Savanna Hoffman
International students on F-1 visas are the only exception to the rule that temporary non-immigrant visa recipients are not given Alien Registration Numbers (A-Numbers). F-1 visa holders will receive an A-Number, even if they are not applying for a green card. This is likely because they have work authorization in the US, and their A-Number will be on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or work permit. The A-Number is used as the main form of identification for immigrants and is necessary for all people who intend to or currently live permanently in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who gets an Alien Registration Number? | Anyone who applies for a green card, including F-1 student visa holders, even if they are not applying for a green card. |
| What is it used for? | Identification, tracking immigrants, recording activities, and managing immigration paperwork. |
| How long is it valid for? | Indefinitely, even if your immigration status changes. |
| How many digits does it have? | 7, 8, or 9. |
| Where can you find it? | On your green card, EAD card, visa, Notice of Action, and other immigration documents. |
| What if it's lost? | You can use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) system or schedule an appointment with USCIS to obtain your immigration file, which includes your Alien Registration Number. |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa holders are given alien registration numbers
F-1 visa holders who gain work authorization during their stay in the US may be issued an A-number. This typically occurs if they work under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program after completing their studies. In such cases, the A-number can be obtained from the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country, where they attended their consular interview. It is important to note that the A-number is not the same as a Social Security Number (SSN) or a USCIS case number. The SSN is used for employment and tax-related purposes, while the USCIS case number is assigned to the application rather than the individual.
The A-number can be found on various immigration documents, such as the individual's green card, visa, or work permit. It remains unchanged even if the individual's immigration status changes or they switch visa types. Additionally, the A-number does not have an expiration date and will remain effective regardless of the individual's immigration status. If an individual loses their A-number, they can retrieve it by using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) system to obtain their immigration file or by scheduling an InfoPass appointment at their local USCIS office.
Obtaining an A-number is a crucial step for F-1 visa holders who plan to transition from temporary student status to permanent residency in the United States. By acquiring an A-number, F-1 visa holders can establish their personal identification within the immigration system and take the first step towards pursuing permanent residency or other immigration benefits. It is always recommended to seek guidance from experienced immigration lawyers when navigating the complex immigration processes and requirements.
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Alien registration numbers are used for identification
Alien registration numbers, also known as A-numbers, are used for identification. They are unique identifiers issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immigrants who apply to live in the United States permanently. A-numbers are also given to certain student immigrants, specifically those on F-1 visas with work authorization. This is an exception, as temporary non-immigrant visa recipients generally do not receive A-numbers.
A-numbers are used as a main form of identification for non-citizens. They are used by the USCIS to track immigrants across their systems and multiple applications, record activities, and manage immigration paperwork. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency also uses a unique identifier, the admission record number, to keep track of lawful entries into the United States.
A-numbers are typically 7, 8, or 9-digit numbers, beginning with the letter "A" followed by a series of numbers. They can be found on various immigration-related documents, such as green cards, Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), immigrant visas, and Notice of Action forms. On green cards, the A-number can usually be found in the upper right-hand corner or under "USCIS#" or "Registration Number". On EAD cards or work permits, the A-number is usually found under "# USCIS" in the information area on the front of the card.
It is important for individuals with alien registration numbers to keep their numbers secure and readily available when needed. If an individual loses their physical green card or other immigration documents, they can access their A-number through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) online system or by scheduling an appointment with the USCIS.
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Alien registration numbers are used to track immigration files
Alien Registration Numbers, also known as "A-numbers" or "USCIS numbers", are unique identification numbers assigned to immigrants by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These numbers are used to track immigration files and are required when submitting immigration documents. The USCIS uses Alien Registration Numbers to identify immigrants who have applied to permanently live and work in the United States.
The Alien Registration Number is different from a Social Security Number (SSN), which is used by the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration to monitor U.S. workers' income, taxes, and benefits. While an SSN can be applied for alongside a work permit as part of a green card application, an Alien Registration Number is not tied to employment. Instead, it is a way for the U.S. government to keep track of all the different immigration forms and petitions that a person might file over the years.
An Alien Registration Number is typically issued when an individual applies for a green card. However, there are exceptions, such as for students with F-1 visas who obtain work authorization. In such cases, an Alien Registration Number may be provided even without a green card application. This number is often included on various documents, such as a green card, immigrant visa, or Employment Authorization Document (work permit).
To locate an individual's Alien Registration Number, it can be found on their green card, typically on the front side. Additionally, it may be listed as the "Registration Number" on an immigrant visa stamp. For those with work permits, the Alien Registration Number can usually be found under "# U.S.C.I.S." on the Employment Authorization Document. In the event that an individual cannot locate their Alien Registration Number, it can be retrieved through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the USCIS.
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Alien registration numbers are not the same as USCIS case numbers
International students on F-1 visas who get work authorization are given an Alien Registration Number, even if they aren't applying for a green card. This number is also known as an "A-number", "A#" or "USCIS number". It is a unique seven-, eight- or nine-digit number that the Department of Homeland Security assigns to an alien. This number is used to identify immigrants and track their immigration files (A-files). It is also required when submitting immigration documents.
The Alien Registration Number is not the same as a USCIS case number or a USCIS online account number. The USCIS case number is used to track a specific application and check its status online. It is a 13-character code beginning with three letters and followed by 10 numbers. The Alien Registration Number, on the other hand, is a unique identifier assigned to each immigrant, which they keep for life.
The USCIS terminology can be confusing. Sometimes, ""USCIS number" or "USCIS#" is used to refer to the Alien Registration Number. It is important to double-check which number is being referred to when dealing with immigration documents. The Alien Registration Number can usually be found on the front of the immigrant's Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or work permit, under the "USCIS#" label.
It is worth noting that not all international students receive Alien Registration Numbers. Only those who have gained work authorization or completed Optional Practical Training (OPT) will receive an Alien Registration Number.
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Alien registration numbers can be found on green cards
International students on F-1 visas will receive an Alien Registration Number, even if they are not applying for a green card. This is an exception to the rule, as most people receive an Alien Registration Number when they apply for a green card.
The Alien Registration Number is a unique identifier assigned to immigrants by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is also known as the A-Number, Alien Number, or USCIS Number. This number is used to identify immigrants who have applied to permanently live and work in the United States, and to track their immigration files (A-files). The A-number is typically 7, 8, or 9 digits long and begins with the letter "A", followed by a series of numbers.
If you have a green card, you can find your Alien Registration Number in the upper right-hand corner of the card. It is usually located on the front of the card and is identified as the "Registration Number" or "USCIS#". If your green card was issued by the USCIS between 2004 and May 10, 2010, your Alien Registration Number will be the same as the nine-digit USCIS# on the card.
Your Alien Registration Number can also be found on other documents, such as your work permit, immigrant visa, approval notices, notice of action, and immigrant data summary. It is important to keep track of your Alien Registration Number, as it is required for most immigration documents and applications.
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Frequently asked questions
International students on F-1 visas are the only temporary non-immigrants who are given an Alien Registration Number. This is because they have work authorization.
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a 7-9 digit unique identifier used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to identify immigrants who have applied to permanently live and work in the United States.
Your Alien Registration Number can be found on various documents issued by the U.S. federal government, including your green card, EAD card, immigrant visa, and Notice of Action.
No, your Alien Registration Number is not the same as your USCIS case number. Your A-Number is a 7-9 digit number, while your USCIS case number is 13 characters, including three letters and 10 numbers.
