Navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel like learning a new language filled with complex forms and confusing numbers. One of the most important identifiers you will encounter is the Alien Registration Number. Under U.S. immigration law, immigrants are assigned an Alien Registration Number as part of their journey toward legal status or residency. Understanding what this number is, where to find it, and how to use it is not just about paperwork; it is a critical step in taking control of your future and building a life in the United States without fear.
At Alonso & Alonso, we believe that knowledge is your shield. With decades of experience, our immigration lawyers understand the ins and outs of the American immigration system and we have created this guide to provide everything you need to know about the alien registration number.
What is an Alien Registration Number?
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an “A-Number” or “A#,” is a unique identification number assigned to non-citizens by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This number is also referred to as an ‘alien number’ or ‘USCIS number,’ and serves as your permanent identification file with U.S. immigration authorities.
This number, which typically has seven, eight, or nine digits, connects all of your immigration-related applications, petitions, and records into a single, lifelong file. The A-Number is used to link an individual’s government records across various immigration agencies, ensuring that all official documentation and case histories are accurately maintained. Whether you are interacting with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), your A-Number is the primary way the government tracks your case history.
Who Is Assigned an Alien Registration Number?
A-Numbers are generally given to individuals who are seeking to live permanently in the United States or who have certain long-term applications pending. This includes:
- Applicants for permanent residency (green card)
- Asylees and refugees, including individuals seeking asylum as part of their legal process
- Beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program
- Individuals in removal proceedings (deportation), who are assigned A-Numbers during their immigration court process
Most people visiting the United States on a temporary visa, such as tourists (B-2) or business visitors (B-1), are visa holders and are not assigned an A-Number unless they adjust status or receive work authorization. An exception exists for some F-1 students who receive work authorization, who are often issued an A-Number even though they are not on a direct path to a green card.
Family members, such as a spouse or child, may also receive A-Numbers if they are included in an application or derive immigration benefits through family ties. Family ties are not a prerequisite for obtaining an A-Number, as there are various pathways for different immigrant statuses.
When Will I Receive an A-Number?
You are assigned an A-Number at a specific point in your immigration process, which depends on how you are applying.
- Applying from within the United States: If you are filing for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to become a permanent resident, such as through a marriage based green card, your A-Number will be generated and printed on the receipt notice (Form I-797C) that USCIS mails to you after accepting your application. Applicants who adjust status can find your alien registration number on this notice.
- Applying from outside the United States: If you are going through consular processing, your A-Number will be assigned during your interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. It will be printed on the Immigrant Data Summary you receive, on the immigrant visa stamp placed in your passport , and included in your visa package. You will also receive an immigrant fee handout, including the USCIS Immigrant Fee handout, which contains instructions on how to find your alien registration number.
Applicants granted conditional permanent resident status, such as those approved for a green card through marriage, will also receive an A-Number as part of their process.
The immigration process is full of critical deadlines and documents. The attorneys at Alonso & Alonso ensure every step is handled with the precision and urgency your case deserves, protecting your family as if it were our own.
Where Can I Find My A-Number?
Once assigned, your A-Number will appear on nearly every official document you receive from USCIS. Here are the most common places to look:
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Also known as an alien registration card, this official document is labeled as “USCIS #” on both the front and back.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card): This is another identity document labeled as “USCIS #” on the front and may also display an employment authorization number, which is different from your A-Number.
- Immigrant Visa: Printed in your passport under “Registration Number.”
- USCIS Notices: Found on documents like receipt notices (Form I-797C), approval notices, or requests for evidence. It is typically near the top of the page, labeled “A#.”
- Immigrant Data Summary: If you processed your visa abroad, this document from your consular interview will contain your A-Number.
The physical green card and other immigration documents, such as the Employment Authorization Document, display your A-Number and may also include an employment authorization number.
If you have trouble locating your alien registration number on your documents, you can use your USCIS online account or visit the USCIS website to find it.
A-Number vs. USCIS Case Number
It is easy to confuse your A-Number with your USCIS Case Number (also called a receipt number), but they serve very different functions. Understanding the difference is vital for tracking your case and filling out forms correctly. The A-Number is not the only number you will encounter in your immigration process; your case status is tracked using the USCIS Case Number.
Feature | Alien Registration Number (A-Number) | USCIS Case Number (Receipt Number) |
Purpose | Identifies you as an individual for life. | Tracks a specific application or petition. |
Format | A 7, 8, or 9-digit number, often starting with “A”. | A 13-character code (e.g., MSC2590000000). |
Lifespan | It is permanent and never changes. | You get a new number for each new application you file. |
Your A-Number is your personal identifier; your Case Number is the tracking code for a specific package you sent to USCIS. You will have one A-Number but could have many case numbers over your lifetime. The USCIS Case Number is used to check the case status of your application online or through official updates.
Correcting and Updating Your Alien Registration Number
Ensuring that your alien registration number is accurate and up-to-date is essential for maintaining your good standing within the U.S. immigration system. Since your A-Number—a unique nine digit number assigned to you by immigration agencies—serves as your primary registration number, any errors or inconsistencies can lead to delays or complications with your immigration records and future applications.
If you notice a mistake in your alien registration number on any immigration document, or if your records do not match across different agencies, it is important to act quickly. Start by reviewing all your immigration documents to confirm where the error appears. Common issues include typographical mistakes, transposed digits, or mismatched numbers between your green card, employment authorization document, or other official paperwork.
To correct or update your A-Number, contact the relevant immigration agency—usually U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—as soon as possible. You may need to submit a written request, provide copies of your documents, and complete specific forms, such as Form G-325A (Biographic Information) or a correction request through your local USCIS office. In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional evidence to verify your identity and the correct nine digit number assigned to you.
Maintaining accurate registration numbers in your immigration records is vital for accessing immigration benefits, proving your status, and avoiding legal complications. If you are unsure how to proceed or encounter challenges, consulting an experienced immigration attorney can help ensure your records are corrected efficiently and your rights are protected throughout the process.
Take Action to Protect Your Future
Understanding your Alien Registration Number is a powerful step toward demystifying the immigration process. It is a tool that, when used correctly, helps secure your rights and protect your future in this country. You do not have to face these complexities alone.
Navigating the immigration system requires precision and strength. If you have questions about your case or need to verify your options, our team is here to provide the protection you deserve. Please call us at 855-663-4763, fill out a form on our website or email us at: info@alonsoalonsolaw.com to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alien Registration Number the same as my Form I-94 number?
No. Your Form I-94, the Arrival/Departure Record, tracks your lawful entries into and exits from the U.S. and has an 11-digit number. Your A-Number is your personal file number within the immigration system and has a different format.
Will my Alien Registration Number expire?
No. Your A-Number is assigned to you for life and does not expire. However, your immigration status or documents, such as a green card or work permit, do expire and must be renewed.
What should I do if I can’t find my A-Number?
First, carefully check all immigration documents you have ever received, including old approval notices or work permits. If you have been in contact with ICE, it is crucial to locate this number to understand your case history and protect yourself without fear. If you still cannot find it, you may need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with USCIS to obtain a copy of your complete immigration file. This is a complex legal step where expert guidance is essential. Our team is dedicated to providing the support you need, because we believe you are never just a number or a file, you are family.
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Christopher Alonso
Vanessa R. Alonso
