Alien Registration Number (A-Number): Meaning, Uses & Where to Find It

If you're applying for a Green Card, adjusting your immigration status, or completing USCIS forms, you've probably been asked to provide your Alien Registration Number (A-Number). Many immigrants aren't sure what this number is, where to find it, or whether they even have one.

An Alien Registration Number is a unique 7-, 8-, or 9-digit identification number assigned by the U.S. government to certain non-U.S. citizens. It helps immigration agencies like USCIS, DHS, ICE, and EOIR track your immigration records throughout your lifetime.

In this blog, you'll learn what an Alien Registration Number is, who receives one, where to locate it, and how it differs from a USCIS case number.

What is an Alien Registration Number?

An Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a unique identification number assigned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to certain non-U.S. citizens. It is used to identify individuals, track their immigration records, and process immigration applications.

An Alien Registration Number consists of 7, 8, or 9 digits and is usually written as A123456789. On some immigration documents, it may also appear as A# or USCIS#.

Unlike a USCIS receipt number, which is assigned to a specific application, an A-Number is linked to your immigration record and generally remains the same throughout your immigration journey.

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.

Who Does Not Get an Alien Registration Number?

Not every non-U.S. citizen receives an Alien Registration Number. Temporary visitors, such as B1/B2 tourists, most F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and Visa Waiver Program travelers, typically do not receive an A-Number unless they later apply for certain immigration benefits or permanent residence.

Importance of Alien Registration Number?

Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is required for many immigration-related processes. USCIS uses it to identify your immigration record, process applications, verify your identity, and access your immigration history. You'll commonly need it when filing forms such as Form I-130, Form I-485, Form I-765, and Form N-400.

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.
• Review copies of your previously submitted USCIS applications and approval notices, as they often include your A-Number.
• 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.