An Interim Final Rule, Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration, has outlined nonimmigrant registration requirements, effective April 11, 2025. The USCIS Interim Final Rule provides important information on how to register and who must register. It also establishes the legal background of the INA’s registration and fingerprinting requirements. Registration allows the US government to monitor individuals who are in the United States temporarily, not intending to reside in the country permanently.
Pursuant to the final rule, the following nonimmigrants are required to register:
– Canadian visitors who were not registered or provided with evidence of their registration (Form I-94).
– Any individuals who entered the country illegally.
– Individuals in the United States via TPS or DACA may also need to register based on their registration history.
– Nonimmigrants turning 14 years old in the United States
– Any nonimmigrant turning 14 years old within the United States is required to register and be fingerprinted, regardless of whether they have previously registered and received Form I-94. This means that J-1/F-1 students and H-4, F-2, J-2 dependents who turned 14 in the United States must re-register. This registration must take place within 30 days of the child’s birthday.
Individuals can register through their USCIS account by filing Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration). After completion, the registrant will be able to access their proof of registration. All registered individuals are required to carry evidence of their registration. Failure to comply with registration requirements could lead to fines of up to $5,000 and/or 30 days in prison.
Some nonimmigrants are not required to register if their immigration proceedings qualify under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) guidelines. This includes:
– Green Card holders.
– Employment Authorization Document (EAD) holders.
– Individuals with Border Crossing Cards.
– Individuals in ongoing immigration processes (including permanent and temporary residence) who have been fingerprinted.
– Individuals above 14 years of age who have received their I-94 form (Arrival/Departure Record) regardless of its expiration date.
– Non-US citizens who received visas prior to when they last arrived in the United States.
If you have any questions about registration and whether you are required to register, contact us and we would be happy to speak with you. Additionally, you can read the Interim Final Rule here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/12/2025-03944/alien-registration-form-and-evidence-of-registration