FAQ: Immigrant Registration Requirements

New DHS Rule Requires Some Immigrants to Register Starting April 11, 2025

Starting April 11, 2025, some people in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens will need to register online with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They will also need to give their fingerprints, have their photograph taken, and pass a background check.

At SimpleCitizen we want you to know the basics of the immigrant registration requirements and have put together this FAQ to help you answer your questions.

1. Why Is This Happening?

U.S. laws have long said that foreign nationals (people who are not U.S. citizens) must register with the government. Many already do this when they apply for a visa or receive documents like a green card or work permit. In January 2025, President Trump signed an order that told the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strictly enforce these rules. As a result, DHS created a new online registration process for people who have not yet registered.

2. Who Is Already Registered?

You do not need to register again if you already started or have certain current immigration papers. You are considered registered if you have:

• A green card (permanent resident card)
  
• A border crossing card
  
• A work permit, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  
• An I-94 travel record
  
• A passport with a valid, unexpired DHS stamp
  
• A Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court
  

You are also considered registered if you filed one of the following applications:

• A Form I-485 adjustment of status application
  
• A Form I-590 application for Registration for Classification as a Refugee status
  
• Certain applications for temporary residence status
  

3. Who Does Not Have to Register?

You do not have to register if:

• You were issued a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa before you arrived in the United States and you entered after turning 14 years of age;
  
• You hold or have applied for an A or G visa (used by diplomats and government workers)
  
• You will be in the U.S. for less than 30 days
  

4. Who Must Register?

You must register if:

• You are a Canadian of any age who: (1) is traveling to the US without a visa for business or tourism, (2) entered the US by land, (3) were not issued an I-94 arrival record, and (4)  will stay in the US for 30 days or more.
  
• You are turning 14 while in the U.S. and have been here 30 days or more.
  
• You entered the U.S. without going through an official entry point (this is called “entry without inspection” or EWI), and you:
  
  • Remain in the US for 30 days or longer; and
  • Do not have a registration documents (See paragraph 2) 
  • Have not applied for adjustment of status, refugee status, or temporary residence status. This includes foreign nationals who entered without inspection and have applied for DACA, TPS, or asylum, but have not been issued an Employment Authorization Document, Notice to Appear, or other document that qualifies as evidence of registration (see Question 2).

5. What About Kids Who Turn 14 While in the US?

Most kids who are turning 14 and have been in the U.S. for 30 days or more will need to register or re-register. This is true even if they were already considered registered. Most children will also need to be fingerprinted when they turn 14, unless they are exempt.

6. Do Children Under 14 Need to Register?

Yes, if they entered without a visa or I-94 and will be in the U.S. for more than 30 days. Their parent or guardian must register them, but children under 14 do not need to be fingerprinted. Once children turn 14, they must re-register and be fingerprinted.

7. How Do You Register?

• Go to myUSCIS.gov and create an account, if the registrant is a child under 14, a parent or guardian must create the account for the child;
  
• Complete Form G-325R online; and
  
• If you are age 14 or older and not a Canadian visitor, appear at a USCIS Application Support Center for fingerprinting and photographing
  
• After approval, you will get a document called “Proof of Alien Registration.” You must print it and carry it with you

8. What’s the Deadline?

In general, for those subject to the registration or re-registration requirement, the deadline to register is within 30 days of entering the US, or within 30 days after turning 14, as applicable.

The deadline is not clear, however, for individuals subject to registration who entered the U.S. or turned 14 more than 30 days before the April 11 effective date of the new rule, and whose 30-day registration or re-registration deadline will have already passed by the April 11 effective date of the rule. For these individuals, it is recommended that they register or re-register within 30 days after the April 11 effective date of the rule.

9. Can Someone Else Register for Me?

No, only you can register for yourself. Attorneys and third parties cannot submit the form for you. However, parents or guardians can register for children under 14. If someone helps you fill out the form, you must list them on your application as a preparer.

10. What Information Do You Have to Provide?

To properly fill our Form G-325R you will need to provide:

• Your name and contact info;
  
• Immigration history;
  
• Date of last entry, how long you plan to stay, and when you plan to depart;
  
• Family details (spouse and parents); and
  
• Criminal history, if any

You must be honest. Giving false information can lead to serious trouble. At the same time, disclosing information about criminal history or immigration violations – including entry to the United States without inspection – can pose significant risks. See below for more information.

11. What Happens After You Register?

After you submit your G-325R online, the system will review your information. If USCIS records show that you are already registered, the system will inform you and the application will be closed. Remember, children are required to re-register within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

If your Form-325R is accepted, USCIS will schedule you for biometrics, unless the registrant is under 14 or is a Canadian visitor, in which case biometrics are waived. Accepted registrants must appear for in-person biometrics at a local USCIS Application Support Center. Once USCIS has your fingerprints and photograph, the agency starts processing security and background checks. 

Once the entire process is complete, the online system will produce a “Proof of Alien Registration” document. This document will contain a unique identifier. You MUST print and carry this document with you at all times. 

12. Do You Have to Carry Registration Proof?

Yes. Everyone 18 and older must carry proof of their immigration status. If you register through the new system, you must print and carry the “Proof of Alien Registration” form at all times. If you are not required to register through the new system you must carry an acceptable proof of registration document such as:

• A valid, unexpired Form I-94 admission record; 
• A US Customer and Border Protection passport admission stamp;
• A Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card);
• A Firm I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD; or
• A Firm I-185 or I-186 Border Crossing Card for citizens of Canada and Mexico.

13. What If You Don’t Register?

Failing to register or carry proof can lead to:

• A fine of up to $5,000 and/or
  
• Jail time (up to 6 months for not registering, or up to 30 days for not carrying proof)
  
• Removal from the U.S. (deportation)
  

14. Are There Risks to Registering?

Yes. If you have a criminal record or entered the U.S. without inspection, registering might alert the government to your status. This could lead to immigration enforcement. If this applies to you, speak to an immigration lawyer before registering.

We know this alien registration process may seem confusing. That’s why we produced this guide to help you make sense of your obligations. At SimpleCitizen, we provide access to an independent network of immigration attorneys to help our customers navigate situations just like this. Please keep in mind that this post is meant to be informational and may not cover every aspect of your situation. If you have questions about the registration requirement or process, please contact an immigration attorney.

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