Everything You Need To Know About An Alien Registration Number

When submitting a US immigration application, you will come across a term called "A number". It is a vital piece of information but are you wondering where to find an A-number? Who gets an Alien registration number and why is it important? In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the A-number. Such as its use, how to find it, and why it is important for immigrants in the US. Let's first understand what an Alien Registration Number is.

What Is An Alien Registration Number?

An Alien Registration is a seven to nine-digit number. It is also known as "A-number, Alien Number, or USCIS number. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) gives an A-number to those immigrants who apply to live in the United States. The USCIS uses your A-number to track your immigration files which are also called alien files or a- files. They also need you to submit your Alien number on most immigration documents you provide to them.

It is an important key to accessing various immigration services and benefits when you are in the US. Many non-immigrant visitors and US citizens don't have an Alien registration number. This is because USCIS doesn't give an A-number to those who will be in the US temporarily. F-1 student visas with employment authorization who enter the US are an exception for this. 

Types of Alien Numbers

Most of the Alien Registration numbers (A-numbers) have nine-digit numbers. There are some situations where they may have fewer digits. If your A-number has less than nine digits then you can add a zero (0) between the "A" and the first digit.

This way you can make sure that it is a complete nine-digit number. For example, if the number is "33445566", you need to add "A033445566' to make it a nine-digit number.

Importance of an A-number

The A-number is used throughout the immigration process. It helps the govt. to track a person's immigration history and status throughout their life in the US. An Alien Registration Number serves as an important identifier for a lot of reasons such as:

• Legal Identification - The A-number acts as an official government-issued identifier for non-citizens. It is more like a Social Security Number (SSN) for US citizens. It helps in streamlining the communication between various immigration agencies.
• Immigration Case Management - This number helps the USCIS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Also, the Executive Officer in Immigration Review (EOIR). It is required to manage case records and legal proceedings effectively.
• Tracking the Application - The US govt uses the A-number to monitor everyone's immigration applications, petitions, and case studies. You can find this number on various important documents. Such as green cards, employment authorization cards, and visa paperwork. 
• Verifying the Eligibility - Some government agencies and employers may also use the A-number. They use it to verify one's eligibility to work and social security benefits. Also, to check any and other federal services. 

An A-number is very vital for applying for immigration benefits. It essentially serves as a key to manage a person's immigration files within the govt system. So, one must keep it safe and provide it only when it is necessary. 

Where Can I Find My Alien Registration Number?

Finding your A-number is very easy if you know where to look for it. When you apply to be a permanent US resident, your A-number will be on almost every document that USCIS sends you. On most of the paperwork, you can find your Alien Registration Number on the top of the page labeled as "A#". Here are some examples of some of the most common documents where you can find your A-number.

Employment Authorization Document

You can find your A-number on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It is also known as work permit or work authorization. You can find it below the USCIS#. In the example given below, you can see the A-number mentioned as “ 000-000-811” beneath the USCIS#.

Permanent Resident Green Card

If you have a green card issued by the USCIS after 10th May 2010 then you can find your A-number on that. Your Alien Registration Number will be on the front side. It will also be embedded within the characters on the backside. In the below example, you can see the A-number listed as “000-001-001” underneath the USCIS#.

Below is a sample green card issued by the USCIS between the years 2004 and May 10, 2010. On this card, you can see the Alien Registration Number listed as “000-000-000” next to A#. 

Immigrant Visa

If you do not have any other ID cards from the USCIS, you can find the A-number on an Immigrant visa. Your immigrant visa is also known as a visa stamp or visa foil and you can find it in your passport. You can find your A-number mentioned as "Registration Number" in the top portion of your visa stamp.

Note: The picture above is an immigrant visa. It is different than a nonimmigrant visa. A non-immigrant visa does not have an Alien Registration Number.

USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout

The USCIS Immigrant Fee is a document from USCIS that instructs you how to pay your USCIS immigrant fee. If you have applied for a consular Green card. You must have received this document. When attending your interview at the US embassy or consulate. You will be able to find the A-number in the top right corner of the free handout. As shown below in the picture:

Immigrant Data Summary

In case, you have applied for a green card from abroad through consular processing. You can find your A-number on the Immigrant Data Summary. It is the first page of your immigrant visa package from the USCIS. Your A-number will be right at the top of the Data Summary as shown in the picture below:

Notice of Action

Some versions of the Notice of Action may contain the A-number. You can find it in the  I-797C (biometrics notice).  If your form contains your Alien Registration Number then it will the under the “USCIS#”. You can see it at the top/right side of the document. See the picture below to get an idea:

Your A-number is very important, so you must know where to find it and how to identify it. These are some of the documents where you can find your A-number.

Who is Eligible For An A-Number?

Everyone who applies for a green card is eligible to get an Alien Registration Number. The A-number is vital for everyone who currently lives or wishes to live permanently in the US. Your eligibility for an A-number will not be set by the type of green card you have. Such as a family, refugee, employment, etc. If you are visiting the US to stay there forever, you will get an A-number.

Also, people with immigrant visas and F-1 student visa holders can get an Alien Registration Number. Despise the fact that they are neither in the US as a green card holder nor they are applying for green cards.

Individuals Not Eligible For An A-Number?

People who are temporary non-immigrant visa recipients are not eligible for an A-number. The shorter-term stays in the US do not need a document that asks for an A-number. Here also the only exception is individuals holding F-1 student visas.

When Am I Eligible to Get An Alien Registration Number?

The timeline to get an Alien Registration Number is quick. Most of the people get their A-number when they apply for a green card. If you apply for a green card in any of the below-mentioned situations. You may get an Alien Registration Number in other forms: 

• Your spouse is a citizen of the U.S.
• Worked under the Optical Practical training program.
• Applying for a marriage green card while staying outside the United States.

If you are already married to a US citizen then you will get an alien number in about a month. This is after filing your green card application form which is approximately 30 days. If you haven’t started your green card process yet then you must do these things first:

• Petition for Form I-130 petition for an alien relative
• Once your form gets approved, you need to apply for an immigrant visa. You need to apply under a category for which you qualify.
• You need to then file your USCIS Form I-485, fixing of status. 

If you have worked under the Optical Practical training program. Then there is another process for that also. 

If you are already an F-1 student visa holder and have work authorization. Then you have an Alien number already.  

If you are applying for a marriage green card from outside the United States. In such case, you will get your Alien Registration number at your consular interview. You will attend this interview at your country’s US consulate. 

Remember that if you are applying for a marriage green card while already staying in the US. You can find your Alien Registration number in your receipt notice.

Purpose Of An Alien Registration Number

The A-number is important and you may need it for several reasons You need your A-number to submit some required forms. Also, to track your application to get extra immigration benefits. There are more reasons why you need an Alien Registration number such as:

To Get Immigration Benefits

Your A-number plays a very important role on various sides. It is vital for your interaction with the US immigration system. Mainly, it acts as your unique identifier. It links you to your immigration records and history. When you apply for immigration perks you will get your A-number on the application forms. Such as on a green card or asylum.

For Tracking The Status Of Your Case

Your A-number is also vital to track your immigration case status online. Whether you are waiting to get a response about your application. Or, tracking the status of your immigration journey. Your A-number permits you to get all the information about your case. You can get all the details through the USCIS website or by contacting USCIS directly. 

To Access Other Services And Benefits In The United States

It acts as a key when you are interacting with other government agencies. Also, when you are trying to get access to some services and benefits. Remember it as your official identity proof that allows you to stay in the US. You may need your A-number when applying for a driver’s license, and a social security number. Also, any other necessary documents that you may need to handle your business in the US.

On condition if you lose your passport, green card, or visa

Having a photo of your visa, green card, and A-number is always a good idea if you lose the originals. Knowing your US alien registration number will notably ease various processes. Such as recovering your documents and showing your eligibility.

The most basic purpose of your A-number is that it works as your main form of identification. These are some of the main purposes where you can use your Alien Registration Number.

Difference Between An A-number and a USCIS Number?

Is the USCIS the same as an A-number? Many people want to know the answer to this question. So, The A-number is different from your USCIS case number. The A number USCIS and USCIS case numbers help to track matters related to immigration. However, people use it for different purposes. Also, the USCIS assigns it for different steps of the immigration process. 

The USCIS gives an A-number to an individual which is a unique identifier. People can use it for tracking their immigration cases. It helps to track the status of your application and immigration history.

Your USCIS case number is specific for every application or petition that you submit to USCIS. You receive it when you file an application or petition. The USCIS uses it to track and manage the processing of your particular case. 

Find the USCIS number on the official USCIS correspondence to your application. Like receipt notices, approval notices, and requests for extra evidence.

You can find your USCIS number on all official USCIS correspondence. But it must be related to your application. Such as receipt notices, approval notices, and requests for extra evidence. You have to look at the number of digits to tell the difference between your A-number and your USCIS case number. Your A-number has either 7, 8, or 9 digits. On the other hand, your USCIS case number will have 3 letters followed by 10 numbers. So in total, it will have 13 characters. 

What To Do If I Lose My Alien Registration Number?

If you lose your Alien registration number, you don’t need to panic. There are some ways with which you can find your Alien Registration Number with ease. Here is what you can do if you lose your A-number:

1. First, you must check your documents. You need to check any paperwork that you have related to your immigration status. You can find your A-number on various documents. Such as your green card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), etc.
2. If you are not able to find your A-number on any document, don’t stress. You have the option to contact USCIS for help.  You might have to provide personal information and details. The details required will be related to your immigration history. It will help them in locating your Alien Registration Number.
3. You also get the option to request a replacement. The USCIS can issue a replacement A-number if they think it is necessary.  They will guide you through the whole process. You may need to fill out a form or submit some supporting documents to verify your identity. 

You can even hire an attorney to help you with sending a letter to the USCIS. They can also assist you in restoring your Alien Registration Number.

Once you get your A-number again, ensure to keep it safe. You may need it in the future for any interactions with USCIS. Other government agencies related to your immigration status.

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