What is an Alien Registration Number? Meaning, Uses & Where to Find It

An Alien registration number, which is also known as the A-Number, is a unique 7-digit to 9-digit number issued by the U.S. government to noncitizens.

This number helps various immigration agencies, such as USCIS, ICE, and CBP, to track immigration records over time.

In this blog, we will help you to find your A-number and see who gets an Alien registration Number with all the details.

What is an Alien Registration Number?

An Alien Registration Number is also called an A-Number, issued by the government to a non-citizen.

An Alien registration number is used for the identification number for non-citizens. It is used for tracking the immigration record verification of your identity across systems and to process the application.

The Alien registration number will help the USCIS, DHS, and EOIR to get information about your case history and is needed for most of the immigration forms.

Format of the Alien registration number is simple, it contains 7,8,9 digits (A123456789).

This number is assigned by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other immigration agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Who Gets an Alien Registration Number? 

Here is the list of the eligible individuals who get an A-number:

• All the green card holders (Permanent Resident).
• Individuals who are applying for the Adjustment of status through Form I-485.
• Any Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.
• Individuals who are in deportation or any process of removal.
• Certain immigrants and applicants for immigration benefits may receive an A-Number, but not all visa holders are assigned one.

Importance of Alien Registration Number?

A-Number is a very important number which is used for various purposes, such as:

• To complete forms and immigration applications (Form I-130, Form I-485).
• To check the USCIS case status.
• To get a copy of the immigration file (Form G639 FOIA requested).
• To communicate with the EOIR and USCIS.

When filing the USCIS application, the form usually needs you to enter 9 numerical digits. If you enter fewer numbers than 9 digits and add a 0 after the "A", then the first digit will make it nine digits long. For example, "A12345678 becomes "A012345678'.

Where can I find the Alien Registration Number? 

The location of A-Number depends on the type of immigration document you have. Here are some of the documents given below, locating the A-Number.

On a Green Card

Your A-Number remains the same regardless of how you obtained your Green Card, whether it is a marriage green card, employment, or family sponsorship

To see the A-number on the green card, you need to check the front of the green card. The A-Number is primarily displayed on the front of the Green Card, often labeled as: USCIS# A#. The format of the A number on the green card is like "000-001-001".

On the Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)

If you have no green card, then you can find an A number on your EAD, which is another type of immigration document. It is also known as the work permit. On many Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), the A-Number is printed on the front and may be labeled as "USCIS#" or "A#."

On the Immigrant Visa

You can see the Alien registration number on your Immigrant visa. This immigrant visa is also known as the Visa stamp, or visa foil, on your passport.

You can see the A-number identified as the "Registration Number" on the top right section of the visa stamp.

On Notice of Action

You can find your A number on the Notice of Action. On the Form I-797C, the A-number is located on the top right corner of the document, just to the right of the USCIS.

On the Immigrant Data Summary

If you have applied for the Green card via any Consular processing, then you will get an Immigrant Data summary. On the Immigrant data summary, you can find the A-number at the top of the Immigrant data summary.

On the Immigration Fee Handout

If you have applied for a green card through consular processing, you will probably have the USCIS Immigrant fee paid by the officer. On the document, you can find your A number in the top right corner of the immigrant fee. Along with this, you will also see the method of how to pay the USCIS immigrant fees.

What to do if I Cannot Find My A-Number?

Here are some of the options if you cannot find your A-Number. See the option given, which can help you to find out your A-number.

• You just see your old USCIS notices or approval letters, such as Form I-797.
• You must revoke all the previously applied applications that you have submitted to the USCIS.
• Search for the copies of the visa or passport stamps.
• Log in to your USCIS account and look for the A-Number.
• You can request a copy of the immigration file through the Form G-639, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Generally, the USCIS does not issue a new Alien Registration number for the renewal of any adjustment of status; you will get the previous A-number.

Difference Between A-Number and the USCIS Case Number

Here are the major differences between the A-number and the USCIS case Number in the table given below. 

Final Thoughts

A Number is essential to keep all the records of your immigration history. It also required filling out most of the USCIS application form. You can find your A-Number on various USCIS immigration documents. However, if you are struggling to find your Alien registration number, then you can use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to get a copy of your Immigration file, which has your A-number.

For more assistance with the Green card application or any USCIS application, you can contact the Visament website. We have a team of experienced experts who know all the documentation and processes for the application. They can help you prepare and Submit your USCIS application accurately, reducing the chances of errors or mistakes.