If you’re a non-citizen in the United States, you should be aware of important registration requirements that may affect you. A law from 1940 requires foreign nationals in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register and be fingerprinted and carry proof of registration all the time. This law was not regularly enforced, but a new process for this registration begins April 11, 2025.
Who Needs to Register?
Many immigrants are already considered registered, including:
- Lawful permanent residents
- People paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5)
- People admitted with Forms I-94 or I-94W
- Those in removal proceedings
- People with employment authorization documents
- Those who applied for lawful permanent residence with specific forms: I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, and I-700 and provided fingerprints (unless waived), even if the application was denied
If you don’t fall into these categories, you likely need to register if you:
- Are a Canadian who entered at a land border without a Form I-94
- Entered without inspection and haven’t registered
- Are a child who turned 14 while in the U.S. (must register within 30 days of birthday)
You are exempted from registering if you are:
- Visa holders who have been already registered
- and fingerprinted through their application for a visa
- A visa holders
- G visa holders
- Those in U.S. for less than 30 days;
- If an LPR is outside of the U.S. when he turns 14, the individual must apply for registration and provide a photograph within 30 days of return;
- American Indians born in Canada who possess at least 50% blood of the American Indian race who are present in the US under the authority of 8 USC 1359
Registration Process
You can register online using the form G-325R,Biometrics Information(Registration) through the USCIS website:
Steps to register:
- Create an online USCIS account at my.uscis.gov
- Complete Form G-325R (includes personal information, address history, immigration history, and police/criminal records)
- Attend a biometrics appointment
- Receive proof of alien registration after background checks
Important Considerations
For Undocumented Individuals: Registration is required, however, it does not grant legal status and could result in being detained and placed in removal proceedings. Before registering, you should consult with an immigration attorney.
Carrying Documentation: Non-citizens 18+ must carry proof of registration at all times. Failure to do so could result in fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days. This is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense.
Do not carry false documents or register using false documents. That is a separate offense and grounds for removal. If you fail to register and try to apply for immigration benefits later, the government could deny your application or visa.
Check the list of documents that count as proof of registration here: Proof of Registration
Address Changes: You must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving to a new address or risk penalties.
Legal Rights
Remember that everyone in the U.S. has basic constitutional rights:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to refuse to speak to immigration officers
- The right to speak to a lawyer if arrested
Seek Legal Advice
If you’re affected by these requirements, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a competent immigration attorney who can provide guidance specific to your situation.
This post is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this flyer without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney.
