What You Need to Know About Your Alien Registration Number?

What is an Alien Registration Number?

The Alien Registration Number, commonly referred to as the A-Number, is a unique identification number assigned to non-citizens by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and its predecessor, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). This seven- to nine-digit number is crucial for tracking an individual's immigration files and is essential when applying for various immigration benefits.

Where to Find Your A-Number

On USCIS Documents: Your A-Number appears on a variety of USCIS or former INS documents. It is used extensively across USCIS to track applications and petitions.

Formatting the A-Number: If your A-Number is fewer than nine digits, pad it with zeroes immediately after the 'A' to ensure it has nine digits. For instance, an A-Number like "12345678" should be formatted as "A012345678."

A-Number on a Green Card

If you are a permanent resident, your A-Number is prominently displayed on the front of your green card. Additionally, this number is also embedded within the characters on the backside of the card.

Who Doesn't Have an A-Number?

It's important to note that U.S.-born citizens do not have A-Numbers. Similarly, many nonimmigrant visitors to the United States, who enter on temporary visas for tourism, business, or short-term work, are also not assigned A-Numbers.

The Alien Registration Number is a key identifier for immigrants in the U.S. immigration system, playing a vital role in managing and accessing individual immigration records. Understanding where to find and how to format your A-Number is essential for effectively navigating the immigration process and ensuring accurate handling of your records.

Not everyone is assigned an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) by USCIS. This number is specifically created for every permanent resident, while generally, nonimmigrant visitors, such as those on B1/B2 visas for temporary visits, do not receive an A-Number. However, certain nonimmigrant classifications that receive employment authorization or other benefits may also be assigned an A-Number.

Where to Find Your A-Number

1. On an Employment Authorization Document (EAD): If you do not have a green card but hold a work permit, your A-Number is likely listed on your Employment Authorization Document.
2. On an Immigrant Visa: Look for your A-Number on your immigrant visa, often referred to as a visa stamp or visa foil, which is located in your passport. It is typically labeled as the “Registration Number” in the top right section of the visa.
3. On a Notice of Action: Certain versions of the Notice of Action from USCIS may include your A-Number.
4. On an Immigrant Data Summary: If you underwent consular processing (applying for a green card at a U.S. embassy or consulate), an Immigrant Data Summary sheet might have been attached to the front of your immigrant visa package.
5. On an Immigrant Fee Handout: Those who applied through consular processing might also have received a USCIS Immigrant Fee handout that includes the A-Number.

Understanding where to find your A-Number is crucial for managing your interactions with USCIS, especially if you are transitioning from nonimmigrant to immigrant status, applying for work permits, or engaging in other immigration-related activities. It's important to keep track of this number as it is a key identifier in your immigration records.