Beginning April 11, 2025, USCIS Alien Registration 2025 rules will take effect, requiring certain noncitizens to register formally register — even if they are not applying for a visa or green card.
The registration process will use Form G-325R(see official USCIS form) and, in many cases, require biometric data collection.
and, in many cases, will require biometric data collection (fingerprints and photos).
Although the requirement has existed since the Alien Registration Act of 1940 and is outlined in sections 261–266 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), enforcement has been inconsistent. Under the new rule published on March 12, 2025, anyone staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days, who has not previously registered or provided biometrics, must now register.
Why Is USCIS Enforcing Alien Registration Now?
According to USCIS, the purpose of this measure is to ensure that all noncitizens are properly registered in a unified system, whether or not they have applied for an immigration benefit.
The agency stresses that registration is mandatory and that violations may lead to penalties, criminal charges, and immigration consequences.
Who Is Exempt from Alien Registration?
You likely do not need to register again if you have already provided biometrics in a previous immigration process, such as:
- Applying for a U.S. visa abroad
- Entering with ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
- Applying for a green card (Form I-485)
- Receiving an Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766)
Other exemptions include:
- Noncitizens staying in the U.S. for less than 30 days
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Noncitizens admitted with parole (even if expired)
- Travelers who received a Form I-94 or I-94W
- Individuals in removal proceedings (Form I-862 or I-863)
- Holders of a Mexican Border Crossing Card (Form I-186)
📌 Legal basis: 8 CFR § 264.1(b)
Who Must Register with USCIS in 2025?
These obligations are part of the broader USCIS Alien Registration 2025 program, which applies to noncitizens who have not previously registered. Registration with Form G-325R (and biometrics, if required) is mandatory if:
- You are a noncitizen staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days and have never provided biometrics before
- You entered the U.S. without inspection (not processed by CBP at entry)
- You are a Canadian who entered by land without an I-94
- You turn 14 years old while in the U.S. (must register within 30 days of birthday)
- You are under 14 and have never been registered
- You applied for immigration benefits (like DACA or TPS) but never received an EAD or valid registration proof
- You received a green card before age 14 and have not updated it after turning 14 (via Form I-90)
What Does “Entry with Inspection” Mean?
Entry with inspection means that you were processed by a CBP officer at the border, airport, or port of entry.
✅ Examples of entry with inspection:
- Entering with a visa at an airport or land border, with documents checked by CBP
- Entering with ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) and receiving an admission stamp or I-94 record
- Entering with parole granted at the border
❌ Examples of entry without inspection:
- Crossing the border between official ports of entry
- Entering the U.S. without presenting documents to CBP
Do ESTA Travelers Need to Register?
No. Travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) are exempt from registration, as long as their stay is under 90 days.
Do Children Need to Register?
- Children under 14 years old are generally exempt, unless they entered without inspection.
- Noncitizens who turn 14 while in the U.S. must register within 30 days of their birthday.
How to Register with USCIS
Step 1 – Create a USCIS Online Account
Go to my.uscis.gov and create your account.
Step 2 – File Form G-325R
Provide the following:
- Biographic information
- Address and activity history for the past 5 years
- Planned departure date from the U.S.
- Criminal history (if any)
- Family information
- Supporting documents
Step 3 – Attend Biometric Appointment (if required)
Some noncitizens must attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS center. Exceptions:
- Canadian citizens
- Children under 14
Step 4 – Carry Proof of Registration
Once approved, download your proof of registration. Adults over 18 are required by law to carry proof of registration at all times.
What Counts as Proof of Registration?
You are considered registered if you have one of the following:
- Official USCIS Certificate of Registration (after filing Form G-325R)
- Form I-94 (paper or electronic)
- Green card (Form I-551)
- EAD (Form I-766)
- Form I-862 or I-863 (removal proceedings)
- Valid DHS stamp in your passport
- Mexican Border Crossing Card (Form I-186)
Penalties for Failing to Register
- Failure to register: fine up to $5,000 and up to 6 months in jail
- Failure to carry proof (18+): fine up to $5,000 and up to 30 days in jail
- Failure to update address within 10 days: fines, possible jail, and deportation risk
What Should You Do Now?
- Already have a green card, I-94, or EAD? ✅ No need to register again — see our Green Card Guide for details.
- Planning to stay longer than 30 days without proof of registration? 📌 File Form G-325R.
- Has your child turned 14 in the U.S.? 📌 Register within 30 days of their birthday.
- Moving to a new address? 📌 File Form AR-11 or update online within 10 days.
How Ricci Law Can Help
At Ricci Law, we provide support to noncitizens navigating this new USCIS requirement:
- Determining if the new alien registration rules apply to you
- Completing Form G-325R correctly
- Guidance with biometric scheduling
- Preventing penalties for noncompliance
If you are unsure whether the new USCIS Alien Registration 2025 requirements apply to you, Ricci Law can guide you through compliance and avoid penalties.
📞 Contact us today for personalized legal assistance.
