What Is Registration?
- Registration is the process of notifying the U.S. government of your presence as a noncitizen. Although this requirement existed in the law, it has rarely been enforced in the past.
- In an effort to enforce the above provisions of the regulation, the current administration has introduced Form G-325R, which became effective on April 11, 2025, and must be submitted as part of the registration by those subject to it. Registration can only be completed and submitted online by creating an online account with USCIS.
Who Has Already Registered and is therefore not subject to on-line registration?
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders);
- Paroled individuals under INA 212(d)(5), even if parole has expired;
- Nonimmigrants admitted with a Form I-94 or I-94W, even if expired;
- Visa holders (immigrant or nonimmigrant) admitted before arrival;
- Individuals in removal proceedings;
- Individuals issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD);
- Applicants for lawful permanent residence (e.g., I-485, I-687, I-698, I-691, I-700) even if the applications were denied; and,
- Holders of Border Crossing Cards.
- If you are in the US and were issued an I-94 or visa stamp by a US Consulate the new registration process does not apply to you.
Who Is Not Registered and therefore subject to online registration?
- Noncitizens in the U.S. without inspection or admission;
- Canadian visitors who entered at land ports of entry and were not registered; and,
- Individuals with certain applications (e.g., DACA, TPS) who were not issued registration evidence.
Who Needs to Register Now?
- If you fall into the “Who is not registered?” section above, then you must register. This includes:
- All aliens 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer (Children under 14 do not undergo fingerprinting as part of their visa application process)
- The parents or legal guardians of aliens less than 14 years of age: Parents or legal guardians must apply for the registration of aliens less than 14 years of age who have not been registered and remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, before the expiration of those 30 days; and
- Any noncitizen who turns 14 years old in the U.S. must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday
After registration is Complete:
- DHS will issue proof of registration after the registration form is submitted online.
- Noncitizens 18 or older must always carry their registration proof.
- Those who are not required to submit G-325R should carry their I-94 with them at all times.
- Failure to register may result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines and prosecution.
Important Reminders
- Registration does not provide legal immigration status or work authorization.
- If you have submitted an immigration benefit request to USCIS, you must notify USCIS of any address changes as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving important correspondence or benefits. All noncitizens residing in the United States are also required by law to report any change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. For further instructions on how to submit Form AR-11 to report your address change, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11.
FAQs
- How do I create an online USCIS account?
A: Visit the https://www.uscis.gov/ and follow instructions under “How to Create a USCIS Online Account.” Each individual — including children — must have a separate account in their own name.
- Can my attorney or representative register on my behalf?
A: No. Only the individual or their parent/legal guardian (if under 14) may create and manage the USCIS online account and complete registration.
3.Do children under 14 need to attend a biometrics appointment?
A: No. Children under 14 are not scheduled for fingerprinting during registration. However, they will need to re-register when they turn 14, at which point they will be fingerprinted.
- If I change visa status, do I need to re-register?
A: No. Once you’re registered, you do not need to re-register just because your status changes — unless you turn 14 and have never been fingerprinted.
5.Do I need to register if my visa stamp or I-94 has expired?
A: No, you are considered registered under the current rules. The only exception is children who were under 14 years old when their I-94 was issued.
6.My child has a visa stamp, was issued an I-94, turned 14 after entry, and was never fingerprinted. Must they register?
A: Yes. A biometrics appointment will be scheduled.
7.I’m currently in H-1B status but last entered on an F-1 visa after age 14. Do I need to register?
A: No. You were issued an I-94 and are therefore considered registered, regardless of current visa status.
8.I’m a Canadian citizen who entered without a visa stamp but was issued an I-94 (H-1B, TN, F-1, L-1A, L-1B, O). Do I need to register?
A: No. Issuance of an I-94 means you are considered registered.
Should you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at Younossi Law for further clarification.
