Alien Registration Requirements for Noncitizens
Alien Registration Requirements for Noncitizens
Effective April 11, 2025, all non-citizens must comply with updated Alien Registration obligations under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), applicable regulations at 8 CFR Part 264, and Executive Order 14159.
A. Important steps and legal obligations
1. Who Is Already Registered A noncitizen is already registered if they
(1) submitted one of the registration forms listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a) and provided fingerprints (unless fingerprinting was waived); and
(2) Were issued one of the documents listed as evidence of registration in 8 CFR
264.1(b)
a) Forms that are considered Application for Registration Forms (8 CFR
264.1(a)):
• Form I-67: Inspection Record for Hungarian refugees
• Form I-94: Arrival-Departure Record
• Form I-95: Crewman's Landing Permit
• Form I-181: Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence
• Form I-485: Application for Permanent Resident Status
• Form I-590: Registration for Classification as Refugee
• Form I-687: Application for Status as Temporary Resident
• Form I-691: Notice of Approval for Status as Temporary Resident
• Form I-698: Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident
• Form I-700: Application for Status as Temporary Resident
• Form I-817: Application for Voluntary Departure under the Family
Unity Program
• Form G-325R: Biographic Information (Registration)
b) Documents that are considered Proof of Registration (8 CFR 264.1(b)):
• Form I-94: Arrival-Departure Record
• Form I-95: Crewman's Landing Permit
• Form I-184: Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card
• Form I-185: Nonresident Canadian Border Crossing Card
• Form I-186: Nonresident Mexican Border Crossing Card
• Form I-221 or I-221S: Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing
• Form I-551: Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Form I-766: Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Form I-862: Notice to Appear
• Form I-863: Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge
• Newly designated form USCIS Proof of Alien G-325R Registration
• Valid, unexpired DHS admission or parole stamp in a foreign
passport
2. Who Is Not Registered
• Noncitizens who entered without inspection and admission
• Canadian visitors who entered without documentation
• Noncitizens who submitted applications not designated as registration forms (e.g., DACA, TPS) and were not issued registration evidence
3. Who Must Register Now
• They are 14 years of age or older and were not o registered and fingerprinted upon visa issuance or admission o and remain in the United States for 30 days or longer
• Parents or legal guardians of a noncitizen under 14 years of age who has not registered must ensure that such noncitizen is registered within 30 days of turning 14 years while present in the United States
• Certain noncitizens, such as diplomats and nonimmigrants from countries with fingerprinting reciprocity, may be exempt from biometrics.
4. Special Rule for Children
• Lawful permanent residents returning after turning 14 must register and submit a new photograph
• Non-permanent residents will have existing registration documents updated 5. Registration Steps
• Create a USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov
• Submit Form G-325R electronically through the account
• Attend biometrics appointment if scheduled by USCIS
• Obtain proof of registration from the USCIS online account
• Carry proof of registration at all times if 18 years or older
Criminal Penalties
Criminal penalties are imposed under 8 U.S.C. §§ 1304(e), 1305(a), 1306(a), and 1306(b)
• Failure to register or provide biometrics will be punished by fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months
• Failure to carry proof of registration will be punished by fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days
• Failure to update address within 10 days will be punished by fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days; may result in deportation.
• Submission of false registration information will be punished by criminal penalties and possible deportation
Exemptions
• American Indians born in Canada with at least 50% American Indian blood (8 U.S.C. 1359)
• Members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
Important Notice About Your Rights
If answering Form G-325R would require you to admit to unlawful entry, immigration violations, or criminal activity, you have a right under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution to refuse to answer those questions.
The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution states:
"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
• You cannot be forced to make statements that could be used against you in a criminal case.
Because USCIS currently requires responses to all questions on Form G-325R and does not allow you to skip incriminating questions, you should consult with an immigration attorney before submitting the form if you believe any answer could expose you to criminal liability
Consequences of Not Registering. If you apply for an immigration benefit in the future and have not registered, DHS may use your failure to register as a negative factor when deciding your application. In addition, if you do not register and the government determines your failure was willful (meaning intentional), you may be charged with a misdemeanor offense. This could result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months under 8 U.S.C. § 1306(a).
Your rights if an immigration or other officer stops you: If you are approached by an immigration officer in public, the officer must have a valid reason to believe that you are a noncitizen. They cannot rely solely on your appearance, occupation, or location. You have the right to remain silent. You can say, "I am exercising my right not to open the door unless the officer presents a valid warrant signed by a judge.” Credit S.Zneimer
Please do not hesitate to contact us for an assessment at 832-800-3572 or you can schedule an appointment now under the appointments tab.
