If you’re navigating the U.S. immigration system, you’ve likely come across a term called the Alien Registration Number, also known as the A-Number. This identifier plays a significant role in immigration records and processes, yet many immigrants and even visa holders are unsure of what it really means, where to find it, or why it’s so important.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the alien registration number, what it is, who gets one, and exactly where to find your A-Number on official documents like your green card, visa, passport, or EAD.
What Is an Alien Registration Number?
The Alien Registration Number (or A-Number) is a 7- to 9-digit identifier issued by USCIS to foreign nationals who interact with the U.S. immigration system. It’s essentially your personal immigration tracking number. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your immigration records—it’s how the U.S. government keeps track of your records.
The A-Number usually follows this format: A123456789. Sometimes it appears with spaces or dashes, like A-123-456-789, and if it’s fewer than 9 digits, it may be padded with leading zeros (e.g., A01234567).
This number is not the same as your USCIS case number (which begins with three letters, like LIN or WAC), nor is it your I-94 admission number. Unlike case numbers that change with each filing, your A-Number stays the same throughout your entire immigration journey.
Who Gets an Alien Registration Number (A‑Number)?
Not every non-citizen is assigned an Alien Registration Number. It’s typically reserved for immigrants or non-citizens who have more extended or permanent interactions with the U.S. immigration system. Here are the main categories of people who are assigned an A‑Number:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders): Every green card issued by USCIS includes an alien registration number, usually labeled as “USCIS#” or “A#”.
- Refugees and Asylees: Individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S. are issued an A‑Number as part of their protection documentation.
- Certain EAD Holders: If you apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), especially through DACA or adjustment of status, you will receive an alien registration card number.
- People in Removal or Deportation Proceedings: Non-citizens involved in immigration court proceedings will typically receive an A‑Number used to track their case across agencies.
- DACA Recipients: Those protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program also receive an alien registration number to manage their status and work authorization.
- Applicants for Adjustment of Status (Form I‑485): If you’re applying for a green card from within the U.S. (not through consular processing), your application will include or generate an A‑Number.
- Certain Visa Holders Pursuing Permanent Residency: Individuals on H‑1B, F‑1 OPT, or other long-term nonimmigrant visas may receive an A‑Number once they file an immigrant petition (e.g., Form I‑140 or I‑130), even if they haven’t yet received a green card.
In short, the A‑Number is a unique identifier issued by USCIS to those who engage in long-term or status-altering immigration processes.
Why Is the Alien Registration Number Important?
Your alien registration number is more than just a bureaucratic ID—it’s a critical identifier that stays with you for life and helps keep your immigration record consistent and organized across different applications and agencies.
Here’s why the A‑Number matters:
- It’s your permanent identity in the U.S. immigration system: Unlike your USCIS case number, which changes with every new petition or form filed, your A‑Number is constant. It follows you through every step—whether you’re adjusting status, applying for naturalization, renewing your green card, or requesting records.
- It helps USCIS and other agencies track your history: From biometric background checks to status inquiries and application processing, your A‑Number links your records in a centralized way.
- It’s required for many immigration forms: You’ll need to input your A‑Number on forms like Form I-130 (family-based petition), Form I‑485 (green card application), and Form N‑400 (naturalization).
- Essential for FOIA Requests: If you ever want to request your immigration file through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) using Form G-639, your A‑Number helps ensure they can locate your complete record.
- It shows up across immigration documents: Your alien registration number appears on your green card, EAD, immigrant visa stamp (in your passport), and approval notices like Form I‑797.
It is important to not confuse your alien registration number with your USCIS receipt number or I‑94 arrival/departure record number. Those are specific to individual applications or entries into the U.S., whereas your A‑Number is permanent and consistent throughout your immigration journey.
Where to Find Your Alien Registration Number
If you’ve been asking “Where can I find my alien registration number?”
The answer depends on your current immigration status and the types of documents you’ve received from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Your alien registration number (A-Number) can appear on several official immigration documents. Below is a guide to help you locate it across the most common places.
1. Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
On newer green cards, the alien registration number is labeled as “USCIS#” on the front. It’s a 9-digit number under the “USCIS#” label. On older green cards, it may appear on the back.
2. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
If you have an EAD (Form I-766), your A-Number is printed under the field labeled “USCIS#” on the front of the card. It’s often referred to as your alien registration card number in immigration forms.
3. Immigrant Visa Stamp (in Passport)
If you entered the U.S. on an immigrant visa, check your passport. The immigrant visa stamp typically includes the “Registration Number” (this is your A-Number) printed in red or black on the upper right-hand corner.
4. USCIS Notices
The A-Number also appears on most Form I-797 approval notices, Notice of Action, interview appointment letters, and biometric notices. Look for a line that says “USCIS A#” or “Alien Registration Number.”
5. USCIS Online Account
If you created a USCIS online account, you may find your A-Number listed under your profile or in your case history, especially if you’ve filed petitions or forms that generate it.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Your A-Number
If you’ve lost your documents or can’t locate your A-Number, here’s what you can do:
Check All Past USCIS Notices
Look through any email or physical correspondence from USCIS. Most of them include the A-Number.
Request It via FOIA
If you absolutely cannot find your A-Number, you can request it through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request using Form G-639. This process can take up to 8 weeks but will allow you to access your full immigration record.
Contact an Immigration Attorney
If you’ve been in the immigration process before but no longer have access to your records, an attorney can assist with locating your A-Number or advising you on reissuance.
A-Number vs. USCIS Case Number vs. I-94 Number
A common confusion among immigrants is the difference between these three identifiers:
| Identifier | What It Is | Format | When It’s Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Number | Alien Registration Number | A12345678 | Issued for immigration tracking |
| USCIS Case Number/ Green Card Number | Application Tracking Number | SRC2198765432 | Tied to specific USCIS petitions |
| I-94 Number | Arrival/Departure Record Number | 11-digit number | Issued upon U.S. entry |
FAQs About the Alien Registration Number
1. What is the alien registration number?
It’s a unique 7–9 digit number assigned by USCIS to track your immigration records. It’s permanent and doesn’t change.
2. Where to find alien registration number on green card?
Check the front of your green card. It’s labeled as “USCIS#” and is a 9-digit number.
3.Where is the alien registration number on visa or passport?
Look for the Registration Number on the top-right corner of your immigrant visa stamped in your passport.
4.Where can I find my alien registration number on EAD?
It appears under “USCIS#” on the front of your EAD card.
5. What’s the difference between alien registration number and USCIS case number?
The A-Number is permanent and unique to you. The USCIS case number is application-specific and changes with each petition.
6. How do I get an alien registration number?
You receive an A-Number when you apply for permanent residency, certain immigration benefits, or are placed in removal proceedings. It’s assigned by USCIS automatically.
Conclusion
Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) isn’t just another government-issued ID, it’s a vital key to your immigration records, applications, and future in the United States. Whether you’re renewing your green card, applying for U.S. citizenship, or tracking your USCIS case, knowing what the A-Number is and where to find it can save you time, reduce stress, and ensure your journey stays on the right track.
Always keep secure copies of any document that displays your A‑Number. And if you’ve lost track of it, don’t wait—retrieving it through your documents or a FOIA request can take time.
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