The Alien Registration Number, commonly known as an A-Number, is a unique identifier assigned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It consists of 7 to 9 digits and is given to immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States, as well as to some students entering the country on specific visas.

As an immigrant applying for further immigration benefits, your A-Number is crucial. It is essential for completing necessary paperwork and monitoring the status of your application. This guide delves into the function of A-Numbers and provides detailed instructions on how to locate yours when needed. Ensuring you have this essential information at your fingertips can lead to a smoother immigration process.

Understanding the significance of your A-Number can also aid in facilitating interactions with various immigration services and streamlining the application tracking system.

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what is commonly referred to as an Alien Registration Number?

For most immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns them a unique identification number known as an Alien Registration Number, also referred to as an A-Number, Alien Number, or USCIS Number. This alphanumeric identifier typically consists of seven or nine digits.

The A-Number plays a critical role as it allows USCIS to maintain accurate records of an individual’s immigration history, stored in what is commonly known as an alien file or “a-file.” Immigrants are required to provide their A-Number on the majority of their immigration-related documents submitted to USCIS.

Understanding the significance of your A-Number is essential throughout the immigration process. Fortunately, locating your A-Number is relatively straightforward as it is prominently displayed on various documents such as your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and Immigrant Visa.

This guide aims to simplify the process of identifying your A-Number, empowering you to effectively manage your immigration applications and monitor their progress.

Finding Your A-Number on the Employment Authorization Document

Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly referred to as a work permit or authorization, contains your Alien Registration Number. This nine-digit identifier can be found directly below the “USCIS#” on the document.

Finding A-Number on Your Permanent Resident Green Card

If your Green Card was issued by USCIS after May 10, 2010, your Alien Registration Number matches the nine-digit USCIS# on the card. For individuals with a Green Card issued by USCIS between 2004 and May 10, 2010, your A-Number is located below your name on the card.

Finding A-Number on Your Immigrant Visa Stamp

If you do not possess other identification cards from USCIS, your Alien Registration Number can be found on the Immigrant Visa Stamp in your passport. This nine-digit Number is situated beneath the Registration Number.

Finding A-Number on the USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout

This informational material, issued by USCIS, instructs you on completing the USCIS immigrant fee payment process. If your Green Card application was processed via a consulate, this document would have been furnished to you during your interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Your Alien Registration Number can be found in the upper right corner of this fee handout.

Finding Your A-Number on the Notice of Action

The Notice of Action (Form I-797C) issued by USCIS usually contains your Alien Registration Number. If included, this identifier is located below the “USCIS#” designation on the notice.

Is a USCIS Case Number equivalent to an A-Number?

Absolutely not. While the Alien Registration Number serves as a means for USCIS to identify and monitor individuals across its systems and the different applications they may submit, a USCIS Case Number is assigned to a particular application and is exclusive to that specific case.

It is essential to differentiate between these two types of numbers. Your Alien Registration Number is a nine-digit identifier, whereas a USCIS Case Number consists of 13 characters, beginning with three letters (frequently “EAD” or “MSC”) followed by a sequence of 10 numbers.

Is a Social Security Number Identical to an A-Number?

No, that’s incorrect. A Social Security Number is issued by the government to immigrant workers in the United States upon request, enabling eligibility for work and access to services. Conversely, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allocates an Alien Registration Number to individuals pursuing permanent residency in the U.S. It’s typical for immigrant workers to hold both a Social Security Number and an Alien Registration Number, each fulfilling separate roles in their integration and legal proceedings in the United States.

Does an EAD Number Equate to an A-Number?

Yes,The Employment Authorization (EA) number, situated beneath the “USCIS#” designation, matches your Alien Registration Number and consists of nine digits.

Distinguishing Between USCIS Online Account Number and A-Number

They are different. The Alien Registration Number is an exclusive nine-digit identifier employed by USCIS to manage and monitor immigrants’ applications for permanent residency in the U.S. Conversely, the USCIS Online Account Number is assigned to individuals who choose to establish an online account with USCIS, offering an alternative means to track their application’s status.

Steps to Take When Your A-Number Is Missing

If your Alien Registration Number is not included in the previously mentioned documents, there’s no need for alarm. You have the option to obtain your number directly from USCIS through a straightforward method. This involves submitting a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request to USCIS. This process is free of charge, and detailed guidance is available on the USCIS website.