Finding and Understanding Your Alien Registration Number

If you're going through the U.S. immigration process, there's a good chance you'll come across the term "A-Number." It is the letter “A” followed by a unique 8-9 digit number that shows up on various forms and documents, and helps identify you to USCIS.

Whether you’re applying for a Green Card, work permit, or naturalization (the process of becoming a U.S. citizen if you were born outside the country), you should know where to find your A-Number (if you have one) and how to use it. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what the A-Number is, where it appears, how it’s different from other IDs, and what to do if you can’t locate it.

Key Takeaways:

• Why your A-Number matters and how it affects your immigration process.
• Where to find your A-Number on key documents like your Green Card, EAD, or USCIS notices.
• What you need your A-Number for, including applying for work permits, checking case status, and naturalization.

What is an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?

The Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a unique ID given to non-citizens by USCIS who have applied for certain immigration benefits.  The A-number is primarily used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other government agencies to identify, track, and manage the immigration history of individuals. It helps them locate and access relevant information about an individual's immigration applications, petitions, and other immigration-related matters.

You’ll usually find your A-Number printed on important immigration documents, such as your Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or certain Form I-797 notices (issued to communicate receipt or approval of an application or petition). 

Now that we understand the basics about the A-Number, let's see who gets an Alien Registration number and when. 

Also Read: What Is Administrative Processing in U.S. Immigration?

Who Gets an Alien Registration Number?

An A-Number is assigned to most non-citizens who apply for long-term stays or permanent residency through the U.S. immigration system.

You’re likely to receive an A-Number if you:

• Apply for a Green Card through family, employment, asylum, or another category.
• Are granted asylum or refugee status.
• Are placed in removal proceedings and issued a Notice to Appear (NTA).
• Apply for certain employment-based immigration benefits.
• Transition from a temporary visa (like H-1B or F-1) to a permanent status.

Not everyone gets an A-Number right away. It's primarily assigned to individuals who are applying for or have been granted a green card (permanent residency) or who are otherwise eligible for certain immigration benefits or statuses, such as those with F-1 visas or those granted DACA.

When do you get an Alien Registration Number?

In most cases, individuals receive their Alien Registration Number when they apply for a green card. However, if you’ve held an F-1 student visa and obtained work authorization, such as through OPT, you may have already been assigned an A-Number earlier in the process.

Here’s when most people get their A-Number:

• Green Card Applicants (Inside the U.S.): After submitting Forms I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) or I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), USCIS will assign your A-Number and include it on your receipt notice (Form I-797C).
• Green Card Applicants (Outside the U.S.): You’ll receive your A-Number during your consular interview. It will appear on your visa stamp.
• Marriage-Based Green Card Applicants
  
  • If applying from the U.S., you’ll typically receive your A-Number after 30 days of filing Form I-485.
  • If you are applying from abroad, you will receive it at your interview and on your immigrant visa.
• Asylum/Refugee Cases: Your A-Number is assigned when your asylum/refugee application is accepted.
• Employment Authorization Applicants (Certain Categories): You’ll receive an A-Number only if your Employment Authorization Document category is part of a path to permanent residency, such as asylum or a pending Green Card application.
• Certain F-1 Students: F-1 visa holders who receive work authorization are given an Alien Registration Number, even though they aren't applying for a green card.

Locating the A-Number on Various Documents

The Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is prominently displayed on several key immigration documents, each serving a specific function in the immigration process. 

Here’s where you can find your A-Number on these documents:

1. On a Green Card

The A-Number is found on the front of the Green Card, officially known as the Permanent Resident Card. It is labeled as the USCIS# and typically starts with an 'A' followed by eight or nine digits.

2. On an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

On the EAD, also known as a work permit, the A-Number is labeled as the USCIS#. It appears on the front of the card and serves as an identifier for employment verification and authorization purposes.

3. In an Immigrant Visa

The A-Number on an immigrant visa is usually stamped or printed on the visa foil in the individual's passport. It serves as a tracking number for the visa holder's immigration file and status.

4. On a Notice Of Action Form I-797

USCIS uses this form to communicate with applicants and petitioners, request additional evidence, respond to applications, or issue decisions. The A-Number is typically located near other personal details at the top of the form.

5. In the Immigrant Data Summary

When an immigrant visa is issued, the Immigrant Data Summary sheet, part of the visa package, also displays the A-Number. This summary is usually stapled to the front of the immigrant visa packet.

6. On the USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout

When immigrants pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online, they receive a handout that includes their A-Number. This document helps link the payment to the immigrant’s file.

Also Read: Complete Guide to Understanding Form I-797

Differences Between Alien Registration Numbers and Other Identifiers

The Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is unique to the U.S. immigration system and serves specific purposes distinct from other identifiers that you might encounter:

1. USCIS Number: Sometimes confused with the A-Number, the USCIS Number can also be found on Green Cards and EAD cards. It is another unique identifier USCIS uses, but it is generally the same as the A-Number without the 'A' prefix.
2. Case Number: Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is given to you and stays the same throughout your immigration journey. On the other hand, your case number is linked to each application you submit. So if you apply for a green card now and later apply for U.S. citizenship, you’ll have different case numbers for each, but your A-Number will remain the same.
3. Social Security Number (SSN): Unlike the A-Number, which is specific to immigration files, the SSN is a broader identifier used primarily for social security benefits and other government services. The Social Security Administration issues it to both U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, and it is essential for employment in the United States.
4. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): This number is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax purposes. It includes several types of numbers, such as Social Security numbers (SSNs) and Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), the latter of which is issued to individuals who need a tax identification number but do not qualify for an SSN.

Also Read: Getting a Green Card for Top Talent: The EB-1 Visa Explained

Conclusion

The Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is an important part of an immigrant’s journey in the United States. It helps identify certain applicants to USCIS and is used to track their immigration status.. 

Knowing where to find your A-Number and how to use it can make your immigration process easier and faster.

If you need help with your immigration process, schedule a free consultation with us. Our team is ready to support you with clear advice and trusted legal help.

FAQs

1. Can I have more than one A-Number during my immigration journey?

No, the A-Number is meant to be a permanent and unique identifier for your immigration records. However, in rare cases, individuals who had multiple interactions with USCIS under different circumstances may have been issued more than one A-Number. If this happens, USCIS will typically consolidate the records under one number.

2. Do children receive an A-Number when applying with their parents?

Yes, children who are included in green cardapplicationsare typically assigned their own A-Number, even if they're minors.

3. Is the A-Number the same across all U.S. government agencies?

No, the A-Number is specific to immigration-related matters and is used by USCIS, ICE, and CBP. Other federal agencies, like the IRS or SSA, use different identifiers (e.g., SSN or TIN).

4. What should I do if my A-Number is printed incorrectly on a document?

You should immediately contact USCIS to correct the error. File Form I-90 if the error is on your Green Card, or follow the instructions on the USCIS website for correcting mistakes on other documents.

5. Does the A-Number expire?

No, the A-Number never expires. Even if your visa or Green Card becomes invalid or you adjust your immigration status, your A-Number stays the same throughout your life.

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