Lana Oconnell
International students on F-1 visas who have been approved for Optional Practical Training are the only nonimmigrants who receive an Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number. This unique, 7-9 digit number is assigned to immigrants who apply to live in the United States permanently, as well as certain student immigrants. It is used by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to track immigration files. Once assigned, an A-Number should be used when completing all future immigration forms. So, where can international students find their Alien Registration Number?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who gets an Alien Registration Number | Immigrants who apply to live in the US permanently, as well as certain student immigrants |
| Who does not get an Alien Registration Number | Nonimmigrants, except F-1 students approved for OPT |
| Number of digits | 7-9 |
| Where to find it | On a Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Immigrant Visa, Notice of Action, Immigrant Data Summary, USCIS Immigrant Fee handout, visa stamped in passport, USCIS forms and documents |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Alien Registration Number on a Green Card
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 Department of Homeland Security. The number is used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to track immigration files. While most nonimmigrants do not receive an Alien Registration Number, there are exceptions for certain classes of nonimmigrants with work authorization, such as those on F-1 student visas.
For those applying for a green card, the Alien Registration Number will be included in the receipt notice sent by USCIS after filing the application form. Once the physical green card is obtained, the Alien Registration Number can be found on both the front and back of the card. On the front, it is typically labelled "A#" or "USCIS#", while on the back, it is embedded within the characters.
If you are applying for a marriage-based green card from outside the United States, the Alien Registration Number will be assigned during the consular interview at a U.S. consulate. The number can then be found on the Immigrant Data Summary and the visa stamped in your passport.
In addition to the green card, the Alien Registration Number can be found on various documents, including the Immigrant Data Summary, visa stamp in your passport, Employment Authorization Document (work permit), and Notice of Action (Form I-797C). It is important to distinguish between the Alien Registration Number and the USCIS Case Number, as the former is assigned to the individual, while the latter is specific to each application.
International Students: DV Lottery Application Eligibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alien Registration Number on a visa
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a 7-9 digit number that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns to most immigrants who apply to live in the United States permanently. It is used to track immigration files and is required on most immigration documents submitted to USCIS.
USCIS does not assign A-Numbers to most nonimmigrants, or individuals who are in the U.S. temporarily, with the exception of those who enter the country on an F-1 student visa with employment authorization. If you are a nonimmigrant with an F-1 visa and work authorization, you will likely already have been issued an A-Number.
If you are applying for a green card, your Alien Registration Number will be included in the receipt notice you receive from USCIS after filing your application. If you are applying for a marriage-based green card from outside the United States, your Alien Registration Number will be assigned to you when you attend your consular interview. Once you receive your physical green card, your Alien Registration Number will be listed on the front and back of the card.
If you are applying from outside the United States, you can find your A-Number on the Immigrant Data Summary and USCIS Immigrant Fee handout that you receive when attending your consular interview. Once your application is approved, you can also find your A-Number on the visa stamp in your passport. Your A-Number will be identified as the Registration Number in the top right portion of the visa stamp.
If you are unable to locate your Alien Registration Number on any of these documents, you can use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) system to obtain a copy of your immigration file, which will include your A-Number.
Capturing Dreams: ICP's Student Community
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alien Registration Number on a work permit
An Alien Registration Number, often referred to as an A-Number, is a unique identifier assigned to noncitizens by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is a seven- to nine-digit number that acts as your personal ID within the U.S. immigration system.
USCIS uses the Alien Registration Number to track the immigration files for immigrants (and some nonimmigrants). It is also a critical piece of information when preparing new USCIS forms to request immigration benefits. The A-Number is usually required on most immigration documents submitted to USCIS.
USCIS does not assign everyone an A-Number. They are typically given to immigrants who apply to live in the U.S. permanently, as well as certain student immigrants. However, USCIS may assign the Alien Registration Number to certain classes of nonimmigrants who have been granted employment authorization or other benefits. For example, nonimmigrants who enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa with employment authorization will receive an A-Number.
If you have a work permit or Employment Authorization Document (EAD), your A-Number is likely printed on the front of the card. It is the nine-digit number below "USCIS#". If you do not have a work permit, you may be able to find your Alien Registration Number on other immigration documents, such as an immigrant visa or a green card.
E-Verify for OPT Extension: What International Students Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alien Registration Number on a Notice of Action
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a 7-9 digit number assigned to immigrants who apply to live in the United States permanently, as well as certain student immigrants. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses this number to track immigration files, which are sometimes called alien files or a-files.
If you are an international student, you may have received an F-1 student visa with employment authorization. In this case, you would have been assigned an Alien Registration Number as a temporary immigrant with authorized employment.
Your Alien Registration Number can be found on various documents, including your immigrant visa, permanent resident card (green card), and employment authorization documents. Specifically, if you have a green card issued by the USCIS after May 10, 2010, your Alien Registration Number is the same as your nine-digit USCIS#.
Now, let's focus on the Notice of Action (Form I-797C) from USCIS. This form often contains your Alien Registration Number. If your I-797C includes this number, it will typically be located under USCIS# or Registration Number on the notice. The number will be positioned near the top of the document, usually in the top right corner.
It is important to distinguish between your Alien Registration Number and your USCIS Case Number or receipt number. While your Alien Registration Number remains the same across applications, your USCIS Case Number is specific to each application. Your Alien Registration Number is always 7, 8, or 9 digits, whereas the USCIS Case Number is a 13-character code starting with 3 letters followed by 10 numbers.
Caltech Financial Aid: International Students' Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alien Registration Number on a USCIS Immigrant Fee handout
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a 7-9 digit number that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns to most immigrants who apply to live in the U.S. permanently. It is used to track immigration files for immigrants and some non-immigrants. It is also required when preparing new USCIS forms to request immigration benefits.
The A-Number can be found on a variety of documents, including:
- The Immigrant Data Summary, which is the first page of your immigrant visa package from USCIS.
- The USCIS Immigrant Fee handout, which you should have received at your interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Your visa stamp or visa foil in your passport.
- Your physical green card, once issued.
- Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a work permit or work authorization.
- Your Notice of Action (Form I-797C) from USCIS.
If you are an international student on an F-1 visa with work authorization, you will also be given an Alien Registration Number, even if you are not applying for a green card.
If you are unable to locate your Alien Registration Number, you can use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) system to obtain a copy of your immigration file, which will include your A-Number.
International Students: Provisional Driving Licence Eligibility
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a 7-9 digit number assigned by the Department of Homeland Security to immigrants who apply to live in the United States permanently. It is used to track immigration files.
Your Alien Registration Number can be found on a variety of documents, including your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Immigrant Visa, and Notice of Action (Form I-797C). It is typically labelled as "A#" or "USCIS#".
Typically, nonimmigrants do not receive an Alien Registration Number. However, there is an exception for international students on F-1 visas who have obtained employment authorization or benefits, such as through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
The Alien Registration Number is used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to track immigration files and applications. It is a critical piece of information when applying for immigration benefits or submitting additional forms.
