The alien registration number, which is also known as A-Number, is important information for non-U.S. citizens who currently live in the United States. This kind of number is given by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS to immigrants, non-immigrant visa holders, and other foreign nationals. It is such a unique identifier that is important for a lot of different immigration processes and interactions with government agencies.
Talking about alien registration number, you may be wondering where to find it. If it is the case, you can check out the following guide.
Definition of an Alien Registration Number
An alien registration number is more known as A-Number in short. As mentioned above, this refers to the identification number handed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS to immigrants, non-immigrant visa holders, and other foreign nationals or to those who are not the citizens of the United States. Its main purpose is to keep track of documents and immigration files.
An alien registration number is such a unique number. It consists of seven to nine digits with nine as the most common. In case the number is less than nine digits long, a zero (0) can be placed between the “A” and the starting digit to make it a complete nine digits. For instance, if the number is 1234567, it can be A001234567 after the change.
The Use of an Alien Registration Number
An alien registration number works similar as a Social Security Number or SSN assigned to the U.S. citizen and permanent residents. It is given to foreign nationals as a form of identification. Aside from that, this kind of number is also used by the government to identify the number of resident immigrants who live in the United States and to keep and access immigration records as well as other legal or illegal activities. Sometimes, it is also used to track their case of an emergency.
Individuals Who Are Eligible for an Alien Registration Number
Every single one who applies for a green card or who applies to permanently live in the United States is eligible for an alien registration number. This kind of number is necessary for them. Keep in mind that the type of green card that they have does not matter. It can be family, refugee, employment, or any kind of green card. Anything is fine as it will not determine their eligibility. Basically, if they currently live in the United States or intend to live in the country permanently, they will be handed an alien registration number.
In addition to individuals with immigrant visas, those who have F-1 student visas will also receive an alien registration number. It applies to those who are not in the United States as green card holders nor applying for green cards.
Individuals Who Are Not Eligible for an Alien Registration Number
For anyone who is wondering who are the ones who are not eligible for an alien registration number, the list includes temporary non-immigrant visa recipients. Remember that there is no need for those who stay in the country for a while to have documents that ask for an alien registration number.
Time When You Are Eligible for an Alien Registration Number
The alien registration number can be obtained at the same time you apply for a green card and the process for it is quite fast. For those who are applying for a green card under one of the circumstances, such as applying for a marriage green card while outside the United States, married to a U.S. citizen, or have worked under the Operational Practical Training program, the alien registration number that you get may be in a different form.
In case you are abroad when applying for a marriage green card, you will be able to obtain your alien registration number at your consular interview or at the U.S. Consulate in your country. If you are already in the United States while applying for the same thing, your alien registration number can be found in your receipt notice.
For those who have married to a citizen of the United States, you will be able to receive your alien registration number a month or about 30 days after filing your green card application form. In case you have not started the process of your green card, it is a must for you to fill out the Form I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative first. Then, apply for an immigrant visa under a category for which you qualify after it is getting approved. Lastly, please file your Form I-485, Adjustment of Status. Actually, the process does not stop here for those who have worked under the Optional Practical Training program. Those who already have an F-1 visa and have work authorization must already have an alien registration number.
Expiration Date of an Alien Registration Number
Apparently, the alien registration number does not have an expiration date because it is counted as a permanent identification number, meaning it will not expire, regardless of immigration status. It is stated that it will be needed for a lawful permanent resident to renew their green card after ten years. However, they do not have to do it for their alien registration number. On the other hand, immigrants who have conditional permanent resident status must renew the status of their residency after their two-year conditional period has expired. However, they will use the same alien registration number.
If someone switches their nationality from a foreign nationality to the U.S. nationality through naturalization, their alien registration number will remain the same. Same goes for those who switch from one kind of visa to another.
Finding an Alien Registration Number
It is typically easy to find an alien registration number since it is on all of your immigration documents. Check out the details below:
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On permanent resident green card
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On a permanent resident green card, the alien registration number can be found on the front side. Besides, it is also embedded within the characters on the backside.
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On immigrant visa
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The next document that you can check to find an alien registration number is your immigrant visa or a visa stamp or visa foil. This kind of number is written in your passport. If you cannot find it, find the “Registration Number” located in the top right portion of the visa stamp as the number is identified as it.
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On an Employment Authorization Document or work permit
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The next thing that you may have with an alien registration number on it is an Employment Authorization Document or work permit. In this card, the number is written underneath USCIS#.
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On Notice of Action
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It is possible for some versions of the Notice of Action to have the alien registration number written on it. Usually, it is found in the top right of the document next to USCIS#.
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On Immigrant Data Summary
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For anyone who applied for your green card through consular processing or at the U.S. consulate or embassy, your alien registration number may be written in your Immigrant Data Summary. Specifically, it is usually written at the top of this document.
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On Immigrant Fee Handout
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It is almost guaranteed that you will be given the USCIS Immigrant Fee handout if you applied for your green card through consular processing. To find an alien registration number on this document, check out the top right corner.
Getting an Alien Registration Number
For anyone who fails to find an alien registration number, you are suggested to contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS. By contacting them, you will be able to get help to recover it without any issue. However, before providing you with the number, you may be asked to show the evidence of identification or proof of your immigration status.
In case you lose your immigration documents, such as green card, your visa, or other documents, and cannot remember your alien registration number, it is possible for you to request it through the Freedom of Information Act or FOIA. Apart from that online system, another way is to set an appointment with USCIS. Try your best to take photos of and keep the copies of your immigration documents, such as green card, visas, or EAD to make it easier for you in case you need replacement when you lose the original documents.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, even though the alien registration number may look confusing at first, it is actually easy to find them. As stated before, it can be found on many different kinds of immigration documents, correspondence, and official notices. In order to find this kind of number easily, it is better for you to know where to look and keep your documents organized.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
