The Alien Registration Number, commonly referred to as an A-Number, is a unique 7 to 9-digit identifier assigned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immigrants seeking to reside permanently in the United States, as well as to some students coming to the country on specific visas. As an immigrant applying for further immigration benefits, your A-Number is crucial for filling out necessary paperwork and monitoring the progress of your application. This guide delves into the functionality of A-Numbers and provides detailed instructions on how to locate yours when required, ensuring you have the essential information at your fingertips for a smoother immigration process. Additionally, understanding your A-Number's significance can aid in facilitating your interactions with various immigration services and streamline the application tracking system.
What Is Known as an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) in Immigration Terms?
For most immigrants applying to become permanent residents of the United States, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns them an Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, Alien Number, or USCIS Number. This unique number has seven or nine digits. This number serves as a key tool for USCIS to keep track of your immigration records, referred to as alien files or "a-files." It is essential for immigrants to provide their A-Number on the majority of their immigration paperwork submitted to USCIS. Recognizing the importance of your A-Number is crucial for the immigration process. Thankfully, locating your A-Number is straightforward, as it is displayed on various documents, including your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and Immigrant Visa. This guide aims to simplify the process of identifying your A-Number, enabling you to efficiently manage your immigration applications and monitor existing ones.
Acquiring an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides an Alien Registration Number, commonly known as an A-Number, to immigrants aiming for permanent residency in the United States. This unique identifier is issued when you apply for a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card, or any other form of Immigrant Visa. However, if your presence in the U.S. is intended to be temporary, such as with a tourist or business visa, you typically will not be assigned an A-Number. This policy reflects the distinction USCIS makes between immigrants (permanent residents) and nonimmigrants (temporary visitors), with the notable exception of F-1 student visa holders who are authorized to work; these individuals do receive an A-Number even though their initial intent may be temporary.
My Alien Registration Number - Where Can I Find It?
After submitting your application for permanent residency in the U.S., you will notice that your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) appears on nearly all documents dispatched to you by USCIS. Typically, you can spot your A-Number marked as "A#" towards the top of most documents. Below are examples of common documents where your A-Number can be found.
Locating Your A-Number on the Employment Authorization Document
On your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a work permit or authorization, you can locate your Alien Registration Number (A-Number). This nine-digit number is found just below the "USCIS#" on the document.
Finding A-Number on Your Permanent Resident Green Card
If your Green Card was issued by USCIS after May 10, 2010, your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is identical to the nine-digit USCIS# on the card. For those holding a Green Card issued by USCIS from 2004 up to May 10, 2010, your A-Number is displayed beneath your name on the card.
Locating A-Number on Your Immigrant Visa Stamp
Should you lack other identification cards from USCIS, your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) can be located on the Immigrant Visa Stamp within your passport. This nine-digit A-Number is positioned below the Registration Number.
Finding A-Number on the USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout
This handout, provided by USCIS, guides you through the process of paying the USCIS immigrant fee. If your Green Card application was processed through a consulate, this document would have been given to you during your interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is located in the upper right corner of this fee handout.
Locating Your A-Number on the Immigrant Data Summary
For those who have applied for a Green Card through consular processing from outside the U.S., your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is displayed on the Immigrant Data Summary. This document serves as the cover page of your immigrant visa packet from USCIS, with your A-Number prominently placed at the top of the Summary.
Finding Your A-Number on the Notice of Action
The Notice of Action (Form I-797C) issued by USCIS typically includes your A-Number. When present, this number can be found beneath the "USCIS#" label on the notice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alien Registration Numbers
Below, you'll find responses to several frequently posed inquiries regarding A-Numbers.
Does a USCIS Case Number Equate to an A-Number?
Not at all. The Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a tool used by USCIS to identify and track individuals across its systems and various applications they might file. On the other hand, a USCIS Case Number is allocated to a specific application and is unique to that case alone. Distinguishing between these two types of numbers is crucial. Your A-Number consists of nine digits, whereas a USCIS Case Number comprises 13 characters, starting with three letters (often "EAD" or "MSC") and followed by a sequence of 10 numbers.
Is a Social Security Number Identical to an A-Number?
Absolutely not. A Social Security Number is provided by the government to immigrant workers in the United States who request it, facilitating eligibility for work and access to services. Conversely, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) to individuals seeking permanent residency in the U.S. It's common for immigrant workers to possess both a Social Security Number and an A-Number, serving distinct purposes in their integration and legal processes in the United States.
Does an EAD Number Equate to an A-Number?
Indeed, they correlate. On your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, two significant numbers are displayed:
- a) The Employment Authorization (EA) number – Found below the "USCIS#" label, this nine-digit number is identical to your Alien Registration Number (A-Number).
b) The EAD card number – Located under the "Card#" heading, this sequence consists of three letters followed by ten digits. It is important to note that the EAD card number is distinct from your A-Number.
Does a USCIS Online Account Number Differ From an A-Number?
Indeed, they are not the same. The Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a unique nine-digit identifier utilized by USCIS for the management and tracking of immigrants seeking permanent residency in the U.S. In contrast, the USCIS Online Account Number is allocated to individuals who opt to create an online account with USCIS, providing an alternative method for monitoring their application's progress.
What Steps Should I Take if My A-Number Is Missing?
Should your A-Number be absent from the documents previously mentioned, there's no cause for concern. You have the option to obtain your number directly from USCIS through a straightforward method. This involves submitting a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request to USCIS. Engaging in this process incurs no cost, and detailed guidance is available on the USCIS website.
Last Updated 03/27/24 03:03:18AM