Savanna Hoffman
Foreign students in the United States on F-1 or M-1 non-immigrant visas may be eligible to work under certain conditions. To do so, they must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS. The EAD card contains information such as the Alien Number (A-Number), EAD card number, and expiration date. The A-Number is a unique identifier assigned by the USCIS to track immigration cases and is typically found on the EAD card. However, it's important to note that not all foreign students with EAD cards will have an A-Number, as it depends on their visa status and whether they have applied for specific immigration benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who gets an Alien Registration Number? | Every immigrant gets a unique Alien Registration Number, which they keep for life. 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. |
| Who doesn't get an Alien Registration Number? | Most non-U.S. citizens who are in the U.S. temporarily, such as on a business or tourist visa, don't get an Alien Registration Number. |
| When is an Alien Registration Number assigned? | An Alien Registration Number is typically assigned when an individual applies for a green card. However, if an individual previously gained work authorization while in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, they might have already been issued an Alien Registration Number. |
| Where is the Alien Registration Number located? | The Alien Registration Number can be found on a variety of documents, including the individual's green card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), immigrant visa, or previous USCIS notices. On the EAD, it is located beneath "USCIS#" or in the top right part of the card. |
| What is the format of an Alien Registration Number? | The Alien Registration Number is typically 7 to 9 digits long. If the number has fewer than 9 digits, it can be made into a 9-digit number by inserting a zero after the "A" and before the first digit. |
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What You'll Learn
Where to find the Alien Registration Number
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a seven- to nine-digit number assigned by the USCIS to permanent residents. This number is used to track immigration files for immigrants and some non-immigrants. It is a crucial piece of information when filling out new USCIS forms to request immigration benefits.
If you have a permanent resident card, or a green card, your Alien Registration Number can be found on the front side of the card. It is also embedded within the characters on the backside.
If you do not have a green card, you may be able to find your Alien Registration Number on other immigration documents, such as an Employment Authorization Document (work permit). Your A-Number is likely printed on the front of the card.
Your A-Number can also be found on your immigrant visa, also called a visa stamp or visa foil, in your passport. It is typically located in the top right portion of the visa stamp and is identified as the "Registration Number".
If you attended an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you should have received a USCIS Immigrant Fee handout, which includes your A-Number in the top right corner. You can also find your A-Number on your immigrant data summary, which is stapled to the front of your immigrant visa package.
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Alien Registration Number on Old USCIS EAD Card
The Alien Registration Number, also known as the A-Number, is a unique seven, eight, or nine-digit number assigned to immigrants and some non-immigrants by the Department of Homeland Security. It is a form of identification that helps the US government keep track of immigration forms and petitions. While not all non-immigrants are assigned an A-Number, certain classes of non-immigrants who have been granted employment authorization or other benefits may be given one.
If you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from USCIS, you will have been given an Alien Registration Number. This number can be found on the front of the card, listed under the field "USCIS #". The A-Number remains the same regardless of the format of the EAD Card.
The Alien Registration Number can also be found on other documents, such as a green card, immigrant visa, or previous USCIS notices. It is important to note that the A-Number is not the same as the USCIS Online Account Number, despite appearing under the same "USCIS#" field.
If you are unable to locate your Alien Registration Number, you can contact USCIS for assistance or request a replacement.
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Alien Registration Number and OPT EAD card
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a seven- to nine-digit number assigned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to most immigrants who apply to live permanently in the United States. It is a unique identifier that helps the government keep track of immigration cases and files. While USCIS does not assign everyone an A-Number, they do create one for every permanent resident. Generally, they do not assign the number to nonimmigrants, which include anyone in the United States on a temporary basis, such as students. However, USCIS may assign an Alien Registration Number to certain classes of nonimmigrants who have been granted employment authorization or other benefits.
If you previously gained work authorization while in the United States on an F-1 student visa, you might already have been issued an A-Number. This is most likely if you worked under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program after completing your studies. Foreign students in F-1 nonimmigrant status participating in OPT must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before they are authorized to work. The EAD card establishes the holder's identity and employment authorization for Form I-9 purposes. The EAD card number, along with the Alien Number (A-Number) and expiration date, should be entered under List A in Section 2 of Form I-9.
Your Alien Registration Number can be found on a variety of documents, such as your Permanent Resident Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Immigrant Visa, or previous USCIS notices. If you have a Green Card issued by USCIS after May 10, 2010, your Alien Registration Number is the same as your nine-digit USCIS# on the card. If your Green Card was issued between 2004 and May 10, 2010, your Alien Registration Number will be printed on the card. If you have an Immigrant Visa, also called a visa stamp or visa foil, your Alien Registration Number is identified as the "Registration Number" in the top right portion of the visa stamp.
If you are unable to locate your Alien Registration Number, you can contact USCIS for assistance. They may require you to provide personal information and details about your immigration history to help locate your A-Number. You can also request a replacement A-Number if necessary, but you may need to complete a form or provide supporting documents to verify your identity. Additionally, you can use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) system to obtain a copy of your immigration file, which will include your Alien Registration Number.
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Alien Registration Number and F-1 students
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a unique identifier assigned by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is a seven- to nine-digit number that serves as your identification throughout the visa process and in the U.S. immigration system. The A-Number helps to track immigration cases and is often required when submitting immigration documents or applying for benefits.
F-1 students are nonimmigrants who are in the United States on a temporary basis for the purpose of studying. Typically, F-1 visa holders do not receive an Alien Registration Number during the visa application process or upon approval. This is because their status is temporary and geared towards educational pursuits rather than permanent residency.
However, if an F-1 visa holder decides to pursue permanent residency by transitioning from an F1 visa to a green card, they may be assigned an A-Number as part of that process. Additionally, F-1 students who participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or seek off-campus employment may need to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. The EAD will contain the student's A-Number, which is necessary for establishing identity and employment authorization when completing Form I-9.
F-1 students can find their A-Number on their EAD card, which serves as proof of their employment authorization and identity. It is important to note that the EAD itself is not the same as the A-Number, but rather a document that authorizes work in the United States. The A-Number is a broader identifier used for tracking immigration cases and managing documents across multiple applications.
In summary, while F-1 students typically do not receive an Alien Registration Number initially, they may be assigned one if they transition to permanent residency or seek employment through an EAD. The A-Number is an important piece of identification within the U.S. immigration system and can be found on various documents, including the EAD for those who require one during their studies.
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Alien Registration Number and employment
The Alien Registration Number, also known as the A-Number, is a seven- to nine-digit number assigned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to permanent residents and certain classes of nonimmigrants, such as student immigrants with employment authorization. It serves as a unique identifier within the immigration system, helping to track an individual's immigration files and interactions with USCIS.
For foreign academic or vocational students seeking employment in the United States, the type of student visa and employment play a crucial role in determining their eligibility. Students with an F-1 nonimmigrant status, for instance, are authorised to work under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which directly relates to their major area of study. To begin working, they must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and can work up to a maximum of 12 months.
The EAD serves as proof of identity and employment authorisation. When completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, the student's EAD information, including the Alien Number (A-Number), EAD card number, and expiration date, must be entered under List A in Section 2. This establishes their eligibility to work in the United States.
The A-Number can typically be found on the EAD, Green Card, immigrant visa, or previous USCIS notices. On the EAD, it is often a nine-digit number located near the "USCIS#" field. For Green Card holders, the A-Number can be found on the front side of the card, and it is also embedded within the characters on the backside. On an immigrant visa, the A-Number is usually in the top right portion of the visa stamp, labelled as the "Registration Number."
If an individual is unable to locate their A-Number on these documents, they can contact USCIS for assistance or file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request (Form G-639) to obtain their A-Number or complete immigration file. It is important to note that while the A-Number remains permanent, other immigration documents such as visas and Green Cards have expiration dates that must be monitored and renewed to maintain legal status in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a seven- to nine-digit number that acts as your identification throughout the visa process. USCIS uses this number to track immigration files for immigrants and some nonimmigrants.
USCIS does not assign everyone an A-Number. Generally, they are assigned to permanent residents and some nonimmigrants who have been granted employment authorization or other benefits.
You can find your Alien Registration Number on a variety of documents, including your immigrant visa, green card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or previous USCIS notices. If you are unable to locate your A-Number, you can contact USCIS for assistance or request a replacement.
The A-Number is a broader identifier used for tracking immigration cases, while the EAD is a specific document that authorizes an individual to work in the United States.
Not all international students have a USCIS number or A-Number in their EAD. USCIS issues an A-Number to international students who apply for an EAD related to their OPT (Optional Practical Training) or STEM OPT. The A-Number is printed on the front of the EAD card.
