IMPORTANT UPDATE: New USCIS guidance will require young nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to “re-register” with USCIS
New USCIS guidance will require young nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to “re-register” with USCIS within 30 days of their birthday, even if previously registered when entering the country. This may affect, for example, F-2, H-4 dependents and young F-1/J-1 students who entered before age 14. Most nonimmigrants who entered the U.S. at age 14+ are already automatically registered (as evidenced by their Form I-94) and DON’T need to re-register. This is effective April 11, 2025.
Most nonimmigrants and immigrants are already registered. Most nonimmigrants (for example, F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1, etc. as well as their dependents) who were aged 14 or over when they entered the United States were already registered with the U.S. government when they first arrive. When you receive a visa, are inspected at a U.S. port of entry, and receive a Form I-94 (either on paper or electronically), this automatically counts as your registration, and you will not have to re-register under this new DHS program.
How to complete the re-registration. For procedures, see the USCIS Alien Registration Requirement page for instructions on filing Form G-235R. Form G-325R must be filed online through a USCIS online account. It cannot be filed by mail or in person. See below instructions.
Why this matters. Failing to register could result in penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. This requirement comes from longstanding laws that are now being enforced through a new process
Must all individuals carry their “registration document?” – Yes! It has always been the case that all “aliens” (the legal term for individuals who are not U.S. citizens) must carry on their person their proof of being registered. Acceptable documents to carry include a print-out of your Form I-94, an EAD card issued to you for employment authorization, or your green card (for lawful permanent residents). All of those documents count as adequate proof of registration. Failure to carry your registration document is a separate offense from not being registered, but is equally important.
How to Register:
Step 1: Create a USCIS Online Account
To register, you must first create a USCIS online account. See How to Create a USCIS Online Account page for more information.
Each alien submitting Form G-325R must have their own individual USCIS online account. This includes aliens under the age of 14. If you are the parent or legal guardian of an alien under the age of 14 who needs to register, you will need to set up an individual USCIS online account on your child’s behalf and in their name.
Step 2: Submit Form G-325R
Once you create your or your child’s (if you are the parent or legal guardian of an alien under 14 years of age) USCIS online account, fill out an electronic version of the Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration). Form G-325R must be filed online through a USCIS online account. It cannot be filed by mail or in person.
Each alien who needs to register must submit Form G-325R from the alien’s individual USCIS online account. Form G-325R can only be submitted by the named owner of the USCIS online account. If you are the parent or legal guardian of an alien under the age of 14 who needs to register, you will need to submit Form G-325R on the alien’s behalf through their individual USCIS online account.
As you fill out Form G-325R, please carefully consider whether you have already registered. For example, if you have an Arrival-Departure Record number to provide in response to the question “What is your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number,” then DHS already issued you evidence of registration. Anyone issued Form I-94 or I-94W upon their admission or parole to the United States is already registered. Only aliens who were previously registered but were not previously fingerprinted and who attained their 14th birthday in the United States should submit Form G-325R within 30 days of attaining their 14th birthday.
Step 3: USCIS review of Form G-325R
Once you have submitted Form G-325R, USCIS will review the information you provided and any DHS records that are available about you. If it appears that you have already complied with the registration requirements in some other way and do not need to submit Form G-325R, USCIS will notify you that you have already complied with the registration requirement. If you have already registered as required under INA 262, USCIS will not schedule you for a biometric services appointment or provide you with evidence of registration. If it appears that you are required to register, USCIS will review your Form G-325R to determine if you are required to appear for a biometric services appointment. If you are not required to appear for a biometric services appointment (for example, Canadian visitors and aliens under 14 years of age), USCIS will provide you with evidence of registration (see Step 5 below).
Step 4: Attend appointment for biometrics collection
If you are required to register and provide biometrics, USCIS will schedule you for a biometric services appointment at one of our Application Support Centers (ASCs). Registrants are not required to pay a biometric services fee under the Interim Final Rule.
See our Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment for more information about what to expect.
A willful failure or refusal to attend your biometric services appointment (if required) may result in a determination that you have failed to register under INA 266(a), 8 U.S.C. 1306(a), and may result in criminal penalties.
Step 5: Receive registration documentation
Once you have registered and provided your biometrics (if required), we will post a notice (USCIS Proof of G-325R Registration) that provides proof of your registration to your USCIS online account. In your USCIS online account, you will be allowed to download a PDF version of the notice and can print it.
If you have any questions, please contact us or call us at 301-315-0001