Originally Posted: 3/5/2025 | Last Updated 4/18/2025

Effective April 11, 2025, USCIS established a new process for certain foreign nationals in the United States to comply with the “Alien Registration Requirement” pursuant to INA §262 and Executive Order (EO) 14159, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion”. 

Many individuals lawfully present in the U.S. are considered already registered by virtue of other immigration processes and are already in compliance with the Alien Registration Requirement. Others may need to register with USCIS to comply with the registration obligations under INA §262.  

This memo provides an overview of who is subject to this requirement, those who are already registered, and potential next steps for those who are not. USCIS also provides a useful tool to help determine if registration is required based on individual circumstances, available here: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration.

Exemptions:  

The following individuals are exempt from the Alien Registration Requirement under INA §262:

• U.S. Citizens; 
• Noncitizens entering the U.S. for less than 30 days; 
• Individuals who have applied for or hold an A or G visa; 
• American Indians born in Canada who entered the U.S. under INA §289; and 
• Members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas who entered the U.S. under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act. 

In addition, certain foreign nationals are considered already registered and require no further action to comply with the obligations of the Alien Registration Requirement – see “Who is Already Registered” below for more information.

Who Must Register: 

The following individuals are subject to the Alien Registration Requirements under INA §262: 

• Noncitizens in the U.S. for 30 days or more who do not have other evidence of registration (see ‘Who is Already Registered’ for documents serving as proof of registration); 
  • Parents or guardians must register on behalf of children under age 14 who must be registered. 
• Children under the age of 14 at the time of entry who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more and turn 14 while present in the U.S.; and 
  • These individuals must register with USCIS within 30 days of turning 14, even if already registered. 
• Canadians of any age visiting the U.S. for business or tourism for more than 30 days who enter at a land border crossing and are not issued an I-94 arrival record by CBP. 

Who is Already Registered: 

Certain foreign nationals over the age of 14 have already complied with the Alien Registration Requirement of INA §262 based on the issuance of other documents listed below. These individuals do NOT need to register or take any further action to comply with this requirement. 

Noncitizens who enter the U.S. at age 14 or older are already registered if they have been issued any of the following:  

• Nonimmigrant or immigrant visa used to enter the U.S. prior to their last arrival; 
• Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or Form I-94W Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Record (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired; 
• Border crossing card; 
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD card issued by USCIS); 
• Lawful Permanent Resident status (Green Card); 
• I-797 receipt notice for the filing of Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700 with USCIS, if fingerprints have been provided (unless waived), even if the application was denied;  
• Notice to Appear (NTA) or similar document for individuals in removal proceedings; or 
• Proof of parole into the U.S. under INA §212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired. 

If any of the above apply to your situation and you were 14 or older when last entering the U.S., you have already complied with the Alien Registration Requirement and no further action is required. Individuals 18 or older must carry one of the above documents in their possession at all times as proof of registration, if applicable.

How to Register: 

Noncitizens subject to the registration requirement who are not already registered as described above must register online with USCIS using Form G-325R, Biometric Information (Registration)

1. Follow the instructions under “How to Register” on the USCIS website to create an online account and submit Form G-325R. 
2. Upon submission of the Form G-325R, a biometrics services appointment may be scheduled to collect biometrics, fingerprints, photographs, and signature. USCIS will use this information for the purpose of identity verification and background and security checks, including criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  
3. Proof of registration will be provided through the individual’s USCIS account. Foreign nationals over the age of 18 must download this document and keep it in their possession at all times. 

Proof of registration using Form G-325R only serves as evidence of compliance with the Alien Registration Requirement under INA §262. It does not grant lawful status, employment authorization, or any other immigration benefit.  

Failure to comply with this obligation may result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution, the imposition of fines, and incarceration. Also note that biometric information collected through the registration may be stored and used by DHS in the adjudication of benefits and other functions related to the administration and enforcement of immigration laws. Individuals who may need to register using Form G-325R should consult a licensed immigration attorney to fully understand the obligations and potential consequences related to this requirement. 

Obligation to Report Change of Address: 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Foreign nationals subject to the Alien Registration Requirement are also required to notify USCIS of changes in address by filing an AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card. An AR-11 reporting a change of address must be filed within 10 days of such change.  

Noncompliance with this requirement is a misdemeanor with serious potential consequences, including punishment by fine or imprisonment. 

Status of Interim Final Rule: 

The Alien Registration Requirement, effective April 11, 2025, derives its legal authority from the Interim Final Rule (RIN 1615-AC96), published by the Department of Homeland Security pursuant to INA §262 and EO 14159. DHS is inviting comments on the Interim Final Rule until May 12, 2025. It is possible, but unlikely, that the agency will modify or replace the rule in response to public comment.  

We will monitor for any further developments and update this post with any relevant changes. Until then, the current version of the rule remains in effect. Visit the USCIS summary page for more information. 

This post is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for direct legal advice on an individual basis.