Janice Lozano
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a unique seven to nine-digit number assigned to immigrants and some nonimmigrants by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The number is used to identify and track immigrants who have applied to live and work permanently in the United States. While most nonimmigrants do not receive an A-Number, there is an exception for international students on F-1 visas with employment authorization. This article will explore what an Alien Registration Number is, who needs one, and how to obtain one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | A-Number, Alien Number, USCIS Number, USCIS# |
| Number of digits | 7-9 |
| Purpose | Identification, tracking immigration files |
| Who it applies to | Permanent residents, certain student immigrants, some nonimmigrants |
| Where to find it | Permanent resident card (green card), immigrant visa, Employment Authorization Document, Notice of Action, Immigrant Data Summary |
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What You'll Learn
Who gets an alien registration number?
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a unique 7-9 digit number assigned to certain immigrants and nonimmigrants in the United States. The number is used by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to track immigration files. While U.S.-born citizens and most nonimmigrant visitors do not receive an Alien Registration Number, there are several categories of individuals who do:
- Permanent Residents: Individuals with a Green Card or permanent resident status are typically assigned an Alien Registration Number. This number can be found on the front side of the Green Card for cards issued after May 10, 2010.
- Immigrant Visa Holders: Immigrants with a visa stamp or visa foil in their passport will have an Alien Registration Number on their visa. It is located in the top right portion of the visa stamp.
- Employment-Authorized Students: International students on an F-1 visa with employment authorization will receive an Alien Registration Number.
- Certain Nonimmigrants: While most nonimmigrants do not receive an Alien Registration Number, USCIS may assign one to specific classes of nonimmigrants granted benefits such as employment authorization.
It is important to note that the purpose of the Alien Registration Number is to help USCIS track immigration files and manage applications. This number is crucial for immigrants seeking additional benefits or submitting forms, as it helps them track their application status.
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Where to find your alien registration number
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number or USCIS Number, is a unique identifier assigned to non-US citizens or foreign nationals involved in immigration processes in the United States. This number is used to track an individual's immigration history and status, helping the US government accurately manage records and ensure each person's case is handled correctly.
If you are involved in immigration-related matters, it is important to understand how to locate your Alien Registration Number. Here are some places where you can find your Alien Registration Number:
Immigration Documents and Notices:
Your Alien Registration Number should be listed on most immigration documents and notices that you receive from or submit to the USCIS. Look for the "A#" or "USCIS#" field, usually located near the top of the page. Examples of documents that may contain your Alien Registration Number include:
- Notices of Action (I-797C)
- Immigrant Data Summary
- USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout
- Visa Stamp
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Work Permit
- Immigrant Visa (Visa Stamp or Visa Foil) in your passport
Green Card:
If you have a green card (Permanent Resident Card), you can find your Alien Registration Number on the front of the card. It will be a nine-digit number listed under "USCIS#". The number is also embedded within the characters on the back of the card.
Immigration Court Notices:
If you have been involved in immigration court proceedings, you can find your Alien Registration Number in immigration court notices.
Online Account:
You can check your USCIS online account to see if your Alien Registration Number is listed there.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request:
If you are unable to locate your Alien Registration Number through the methods mentioned above, you can make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain a copy of your immigration file, which should include your Alien Registration Number. You can check the USCIS Electronic Reading Room to see if your documents, including your Alien Registration Number, are already posted online.
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How alien registration numbers are used
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a seven- to nine-digit number assigned to immigrants and some nonimmigrants by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of Homeland Security. It is used to identify and track an individual's immigration files and is required on most immigration documents submitted to the USCIS.
USCIS creates an Alien Registration Number for every permanent resident. Generally, they do not assign the number to nonimmigrants, who are individuals in the United States on a temporary basis. However, there are exceptions, such as nonimmigrants with employment authorization or those on F-1 student visas.
For permanent residents, the Alien Registration Number can be found on their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) issued after May 10, 2010. It is located on the front side of the card and is also embedded within the characters on the backside. Additionally, the number can be found on other immigration documents, such as an Employment Authorization Document (work permit) or an Immigrant Visa.
It is important to note that the Alien Registration Number is not the same as a Social Security Number (SSN) or a USCIS Case Number. The SSN is used by the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration to track U.S. workers' income, taxes, and benefits. In contrast, the Alien Registration Number is used specifically for immigration purposes.
If an individual cannot locate their Alien Registration Number, they can use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) system to obtain a copy of their immigration file, which includes their A-Number. Alternatively, they can schedule an appointment at their local USCIS office for assistance.
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Alien registration numbers and work authorization
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a unique seven to nine-digit number assigned to certain immigrants and nonimmigrants by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS uses this number to identify and track the immigration files of individuals who have applied to live in the United States permanently or temporarily. It is important to note that not all nonimmigrants are assigned an A-Number, but there are exceptions, such as students on F-1 visas with work authorization.
For international students on F-1 visas, an Alien Registration Number is typically provided when they gain work authorization or complete Optional Practical Training (OPT). This number is crucial for submitting various immigration documents and applications. It can be found on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a work permit or work authorization. The A-Number is usually located near the top of the page, labelled as "A#" or "USCIS#".
In addition to the EAD, the Alien Registration Number can be found on multiple documents. For those with a permanent resident card, commonly known as a Green Card, the A-Number is displayed on the front of the card. It is also embedded within the characters on the backside. If the Green Card was issued after May 10, 2010, the nine-digit USCIS# on the card is the individual's Alien Registration Number.
Furthermore, for those who entered the United States through consular processing, the Alien Registration Number can be found on the Immigrant Data Summary, which is typically the first page of the immigrant visa package. Additionally, some versions of the Notice of Action, specifically Form I-797C, may contain the A-Number under "USCIS#" or near it. On an immigrant visa, the A-Number is identified as the "Registration Number" in the top right portion of the visa stamp.
It is important to distinguish between the Alien Registration Number and other similar terms. The USCIS Case Number, for example, is a 13-character code that begins with three letters followed by 10 numbers. While the Alien Registration Number remains constant across different statuses and visa types, it is not the same as a Social Security Number (SSN) or an admission record number on Form I-94.
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Alien registration numbers and student visas
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a unique seven to nine-digit number assigned to immigrants and some nonimmigrants by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS uses this number to identify and track the immigration files of individuals who apply to live in the United States permanently. It is also used to track applications for additional immigration benefits.
While most non-US citizens in the United States temporarily, such as on a business or tourist visa, do not receive an Alien Registration Number, there is an exception for students. Foreign students on F-1 visas who have been granted employment authorization will be given an Alien Registration Number. This is the case even if they are not applying for a green card or permanent residence.
For international students on an F-1 visa with work authorization, their Alien Registration Number can be found on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a work permit or work authorization. The A-Number will be a nine-digit number below "USCIS#" on the document.
If an international student with an F-1 visa gains employment authorization while in the United States, they may be issued an A-Number. This number will be required when submitting most immigration documents to the USCIS.
It is important to note that an Alien Registration Number is not the same as a USCIS Case Number or a USCIS Online Account Number. The USCIS Case Number is a 13-character code, while the Alien Registration Number is always seven to nine digits.
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Frequently asked questions
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a unique seven to nine-digit number assigned by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to identify immigrants who have applied to permanently live and work in the United States.
Most non-US citizens who are in the United States temporarily, such as on a tourist visa, do not get an Alien Registration Number. The exception is students on F-1 visas who get work authorization. These temporary immigrants will receive an Alien Registration Number.
If you have a permanent resident card (green card), you can find your Alien Registration Number on the front side. It is also embedded within the characters on the backside. You can also find your Alien Registration Number on your immigrant visa, in the top right portion of the visa stamp.
Your A-Number is always a 7, 8, or 9-digit number. A USCIS Case Number, on the other hand, is a 13-character code beginning with 3 letters followed by 10 numbers.
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