Alien Registration Number

An alien registration number, often referred to as an A-number, is a unique identifier assigned to certain non-citizens by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This number plays a significant role in your long-term interactions with the immigration system, and even naturalized citizens retain their A-numbers. Understanding your A-number and knowing what documents it is on will help you throughout your immigration process and stay in the U.S. An experienced immigration lawyer in Chicago can provide invaluable guidance on your alien registration number and the green card application process.

What Is an Alien Registration Number?

An alien registration number (A-Number) is the identification number given to you by USCIS. It is a seven to nine-digit number that acts as your identification. An alien registration number is used to track your immigration records. Your alien registration number is unique to you and one you will keep for life. You will use your A-number when filling out all immigration forms throughout your lifetime. 

Alien Number Types

Most A-Numbers are nine digits, but some may be seven or eight digits. If your A-Number is less than nine digits, place the correct number of zeros at the front of the number to make it nine.

Example: 1234567 would become 001234567.

Where Do I Find My Alien Registration Number?

A-Numbers are typically on all of your immigration documents, including your:

• Initial notice that USCIS received your application 
• Approval notices
• Immigrant visa card (You can find your A-Number under “Registration Number” on the top right of the visa stamp.)
• Permanent resident green card (You can find your A-number on the front and back of your green card under “USCIS#.”)
• Almost all immigration documents

What Does the Government Use My Alien Registration Number For?

Your A-Number functions similarly to a U.S. citizen and permanent resident’s social security number. It’s the number assigned specifically to you as a form of identification. Your alien registration number is also used by the government in many other ways, including but not limited to:

• Identifying the number of resident immigrants in the United States
• Accessing your immigration records and other legal history
• Tracking your immigration history
• Connecting immigration agencies with your information, even in the case of a name change
• Security and background checks

At its most basic function, your A-Number is used as your main form of identification.

Am I Eligible for an A-Number?

Everyone who applies for a green card is eligible for an alien registration number. A-Numbers are necessary for all people who intend to or live permanently in the United States. Your eligibility is not determined by the type of green card you have (family, refugee, employment, etc.). If you are coming to the United States permanently, you will receive an A-Number.

Visa categories that are assigned an A-Number:

• Diversity Visa Lottery winners (when processed for permanent residence)
• Refugees and Asylees (and derivative family members)
• Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders
• Certain employment or family-based visa holders, after they apply for adjustment of status (green card)
• Fiancé(e) visa holders (K-1/K-2) — once they apply for a green card
• Visa holders placed in removal (deportation) proceedings, even if they originally had a temporary visa.
• DACA recipients
• An F-1 student who applies for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT

Who Is Not Eligible for an Alien Number?

Temporary non-immigrant visa recipients are not given A-Numbers. Short-term stays in the United States do not need documents with an A-Number.

Difference Between Alien Registration Number and Your USCIS Number

Your alien registration number is different from your USCIS case number. However, the case and USCIS numbers on your green card differ.

The USCIS number on your green card is your alien number, whereas your USCIS case number for your applications is different.

Your USCIS case number is assigned to your application, which differs from your identification number.

To further break the difference down, each application you file through USCIS will have a USCIS case number. Your identification number is your A-Number (possibly marked USCIS # on your green card, depending on your visa). Your alien number will stay constant between applications; each application number will be different.

You can tell the difference between your alien registration number and your USCIS case number by the number of digits.

• Your A-Number has seven, eight, or nine digits.
• Your USCIS case number has three letters followed by 10 numbers, totaling 13 characters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alien Registration Number:

Contact an Immigration Attorney

If you have any questions about your alien registration number or the immigration process in general, please reach out to the experienced Chicago immigration attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. With over 30 years of practice, we have in-depth knowledge and experience in all topics of immigration law. We can help you understand when and where your alien registration number may be required.

Call us anytime at 312.444.1940 or complete an online contact form today. We look forward to hearing from you!