What is Alien Registration Number

An Alien Registration Number or A-Number is a unique 7 to 9-digit identifier allotted by the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) to non-citizens. It helps authorities to track immigration files, records, and petitions a person may file over the years. It is important for filing forms, checking case status or as a means of identification in legal proceedings.

This blog will help you understand what an alien registration number is, who receives it and how to find it on immigration documents.

What is an Alien Registration Number?

An Alien Registration Number, commonly called an A-Number, is a unique 7-9 digit number assigned by the US government to non-citizens. The A-Number is used by agencies such as USCIS, ICE and CBP to track your immigration records over time. 

• An Alien Registration Number is usually in a 7, 8 or 9-digit format.
• The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), assigns an A-Number to foreign nationals.
• It is also called a USCIS number in certain cases. 

Who is eligible for an Alien Registration Number?

An A-Number is often assigned to immigrants who have a long-term interaction with the U.S. Immigration system. Non-immigrants, such as tourists or short-term visa holders, usually do not get an A-Number.

This list of individuals who are eligible for an A-Number is listed below:

• Green Card holders who are lawful permanent residents.
• Individuals who apply for an adjustment of status (such as Form I-485)
• DACA recipients
• People in deportation or removal proceedings
• Visa holders who apply for certain immigration benefits

How is an Alien Registration Number important?

The A-Number is mostly used to identify your immigration records. You will need it for a wide range of purposes, such as:

• Used to complete immigration applications and forms (such as Form I-130, I-485)
• Used to check your USCIS case status
• Used to request a copy of your immigration file (Form G-639 FOIA request)
• Used to communicate with the USCIS or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

How to find your Alien Registration Number?

The location of your Alien Registration Number usually depends on the type of document you have. Here is how you can look for your A-Number.

A Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)

If you are a Green card holder, then you can find your alien registration number on the front of the card. For example, your A-Number will be listed as "000-001-001" just below the "USCIS#" label. You can also find it embedded in the characters on the backside of the card.

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card)

If you have an employment authorization document or a work permit, then you can find your A-Number in it. For example, it is usually listed as "000-000-811" under the "USCIS#" label.

Immigrant Visa

The immigrant visa you have also displays your A-Number. An immigrant visa, also called a visa stamp or visa foil, is commonly found in your passport. Your A-Number is identified as the registration number at the top right portion of the visa stamp.

Alien Registration Number on Notice of Action

A few versions of the Notice of Action may contain the Alien Registration Number. It may be located at the top-right of the document next to the "USCIS#" label. 

Alien Registration Number on Immigrant Data Summary

You might have had an Immigration Data Summary stapled to the front of your immigrant visa package if you had applied for a Green Card through consular processing. Your A-Number will be at the top of the Immigrant Data Summary. 

Alien Registration Number on Immigrant Fee Handout

You may have received a USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout from the immigration officer if you had applied for a Green Card through consular processing. This document helps you provide instructions on paying the USCIS  Immigrant Fee. Your A-Number will be on the top-right corner.

What to do if you are unable to find your Alien Registration Number?

Follow the steps below if you are unable to find your Alien Registration Number. 

1. You can review older USCIS notices (Form I-797) or approval letters.
2. You can check past applications or forms submitted to USCIS.
3. Take a look at your visa copies or passport stamps.
4. You can also log in to your USCIS online account and request a copy of your immigration file using Form G-639.

Conclusion

An Alien Registration Number is an important identification number assigned to immigrants and non-citizens of the US by the US immigration authorities. It helps to track immigration records, applications and legal status throughout the immigration process. If you are applying for a visa, green card, work permit or citizenship, you must understand where to find and how to use your A-Number. It can help navigate immigration procedures more easily. Keeping your A-Number safe and accessible will ensure smooth communication with immigration agencies and help to avoid delays in applications.