This document is intended to provide an overview of the new Alien Registration Requirement. It outlines the basic obligations under the rule through a series of Frequently Asked Questions. We encourage you to review the entire document carefully for a comprehensive understanding of the changes.
Please note that this new rule does place additional/new requirements on those individuals who are present in the U.S. lawfully pursuant to a nonimmigrant visa. Therefore, it is important to read the entire document to ensure you are taking any steps that may be required of you or your noncitizen children.
What is the new Registration Requirement?
On March 12, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a regulation imposing registration requirements upon certain noncitizens in the U.S. These requirements were based on an existing law found in Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
When is the effective date of the new Registration Requirement?
The requirements of the Registration regulation become effective on April 11, 2025.
What is required under the new Registration regulation?
The main aspects of the rule include the following:
- Requires certain non-U.S. citizens, who have not previously registered to submit a registration.
- Requires noncitizen children who turn 14 years old in the U.S. to be fingerprinted within 30 days after their 14th
- Requires all noncitizens over the age of 18 to carry proof of registration with them at all times.
- Requires all noncitizens to notify the DHS of any change of address within ten days of the date of such change.
Who is subject to the registration requirement?
All non-U.S. citizens who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a visa to enter the U.S. and who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer are required to register. This list includes:
- Children under the age of 14 present in the U.S. with their parents who are on a temporary visa. Parents are required to register their children under the age of 14.
- Canadian visitors who entered the U.S. at land ports of entry if they intend to remain in the US. For 30 days or longer.
- Individuals present in the U.S. without inspection and admission or parole and who have never been fingerprinted in connection with an application for immigration benefits.
How do I register?
The USCIS has created a new Form G-325R, Biometric Information Registration, that must be completed online. If you or your child do not have a USCIS online account, one must be set up in order to complete the registration process.
Do I have to register my child even if they are here on a valid nonimmigrant visa?
Yes. All non-U.S. citizen children under the age of 14 must be registered via the new registration process even though they have valid nonimmigrant status. The reason they are not exempt from the registration process is because they were exempt from fingerprinting requirements when they acquired a nonimmigrant visa at the Consulate. Therefore, they must be registered in the new system as of April 11, 2025.
What must I do if my child is over the age of 14 or will turn 14 while in the U.S.?
If your non-U.S. citizen child is already 14 or will turn the age of 14, they must be registered and fingerprinted. This includes children who are Green Card holders who will simply need to file the appropriate Form I-90 to complete the registration. Those children on nonimmigrant visas must complete the Form G-325R process online.
Are all noncitizens required to carry proof of their registration at all times?
Yes, all noncitizens over the age of 18 are required to carry proof of their registration. If you are required to complete the new registration process outlined above, you will receive proof of having completed the process, which can be printed and maintained as evidence of registration.
For nonimmigrants here on a temporary visa who are not required to complete the registration process, you can carry a copy of your I-94 from the CBP website as proof of your registration. Green Card holders need only carry their Green Card as proof of registration.
Is the requirement to notify DHS of a change in address different for the Registration law?
No. The requirement to notify DHS of changes in address has not been changed. That is still completed online through your USCIS account or through the filing of a Form AR-11. This must be completed for both adults and children who are noncitizens.
What are the penalties for failure to comply with any of the Registration requirements above?
A person’s willful failure to comply with the registration requirement or be fingerprinted is punishable by a fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. The same applies to a parent or legal guardian who fails to register their child as required.
Failure to produce proof of registration when asked is punishable by a fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment not more than 30 days.
Failure to timely notify DHS of a change of address is punishable by a fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment not more than 30 days.
More information about the Registration requirements can be found on the USCIS website.
