Have you ever wondered what an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is and why it’s important for immigrants to the United States? The U.S. government provides noncitizens with this special seven- to nine-digit number, which is used as a permanent identification for all immigration-related documents and petitions. Your A-Number facilitates proper form completion, communication with USCIS, and tracking of your immigration history for anything from work permits to green cards. A seamless immigration procedure depends on knowing where to look for one, who gets one, and how to utilize it correctly. Everything you need to know about your A-Number is covered in this tutorial.
What Is an Alien Registration Number?
An Alien Registration Number, or A-Number, is a seven- to nine-digit number given by the United States government to noncitizens. Each immigrant is assigned a unique number that they will always have. The U.S. government uses it to keep track of all the many immigration forms and petitions that an individual may submit over time.
Who Gets an Alien Registration Number?
The majority of immigrants will have an A-Number if they have interacted with the U.S. immigration system for a long time. Among these are:
- Holders of green cards, or lawful permanent residents
- Those requesting a status modification (Form I-485)
- Recipients of DACA
- Individuals facing deportation or removal
- Certain visa holders who want certain immigration privileges
An A-Number is normally not given to nonimmigrants, such as tourists or those on temporary visas.
Where to Find Your Alien Registration Number
You can find your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on several official U.S. immigration documents. Its location depends on the type of document you hold:
- Green Card (Permanent Resident Card): Found on the front of newer cards, labeled as USCIS Number, or on the back of older cards, shown as A#.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Listed under USCIS Number on the front of your work permit.
- Immigrant Visa: Shown in your passport as Registration Number on the top right of the visa stamp.
- USCIS Notice of Action (Form I-797): Printed near the top beside your name or USCIS Number.
If you have filed any immigration applications with USCIS, you likely already have an A-Number on one or more of these documents.
When Will I Receive My Alien Registration Number?
You will typically receive your A-Number:
- After filing an immigration application such as Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
- Once USCIS opens your file, you’ll see your A-Number printed on your receipt notice or approval notice.
- If you apply for asylum, refugee status, or a work permit (EAD), you’ll also get an A-Number.
- In some cases, you might already have an A-Number if you previously interacted with U.S. immigration authorities (for example, from a student visa or earlier visa petition).
H2- What Do I Use My Alien Registration Number For?
Your A-Number is used to:
- Track your immigration history and applications.
- Fill out USCIS forms, since many ask for it.
- Check your immigration case status.
- Identify your file when communicating with USCIS, ICE, or EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review).
- It is also used in background checks, visa adjustments, and naturalization proceedings.
Essentially, it’s your permanent ID number for all immigration-related matters.
H2- Alien Registration Number on Green Card
If you are a lawful permanent resident, your A-Number is printed directly on your Green Card (Form I-551).
- On newer Green Cards, look for it on the front side, labeled as “USCIS#”.
- On older Green Cards, it might appear on the back, often preceded by “A#”.
This same number stays with you permanently, even if your Green Card is renewed or replaced.
H2- Alien Registration Number for H-1B Visa Holders
Most H-1B visa holders do not receive an A-Number unless they file for a green card or certain other immigration benefits.
- When you are only under H-1B status, your case is tracked by your USCIS receipt number, not an A-Number.
- Once you file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) or Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), USCIS assigns you an A-Number.
So, you will not have an A-Number as a standard H-1B worker until you begin the green card process.
H2- Alien Registration Number for F-1 Students
Most F-1 students (international students) do not receive an A-Number simply by studying in the U.S.
However, you might get one if you:
- Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT using Form I-765, or
- File an Adjustment of Status or other immigration petition with USCIS.
If you only have an I-20 and F-1 visa but have never filed with USCIS, you likely do not yet have an A-Number.
H2- Is an A-Number the Same as a Social Security Number (SSN)?
No, your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is not the same as your Social Security Number (SSN). Both are used for identification purposes, but they serve very different roles in the U.S. immigration and employment systems.
An A-Number is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to identify non-citizens and immigrants. It is used to track your immigration records, applications, and case history. The A-Number is typically found on documents such as your green card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or other official USCIS notices.
A Social Security Number (SSN), on the other hand, is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is primarily used for employment, tax reporting, and to access federal benefits such as Social Security or Medicare. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and some nonimmigrants authorized to work are eligible to obtain an SSN.
H2- Is an A-Number the Same as My USCIS Case Number?
Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is your personal identification number that remains the same throughout your entire immigration process. It’s a unique ID assigned to you by USCIS and will not change, no matter how many applications you file in the future.
Your USCIS Case Number, sometimes called a receipt number, is different. This number is linked to a specific application or petition you submit. Each time you file a new form or case with USCIS, you’ll receive a new case number to track its progress online.
Example:
A-Number: A123456789
USCIS Case Number: SRC2412345678
Sometimes, you may notice the terms “USCIS number” or “USCIS#” used instead of “case number.” This can be confusing because these labels often refer to your Alien Registration Number rather than your application’s case number. Always check carefully which number is required before completing any forms or submitting your paperwork.
H2- Is an A-Number the Same as an EAD Number?
No, your A-Number is not the same as your EAD number. The A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is a unique identification number assigned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to track your immigration records across all applications. The EAD number, also called the card number, is specific to your Employment Authorization Document and is used to identify that particular work permit. While your A-Number remains the same throughout your immigration journey, your EAD number changes each time a new work permit card is issued.
Why the Alien Registration Number Is Important
Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is important because it helps:
- Identify you in all U.S. immigration records.
- Track your immigration history and applications.
- Verify your legal status as an immigrant or permanent resident.
- Simplify communication with USCIS and other immigration agencies.
Will My Alien Registration Number Expire?
No, your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) never expires. Once assigned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it becomes your permanent immigration identification number and remains linked to your record for life.
Your A-Number does not change even if:
- You renew or replace your Green Card or Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- You adjust your immigration status (for example, from F-1 to H-1B or to permanent residency)
- You later become a U.S. citizen
While your A-Number remains constant, any documents that display it, such as your Green Card or EAD, can expire. Those documents must be renewed as needed, but the A-Number printed on them stays the same.
What to Do If You Lost or Can’t Find Your Alien Registration Number
If you can’t locate your A-Number, don’t worry, there are several ways to recover it. USCIS keeps permanent records of your immigration information, so your number can be retrieved safely.
1. Check Your Immigration Documents
Your A-Number appears on many official immigration documents, including:
- Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) – labeled “USCIS#”
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – listed as “USCIS#”
- Immigrant Visa or Visa Stamp – shows “Registration Number”
- Notice of Action (Form I-797) – printed on most approval or receipt notices
- Asylum or Immigration Court documents – often include your A-Number
If you’ve previously filed with USCIS, you likely already have this number on one of these documents.
2. Check Your USCIS Online Account
If you’ve filed immigration applications through the USCIS online portal, your A-Number may appear in your profile information, case details, or uploaded documents section. Log in at my.uscis.gov to review your account.
3. Contact USCIS
If you are unable to find the number in any documents:
- Dial 1-800-375-5283 to reach the USCIS Contact Center.
- If necessary, you can seek a copy of your immigration record (A-File), which contains your A-Number, by submitting Form G-639 (Freedom of Information Act seek).
Although it could take a few weeks, this procedure ensures that you have your formal immigration record.
4. Ask Your Immigration Attorney or Accredited Representative
If you’ve worked with an immigration lawyer or accredited organization, they likely have your A-Number on file and can securely provide it to you.
5. Avoid Using Incorrect Numbers
Do not confuse your A-Number with:
- Your USCIS Case Number (receipt number)
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Your I-94 Admission Number
Using the wrong number on immigration forms can lead to delays or errors in your case processing.
Ready to Keep Your Immigration Journey Hassle-Free?
Your Alien Registration Number is your permanent link to the U.S. immigration system. It identifies you across all applications and ensures your immigration history remains consistent.
By knowing how to locate and protect it, you avoid processing errors and delays.
Need expert immigration guidance? Visit Immigration Vision to learn more about the Alien Registration Number and related immigration services.
