisonment, or removal proceedings. Registering ensures compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
2. Identification and Documentation
Proper registration provides an official record of an individual’s legal status in the U.S. This can help avoid legal complications when interacting with law enforcement or government agencies.
3. Employment and Travel
Certain forms of alien registration, such as the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), may be required to legally work in the U.S. Proper registration can also make international travel smoother by ensuring the individual has the necessary documentation.
What Happens If Someone Fails to Register?
Failure to register or provide false information on a registration form can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Imprisonment for up to six months
- Deportation for fraudulent registration (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(3)(B)(i))
Additionally, individuals who fail to notify USCIS of an address change within 10 days may also be subject to deportation unless they can prove the failure was unintentional.
Final Thoughts
The Alien Registration Form (G-325R) is a new tool that allows non-citizens to comply with U.S. immigration registration requirements. By completing the registration process, individuals can avoid penalties and ensure they have the necessary proof of legal presence in the United States. For those required to register, it is essential to complete the process as soon as possible to avoid legal complications.
If you have any questions about registration requirements or need assistance with your immigration status, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
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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)
