INFORMATION

What Is an A-Number?

An Alien Registration Number, commonly referred to as an A-Number, is a unique identifier assigned to noncitizens by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This number plays a pivotal role in the U.S. immigration system, serving as a lifelong identifier for immigrants and facilitating the management of their immigration records. Understanding the significance of the A-Number is essential for immigrants navigating various legal and administrative processes in the United States.

What is an Alien Registration Number?

The Alien Registration Number is a seven-, eight-, nine-digit number (e.g. “A012345678”) assigned to noncitizens during specific interactions with U.S. immigration authorities. It functions similarly to a Social Security number for U.S. citizens, providing a unique identifier that links all of an individual's immigration records, applications, and legal proceedings. This centralized system ensures efficient tracking and management of an immigrant's history within the U.S.


Who receives an Alien Registration Number?

Not all noncitizens are assigned an A-Number. It is typically issued to individuals involved in certain stages of the immigration process, including:

  • Green Card Applicants (Permanent Residents): Individuals applying for lawful permanent residency receive an A-Number, which appears on their green card upon approval.

  • Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Those seeking asylum or admitted as refugees are assigned an A-Number during their application process.

  • Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Holders: Some nonimmigrant visa holders, such as those adjusting their status or granted employment authorization, may also receive an A-Number.

  • DACA and TPS Applicants: Individuals applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are assigned an A-Number during their application process.

Importance of the Alien Registration Number

The A-Number serves several critical functions within the U.S. immigration system:

  1. Application Tracking: USCIS and other immigration agencies use the A-Number to monitor all applications, petitions, and case statuses associated with an individual, ensuring streamlined communication and processing.

  2. Legal Identification: The A-Number acts as an official identifier for noncitizens, appearing on essential documents like green cards, employment authorization documents, and visa paperwork.

  3. Detainee Tracking: The A-Number can be used to locate an individual detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at an immigration detention facility.

  4. Immigration Case Management: Agencies such as USCIS, ICE, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) utilize the A-Number to efficiently manage case records and legal proceedings.

  5. Eligibility Verification: Employers and government agencies may use the A-Number to verify work eligibility, Social Security benefits, and access to other federal services.

Where to Find Your Alien Registration Number

Locating your A-Number is straightforward if you know where to look. It appears on several key immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): The A-Number is labeled as "USCIS#" or "A#" on the front of the card.

  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD): On the EAD card, the A-Number is listed under "USCIS#."

  • Immigrant Visa: The A-Number is identified as the "Registration Number" in the top right portion of the visa stamp in your passport.

  • Notice of Action (Form I-797): Some versions of this notice may include the A-Number in the top right corner, labeled as "USCIS#."

  • Immigrant Data Summary: Your A-Number should be right at the top of the Data Summary

  • Immigrant Fee Handout: You can find your A-Number in the top right corner of the fee handout.

If you cannot locate your A-Number on these documents, you can request it through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by filing Form G-639 with USCIS. This process may take several weeks, so it's advisable to keep your immigration documents organized and accessible.


Legal obligations associated with the A-Number

U.S. law mandates that noncitizens over the age of 18 carry their EAD, Green Card, or other proof of alien registration, which include the A-Number, at all times. Failure to comply can result in criminal and civil penalties, including fines and potential misdemeanor prosecution. Therefore, it's crucial to keep your documentation up to date and readily available. It is advisable to share your A-Number with your relatives as they may need this number to determine your location if you are detained by immigration enforcement.


Common questions about the Alien Registration Number

  • Is the Alien Registration Number the same as a USCIS Case Number?

    No. USCIS uses your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) to track you throughout their systems and across multiple applications. By contrast, a USCIS Case Number is only used in one specific application. Since these numbers are not the same, you need to know how to tell them apart. Your A-Number is a nine-digit number. A USCIS Case Number is 13 characters — three letters (usually "EAD" or "MSC"), followed by 10 numbers.

  • Is the Alien Registration Number the Same as a USCIS Online Account Number?
    No, the USCIS online account number is different. It is used solely for managing online applications on the USCIS website, whereas the A-Number is used for tracking immigration records and is assigned regardless of online account status.

  • Can Two People Have the Same A-Number?
    No, each A-Number is unique and permanently assigned to one individual.

Understanding and properly managing your Alien Registration Number is vital for navigating the U.S. immigration system effectively. It serves as your primary identifier in all dealings with immigration authorities and is essential for accessing various benefits and services. Keeping your A-Number and related documents secure and accessible will help ensure smoother interactions with U.S. immigration agencies.

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