Alien Registration

Information about New Alien Registration Requirements and Procedures for Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Who is required to register using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?
• Who is exempt from registration using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?
• Who is already registered?
• When can I register using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?
• Do I need to hire an attorney to register using Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?
• What must I carry as proof of registration with the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?
• What are the criminal penalties for failing to register using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?
• How do I update my address with USCIS?
• How do I register using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?
• What do I need to do now?

Introduction

This article is an overview of the significant changes to the alien registration process based on new interim regulations published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 12, 2025. These regulations will go into effect on April 11, 2025.

The Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R) is a new registration form issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It allows certain non-citizens to comply with U.S. immigration laws that require foreign nationals to register their presence in the United States. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), most non-citizens who stay in the United States for more than 30 days must register and be fingerprinted. This requirement applies to most foreign nationals, except for certain visa holders and diplomats.

Who is required to register using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?

Under the new regulations, certain non-U.S. citizens must now register with the U.S. government, unless they fall under an exemption. Registration includes providing biographical information and, in most cases, fingerprints.

The following groups must register:

• Non-citizens who have entered the United States without inspection and have not yet registered
• Individuals who have been in the United States for more than 30 days and have not previously registered
• Canadian visitors who entered the U.S. at a land port of entry and were not issued a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
• Individuals who turn 14 years old while in the United States and have not previously registered (must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday)

If you are uncertain whether these requirements apply to you, we strongly recommend you contact our office at +1-312-782-1804 or at the link below to schedule a consultation to ensure compliance.

Who is exempt from registration using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?

Certain individuals are exempt from the registration requirement, including:

• U.S. citizens (including those born in the U.S. or naturalized)
• Visa holders who have already been registered and fingerprinted through their visa application
• G Visa holders (diplomatic and official visa holders)
• Noncitizens in the U.S. for less than 30 days
• American Indians born in Canada who possess at least 50% American Indian blood and are present under the authority of 8 USC 1359

If you are uncertain whether you are exempt from registration, we strongly recommend you contact our office at +1-312-782-1804 or at the link below to schedule a consultation to ensure compliance.

Who is already registered?

The following groups are considered already registered and DO NOT need to register using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R):

• Lawful permanent residents
• Individuals paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired
• Individuals admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired
• Individuals present in the United States who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival
• Individuals DHS has placed into removal proceedings
• Individuals who have been issued an employment authorization document
• Individuals who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, and provided fingerprints (unless waived), even if the applications were denied
• Individuals who have been issued Border Crossing Cards

If you are uncertain whether you are already registered, we strongly recommend you contact our office at +1-312-782-1804 or at the link below to schedule a consultation to ensure compliance.

When can I register using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?

These regulations go into effect on April 11, 2025. The official USCIS website with further instructions on registration using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R) is: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration. If you meet one of the requirements for registration and are NOT exempt or already registered, we encourage you to register as soon as possible starting on April 11, 2025.

Do I need to hire an attorney to register using Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?

No, you do not need to hire an attorney to register using Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R). If you have questions about your legal obligations, we strongly recommend you contact our office at +1-312-782-1804 or at the link below to schedule a consultation to ensure compliance.

What must I carry as proof of registration with the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?

Individuals who are 18 years or older must carry proof of registration with them at all times. Proof of registration includes:

• Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) for nonimmigrants
• Form I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card
• Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card)
• Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document–EAD)
• Form I-862 (Notice to Appear) – Issued to individuals in removal proceedings
• New Form G-325R Proof of Registration—A physical or digital copy of your registration notice from USCIS after completing the G-325R

There are criminal penalties for failure to carry proof of registration. This could result in penalties, including fines or imprisonment for up to 30 days.

What are the criminal penalties for failing to register using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?

It is crucial to comply with the new alien registration requirements, as failure to register can result in significant consequences. Failure to comply with the registration, fingerprinting, or address update requirements can result in serious penalties, including:

• Fines of up to $5000
• Imprisonment for up to 180 days, or both
• Fraudulent registration can lead to deportability

How do I update my address with USCIS?

Additionally, all registered individuals are required to update their address with USCIS within 10 days of moving. Failure to do so may result in criminal penalties. To update your address, you can visit the USCIS website and complete the relevant form here: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11.

How do I register using the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R)?

The official website for registration and further instructions is: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration. To complete registration, individuals must follow these steps:

1. Create an Account on myUSCIS
   1. Registration is done electronically. Non-citizens must create a unique account on the USCIS online portal at https://my.uscis.gov/. Parents or legal guardians need to create a separate account for their minor children.
2. Fill Out Form G-325R (Biographic Information – Registration)
   1. The form requires the following details:
      1. Full legal name
      2. Date and place of birth
      3. Date and place of entry into the United States
      4. Current address and contact information
      5. Immigration status (if applicable)
      6. Criminal history (if applicable)
3. Attend a Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
   1. Once the form is submitted, USCIS will schedule a biometric services appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). During this appointment, individuals will have their fingerprints, photograph, and signature collected. USCIS uses this information for identity verification, security screenings, and criminal background checks conducted by the FBI. For individuals who are exempt from fingerprinting (such as certain Canadian nonimmigrants and children under 14), registration is complete upon submission of Form G-325R.
4. Receive Proof of Registration
   1. After completing registration and the biometric appointment (if required), USCIS will generate a Proof of Alien Registration document. This document will be uploaded to the individual’s myUSCIS account. You must download and carry a copy of this document with you at all times. This will be your proof of registration.

What do I need to do now?

1. Review the New Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the details of the new alien registration rules, including who needs to register, the required documentation, and any exemptions.
2. Register with USCIS: If you are required to register, complete the registration process through the USCIS website starting April 11, 2025.
3. Carry Proof of Registration: Once registered, make sure to carry proof of registration with you at all times.
4. Update Your Address: If you change your address, remember to update your details with USCIS within 10 days.
5. Request a Free Know Your Rights Red Card: Request this wallet-sized card which is a helpful tool that provides you with critical information to use in the event of unexpected interactions with immigration authorities. It not only reminds you of your rights but can also be used to communicate to immigration authorities you are practicing these rights. If you would like to receive a Red Card free of charge, please fill out the form at the link below, and it will be sent to you as soon as possible.
   Request Your Red Card
6. Contact Us for Assistance: If you have any questions about how these changes affect you or need help navigating this process, please do not hesitate to contact our office at +1-312-782-1804 or at the link below to schedule a consultation. You DO NOT need to hire an attorney to complete the Alien Registration Form (Form G-325R), but if you have questions about your legal obligations, we would be able to discuss that with you. We are here to help you ensure compliance with all regulations.

We understand that immigration laws and requirements can be complex, and we are committed to helping you navigate this new process smoothly. Please do not hesitate to contact our office at +1-312-782-1804 or at the link below to schedule a consultation if you have any questions about this new registration process.