Alien Registration and Documentation Requirements: What Every Non-Citizen Must Know
With the increasing focus on immigration enforcement, it is essential for all non-citizens and non-nationals present in the United States to comply with federal registration requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
As per recent directives issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in response to Executive Order: Protecting the American People Against Invasion (Jan. 20, 2025), adherence to these long-standing regulations is now an enforcement priority. Failure to comply with alien registration and documentation requirements may result in civil and criminal penalties, including misdemeanor charges and fines.
This article will break down the alien registration requirement, who it applies to, and the legal obligation to carry immigration registration documents at all times.
A critical group that often overlooks these requirements is Canadian visitors. Many assume that since they are visa-exempt, they are not subject to U.S. immigration regulations. However, this is incorrect—certain Canadian visitors are required to register and carry documentation, and failure to do so can result in penalties.
What is Alien Registration?
Alien registration is the process by which non-citizens in the U.S. provide identifying information to the federal government. This requirement stems from Section 262 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1302) and applies to the majority of non-citizens who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. This requirement is not new and has been in existence for many years. However, with the change in administration, enforcement of this rule is now a federal priority.
Key Requirements
All non-citizens aged 14 and older who were not fingerprinted or registered during their U.S. visa application must apply for registration and fingerprinting.
Parents and legal guardians of aliens less than 14 years of age who have not been registered and remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, prior to the expiration of those 30 days.
Children who turn 14 while in the U.S. must apply for re-registration within 30 days of their 14th birthday.
🔹 Canadian Visitors: Special Considerations
Canadian citizens entering through a land border often do not receive an I-94 or other formal registration documentation.
If staying for more than 30 days, they may be required to register under these new DHS directives.
Failure to register could result in penalties, fines, or legal complications if they later apply for a visa or legal status in the U.S.
🔹Note: Alien registration is not an immigration status. Registering does not grant work authorization or any other immigration benefits.
Individuals who have already registered include:
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
Nonimmigrants with a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
Aliens paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5).
Individuals who have applied for lawful permanent residency using Forms I-485, I-687, I-698, or similar applications.
Individuals who have not registered include:
Those present in the U.S. without inspection and admission or parole.
Canadian visitors who entered at land ports of entry without receiving registration documentation.
DACA and TPS recipients who were never issued an official registration document.
Requirement to Carry Registration Documentation
Section 264(e) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1304(e)) mandates that all non-citizens aged 18 and older must carry evidence of registration at all times. Failure to do so may result in criminal penalties, including:
A misdemeanor charge.
A fine of up to $100.
Imprisonment of up to 30 days.
🔹 Canadian visitors take note: If you did not receive an I-94 or other registration document upon entry and you remain in the U.S. beyond 30 days, you should verify your compliance with these rules.
Acceptable Documents as Proof of Registration
DHS regulations at 8 CFR 264.1(b) list has identified the following documents as acceptable proof of registration:
Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766).
Form I-551 (Green Card).
Border Crossing Cards (I-185, I-186).
U.S. visa stamps in a foreign passport.
Notice to Appear or Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge.
Those admitted under the automated I-94 system can print their I-94 from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website to comply with this requirement.
🔹 Canadian travelers without an I-94 should carry proof of lawful entry, such as a passport stamp or Nexus card.
Do I really need to carry a registration document with me at all times?
YES, in order to comply with the U.S. immigration laws, all non-citizens are required to carry proof of their registration with them at ALL TIMES.
As a practical matter, it is also a good idea to carry relevant status documents, such as for example Form I-20, DS-2019, Form I-797, a valid EAD card if autorized for employment, etc.
What Happens if You Lose Your Registration Document?
If your I-94, green card, or EAD is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement immediately:
For I-94 replacements, visit CBP’s I-94 portal.
For green card replacements, file Form I-90.
For EAD replacements, file Form I-765.
A pending replacement application serves as temporary evidence of registration.
How to Register if You Haven’t Already
DHS is launching a new form and process to enable unregistered non-citizens to comply with INA 262.
Steps to Register:
Create a USCIS online account (Starting Feb. 25, 2025).
Submit the new registration form through USCIS once available. Follow their page as instructions will be released in the next few days.
Parents and guardians must submit registration applications for children under 14.
DHS has stated that no non-citizen will have an excuse for failing to comply once this process is in place.
Address Change Notification Requirement
In addition to carrying registration documentation, all non-citizens residing in the U.S. must report any address change within 10 days.
This requirement applies to both lawful immigrants and nonimmigrants.
To comply, file Form AR-11 online through USCIS’s self-service tool.
Failure to report an address change may result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and even removal from the U.S..
Increased Immigration Enforcement and Compliance
The Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order has made compliance with alien registration a civil and criminal enforcement priority. With DHS intensifying its enforcement efforts, failure to comply with registration and documentation requirements can have severe consequences.
Non-citizens in the U.S. should take proactive steps to ensure they are registered, carrying proper documentation, and reporting any address changes in a timely manner. Staying compliant reduces the risk of penalties and ensures smooth navigation of U.S. immigration laws.
For additional information, stay updated with USCIS announcements.