For decades, non-citizens have been required to comply with the US alien registration requirement. This requires them to register with the federal government and carry proof of their registration at all times.
Although registration was previously carried out automatically for certain immigration procedures, the new measures have strengthened the process.
At our immigration law firm in New Jersey, we can guide you through successfully meeting this requirement.
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Clear 2025 Guidance Regarding the US Alien Registration Requirement
A new rule went into effect in early April 2025 requiring certain foreign nationals in the United States to register online with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This update strengthens a requirement in place since 1940 and establishes new obligations for those without valid proof of registration.
The measure was formalized through an Interim Final Rule (IFR) published in the Federal Register, which introduces Form G-325R to facilitate the process.
Who must comply with the US alien registration requirement?
Not all foreigners are required to register, but those staying in the country for more than 30 days and without a valid document must do so. These requirements include:
- Foreigners who entered without being inspected.
- Canadian visitors without a Form I-94 who are extending their stay.
- Foreign nationals who turn 14 years of age in the US and need to update or complete their registration.
Each case has specific requirements that must be met in a timely manner to avoid penalties.
Did you know that Canadians can qualify for a TN visa for Mexicans and Canadians? This visa allows you to legally work in the US. if you practice one of the professions included in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Do children under 14 years of age need to register?
Children under 14 years of age who entered the US without a visa or an I-94 must be registered by their parents or guardians. However:
- You are not required to provide your fingerprints at this stage,
- When they turn 14, they must re-register, at which point they will be required to provide their fingerprints.
Who is already exempt from the US alien registration requirement?
Those who do not need to register are foreigners who, upon legally entering the United States, received one of the following documents:
- Some type of US visa issued by a US consulate.
- Green Card.
- Admission record or Form I-94.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Some humanitarian parole program, even if it has already expired.
- Notice to Appear (NTA) if you are in removal proceedings.
- Border crossing card.
Other exemptions
Other individuals who are also exempt from registration are those who:
- Are holders of diplomatic visas. For example, the A or G visa,
- Stay in the US for less than 30 days, and
- Are certain Native Americans born in Canada.
How can I Introduce my details to comply with the alien registration requirement in the US?
To complete your registration, you must create a myUSCIS account. For minors, each individual account is required. The process consists of:
- Complete Form G-325R (Biometric Information) online.
- Submit required biometric data, such as fingerprints, and pass a background check.
- Once your registration is approved, download and print the “Proof of Alien Registration” form from your myUSCIS account.
All the detailed information about the requirements is available on the official USCIS website. You can also contact us directly for step-by-step guidance.
What is the deadline to register?
In general, foreigners subject to the registration or re-registration requirement must complete the process:
- Within 30 days of entering the United States, or
- Upon reaching 14 years of age, as the case may be.
For those who were already in the United States on April 11, 2025, and have remained without registering for more than 30 days, the registration obligation is immediate.
Can someone else register me?
The registration must be submitted in person by the foreign nationals through their own myUSCIS account.
As a result, neither attorneys nor third parties can create the account, submit Form G-325R, or log in on behalf of the applicant.
However, for children under 14, their parents or legal guardians may complete and submit the registration on their behalf.
What legal obligations do I have to comply with after registration?
There are certain obligations you must follow after registration. These are:
- Carry proof of registration with you at all times.
- If you are automatically registered, you must also carry a valid copy of your document.
- Report any change of address to USCIS using Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving.
What documents serve as proof of registration if I don’t need to register?
If you are already registered, you can prove your status by carrying one of the following documents:
- Valid Form I-94.
- I-797 approval notice with I-94 included.
- Admission stamp in the passport issued by the United States Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP).
- Green Card.
- Employment authorization document.
What happens if I don’t meet the registration requirement?
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in serious penalties, including:
- Intentionally failing to register: Fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.
- Failure to carry proof of registration: Fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both.
- Failure to report a change of address : Fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both. Also, risk of deportation.
What information should a foreigner provide when registering?
During the registration process, the foreign national must complete Form G-325R providing:
- Current and future activities in the country, length of stay, and departure plans.
- Any criminal record.
- Biographical and contact information.
- Immigration information and date of last entry to the US.
- Information about your spouse and parents.
All information must be truthful, as providing false or misleading information can have serious legal consequences.
What happens after I submit my online registration?
After submitting Form G-325R, the system checks to see if the foreigner is already registered. If so, the application is automatically closed.
If the registration is accepted, USCIS will schedule an appointment for biometric data collection, unless the applicant is a minor under 14 years of age or a Canadian visitor.
After collecting fingerprints and a photograph, security and background checks will be performed. Upon completion, the system will issue a record that must be printed and carried at all times.
Are there risks to registering with DHS?
Although registration is a legal requirement for foreigners in the United States, in some cases it can entail significant risks.
By registering, an individual without legal immigration status or with a criminal record could be exposed to immigration authorities.
If so, you could face enforcement proceedings, penalties, and even the possibility of imprisonment or deportation.
Do you have a deportation order? Don’t despair; you can find useful information on our blog about how to stop removal proceedings. You can also contact us, and we’ll help you explore your options.
How can our Curbelo Law firm help you?
If you have questions about the alien registration requirement and process in the US, your obligation to comply with it, or the risks it could entail in your particular case, at Curbelo Law we are here to help you.
Our attorney, Carolina T. Curbelo, provides guidance so you can comply with this requirement safely and with full knowledge of your rights.
Contact us today, send us an email, or schedule a consultation with our office in Ridgewood, New Jersey. We offer legal services in US immigration matters regardless of your location.
