Noncitizen Registration Requirement, Proof of Registration, and Change of Address Update
Effective April 11, 2024, certain noncitizens who are physically present in the United States and who were not previously registered by virtue of how they entered the country or are otherwise exempt must take action to comply with the new registration requirement by filing Form G-325G online. With limited exceptions, the registration requirement applies to all noncitizens who are 14 years of age or older and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer.
Most noncitizens are already registered and do not need to submit Form G-325G; however, all previously registered noncitizens who turn 14 in the United States must re-register within 30 days of their 14th birthday. In addition, all noncitizens who are at least 18 are now required to carry proof of registration. Finally, all noncitizens are reminded of the change of address notification requirement. Failure to comply may lead to significant penalties and severe immigration consequences.
Am I already registered?
Most noncitizens in the United States are already registered and do not need to re-register, including:
- Lawful permanent residents.
- Parolees (e.g., U4U, CHNV).
- Noncitizens admitted as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (e.g., F-1s, H-1Bs, L-1s, etc.).
- Noncitizens issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival.
- Noncitizens in removal proceedings.
- Noncitizens issued employment authorization documents.
- Noncitizens who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, and provided fingerprints (unless waived).
- Noncitizens issued Border Crossing Cards.
Am I required to register?
Certain groups of noncitizens in the United States are required to register if they will be staying in the United States for 30 days or more, including:
- Noncitizens present in United States who were not admitted or paroled.
- Canadian visitors who entered the United States at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration, such as Form I-94.
- Noncitizens, whether previously registered or not, who turn 14 years old in the United States.
Please note that Canadian citizens admitted to the United States for purposes of study or employment in other nonimmigrant categories (including F, H-1B and TN) normally are issued a Form I-94 at the port of entry and no additional action related to this registration requirement is needed.
How do I register?
The step-by-step registration process is set forth on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) webpage relating to the registration requirement. You will be expected to create a USCIS online account, submit Form G-325R online, and attend an appointment for biometrics collection.
Requirement to Carry Proof of Registration
All noncitizens 18 years of age and older in the United States are required to register, including those who register using this new process, and must carry and have in their personal possession evidence of their registration at all times. The following documents are recognized as proof of registration:
- Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) – held by lawful permanent residents.
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) – held by nonimmigrants and parolees.
- Foreign passport with unexpired nonimmigrant admission or parole stamp – held by nonimmigrants and parolees.
- Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document) – held by noncitizens authorized to work in the U.S.
- Form I-862 (Notice to Appear) – held by noncitizens in removal proceedings.
- Form G-325R Proof of Registration – issued to new registrants.
We recommend carrying proof of registration at all times.
Change of Address Update
All noncitizens in the United States who are required to register must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. The change of address notification can be submitted through a USCIS online account or by filing Form AR-11 online.
Compliance with the requirements to register, carry proof of registration, and update a change of address is critical to maintaining legal status in the United States and avoiding penalties. Parents of children turning 14 and Canadian nationals entering via land ports of entry should be particularly mindful of the new registration requirement.
For more information on these immigration requirements, please reach out to Olga Andreyeva, Elizabeth Chatham, Brad Sandler, Renée Mueller Steinle or the Stinson LLP contact with whom you regularly work.
