On January 20, 2025, a new Executive Order was issued addressing the registration of non-citizens in the United States. This order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that everyone who needs to register with the government does so, as required by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
This article summarizes the registration requirements and other documentation obligations.
Before taking any action, you are advised to consult with an experienced immigration attorney.
Who Does NOT Need to Register?
Many authorized immigrants and nonimmigrants are not required to apply for registration and fingerprinting because they have already satisfied the requirement by applying for a U.S. visa or ESTA travel authorization; others are categorically exempt.Â
If you fall under the following categories, you are NOT required to apply for registration under the new policy:
You hold a Green Card (lawful permanent resident);
were paroled under INA 212(d)(5);
were admitted to the U.S. on an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa (even if expired);
are or were in deportation or removal proceedings;
were granted employment authorization (even if expired);
are a refugee;
applied for permanent residence (even if denied) or
have Border Crossing Cards (even if expired) or entered as crewmen.
Who Needs to Register?
The new law says that most non-U.S. citizens (aliens) who are 14 years old or older and have been in the U.S. for 30 days or longer must register with the government. This also includes fingerprinting, if needed.
Adults (14 and older):Â If you're 14 or older and did not complete the registration process in connection with a visa or ESTA admission and you've been in the U.S. for 30 days or more, you must register. This includes:
Canadian visitors who entered the United States at land ports of entry and do not have an I-94 record;
Persons who entered without inspection and who have not been fingerprinted in connection with any pending application for immigration benefits;
Non-U.S. citizens who submitted one or more benefit requests to USCIS and who do not yet have Alternate Proof of Registration as listed below, including those who applied for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and were not issued an employment authorization document or other acceptable proof of registration.
Children (under 14):Â If you're a parent or legal guardian of a child under 14 who hasn't been registered and has been in the U.S. for 30 days or more, you must register them before those 30 days are up.
Turning 14:Â If you're already registered but turn 14 while in the U.S., you need to re-register and get fingerprinted within 30 days of your 14th birthday.
Once you register and get fingerprinted (if required), DHS will give you proof of registration. If you're over 18, you must always carry this proof with you.
Important Note
Registering is not the same as having an immigration status. It does not grant any special rights or benefits under U.S. law, and it does not permit work in the U.S.
Registration Process
Create a USCIS Online Account:Â Each registrant needs their own account, including those under 14 (parents/guardians must create and manage accounts on their behalf).
Submit Form G-325R Online:Â Complete the electronic Form G-325R through your USCIS online account. Note that if you have an I-94 Arrival-Departure Record number, you're likely already registered.
USCIS Review:Â USCIS will review your form and records. They'll notify you if you've already complied or don't need to register. If you need to provide biometrics, they'll schedule an appointment.
Biometrics Appointment (If Needed):Â Attend the biometric services appointment at an Application Support Center. There's no fee.
Receive Registration Documentation:Â Once you register and provide biometrics (if needed), a registration notice will be posted to your USCIS online account, which you can download and print.
Carrying Evidence of Registration
 All non-citizens aged 18 or older are advised to carry evidence of registration at all times. Acceptable proof of alien registration includes but is not limited to the following:
Proof of Registration issued by USCIS following submission of G-325R online and completion of biometrics (if required);
If you have one of the following, it is sufficient proof that you have already registered:
Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card
Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
An unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant DHS admission or parole stamp
Form I-95, Crewmen’s Landing Permit and Form I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card;
Form I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card
Form I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card
Form I-862, Notice to Appear (for those noncitizens against whom removal proceedings are being instituted)
Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge (for those noncitizens against whom removal proceedings are being instituted)
Change of Address Â
All non-citizens must report their address change to DHS within 10 days of moving.
Criminal Penalties for Willful Failure or Refusal to Register or Provide Biometrics (if required)
Under the new regulation, failure to register or provide fingerprints, including for a child under 14, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $5,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both.
This article has been prepared for general information purposes only. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current, and is subject to change. Readers should consult an experienced immigration attorney for advice concerning any particular legal matter. For more information, please get in touch with us. Â