Have you ever had the feeling of getting to know what is the Alien Registration Number? If you want to know what it is now then all you need to do is to read this article. Now there are lots of information given about the Alien Registration Number.
Alien Registration Number
When you then simply apply for a green card, United States Citizenship and also Immigration Services (USCIS) will simply then ask you to list your alien registration number—also known as your “A-Number”—on your petition or application form. You might then also be asked to provide your USCIS number, which is even different than your alien registration number.
In this article, you will simply find out:
- What an alien registration number is.
- The types of A-Numbers.
- Where to find your A-Number.
- Your A-Number eligibility.
We will even also discuss what happens if you simply lose your alien number and then the differences between your A-Number and also your USCIS number. Understanding your A-Number will simply then help you when filling out documents both before your legal entry into the United States and even throughout the duration of your stay in the U.S.
What Is an Alien Registration Number?
This number (A-Number) is simply the identification number that is been given to you by USCIS. It is a seven to nine-digit number that simply acts as your identification. Also, your alien registration number is then been used to keep track of documents and even immigration files.
Your alien registration number is also unique to you. You shoud know that your A-Number is one that you will keep for life and will even use when filling out all immigration forms that you file in your lifetime. Alien numbers are simply only for those who are not United States citizens.
Alien Number Types
Most A-Numbers are nine digits, but there are also some certain types of A-Numbers that are less than nine digits long. If your A-Number is then less than nine digits, place a zero (0) between the “A” and the starting digit to then make your A-Number a complete nine digits.
Example: 1234567 would become A001234567.
Where Do I Find My Alien Registration Number?
A-Numbers are typically on all of your immigration documents. This can then include your:
- Initial notice that USCIS received your application.
- Approval notices.
- Immigrant visa card.
- Permanent resident green card.
- Almost all immigration documents.
If you are then wondering where to find the alien registration number on your green card, there are simply multiple places to find it. If then searching for your permanent resident card alien number on your green card, your A-Number will then be located on the front side and also backside of the card. It might then seem confusing, but your alien registration number on your green card is then actually named under USCIS# on the physical card itself.
To then find your A-Number on your immigrant visa, look beneath “Registration Number” on the top right of the visa stamp.
What Do I Use My Alien Registration Number For?
You might then be wondering “What is my alien registration number actually used for?” Your A-Number functions similarly to a U.S. citizen and even permanent resident’s social security number. It’s the number assigned specifically to you as a form of identification. Your alien registration number is even also used by the government in many other ways, including:
- Identifying the number of resident immigrants who are in the United States.
- Keeping and also accessing your immigration records and even other legal or illegal activities.
The government might then also use your alien registration number to track you down in case of an emergency.
At its most basic function, your A-Number is been used as your main form of identification.
Am I Eligible for an A-Number?
Everyone who simply applies for a green card is then eligible for an alien registration number. A-Numbers are necessary for all people who simply intend to or currently live permanently in the United States. Your eligibility is not been determined by the type of green card you have (family, refugee, employment, etc.). If you are simply coming to the United States permanently, you will then receive an A-Number.
Along with those who then have immigrant visas, F-1 student visa holders are even also given an alien registration number, even though they are not in the United States as green card holders nor applying for green cards.
Who Is Not Eligible for an Alien Number?
Temporary non-immigrant visa recipients are simply not given A-Numbers. The shorter-term stays in the United States do not even require documents that ask for an A-Number. Again, the only exception is the F-1 student visa holders.
When Am I Eligible for My Alien Registration Number?
The timeline for you receiving your alien registration number is then fairly quick. Most people even get their alien number when they apply for a green card.
If you are then applying for a green card under any of the following circumstances, you might then acquire your alien registration number in other forms:
- You are applying for a marriage green card while outside the United States.
- You are married to a U.S. citizen.
- You have worked under the Optional Practical Training program.
If you are also then applying for a marriage green card from outside the U.S., you will even get your alien number at your consular interview, which you will then attend at your country’s U.S. Consulate. Note that if you are applying for a marriage green card while already in the United States, you will then find your A-number in your receipt notice.
If you are also already married to a United States citizen, you will even get your alien number about a month (approximately 30 days) after filing your green card application form. Now, if you then have not yet started your green card process, you must first:
- Petition for Form I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative.
- Once your Form I-130 is approved, you will need to apply for an immigrant visa (under a category for which you qualify).
- You will then file your Form I-485, Adjustment of Status.
If you have then worked under the Optional Practical Training program, there is even also another process. If you are already an F-1 visa holder (for students) and even then have work authorization, you most likely already have an alien number.
What Happens If You Lose Your A-Number?
If by any chance you lose your physical green card or any other immigration documents, you will be able to access your A-Number through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) online system or by setting up an appointment with USCIS.
Difference Between Alien Registration Number and Your USCIS Number
“Is a USCIS number the same as an alien number?” is a question that we are often asked. Your A-number is simply different from your USCIS case number. However, the case number and also the USCIS number found on your green card differ.
Here is the confusing part: Your USCIS number on your green card is then actually your alien number, whereas your USCIS case number for your applications is also then different.
Your USCIS case number is been assigned to your application, which is also different from your identification number.
To further break the difference down, each of the application you file through USCIS will then have a USCIS case number. Your A-Number (possibly marked USCIS # on your green card, depending on your visa) is your identification number. Your alien number will also stay constant between applications; each application number will be different.
You can then tell the difference between your alien registration number and your USCIS case number by the number of digits.
- Your A-Number has 7, 8, or 9 digits.
- Your USCIS case number has 3 letters followed by 10 numbers, totaling 13 characters.
FAQs
Do I Get an Alien Registration Number If I Am a DACA Recipient?
When you then file Form I-821D for the first time, you might then already have an A-Number. If you do not, then you will be assigned one, but if you then have had any interaction with USCIS, it is also possible you already have an alien number. Be sure to simply check any paperwork or even documentation sent by USCIS. If you are then renewing your DACA status, you will even use your A-Number to refile.
Does My Alien Registration Number Expire?
No, your alien registration number does not even expire. However, it is very important for you to then point out that your immigration status can expire.
Is My Alien Number on My Green Card Also on My Passport?
Your alien number can then be found on your immigration visa stamp. If you then applied for your green card while already inside the United States, you will simply probably not have a stamp on your passport, meaning you will not even have your A-Number in your passport.
Does Everyone Have an Alien Registration Number?
USCIS does not simply assign everyone an A-Number. USCIS creates an A-Number for every permanent resident. Generally, they do not assign the number to nonimmigrant visitors. Nonimmigrants will then include anyone that is in the United States on a temporary basis.
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