Registration Requirements for Non-Citizens
We wanted to make sure to remind you of your responsibilities as a non-citizen. This advice is to protect you and ensure your ability to continue in your academic pursuits in the U.S.
Re-Registration of Nonimmigrants Reaching Age 14
New USCIS guidance released on February 25, 2025 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 F-2 dependents who entered before age 14. Most nonimmigrants who entered the U.S. at age 14+ are already automatically registered upon entry (as evidenced by their Form I-94) and DON’T need to re-register. You can learn more about the new registration process at this USCIS link.
Who is already registered?
Certain non-citizens are already considered registered, including:
- Lawful permanent residents (i.e., green card holders)
- Visa holders who registered while applying for their visa
- Non-citizens admitted into the U.S. as nonimmigrants and who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired
- Current or past applicants for lawful permanent residence who were fingerprinted (regardless of the outcome of the application)
- Individuals who were granted parole (including advance parole, even if expired)
- Individuals in immigration court proceedings
- Individuals granted employment authorization on any basis (including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients,9 even if expired)
- Refugees
- Individuals applying for voluntary departure
General Reminders
Requirement to Carry Immigration Registration Document: As an non-citizen, you are required to carry proof of your “registration document.”
The Following documents are considered evidence of registration:
- I-94, Arrival-Departure Record
- I-95, Crewmen’s Landing Permit
- I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card
- I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card
- I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card
- I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing
- I-221S, Order to Show Cause, Notice of Hearing, and Warrant for Arrest of Alien.
- I-551, Permanent Resident Card
- I-766, Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”)
- Form I-862, Notice to Appear
- Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge
- A valid and unexpired DHS stamp – must include information such as date of entry, visa category/class of admission, and duration of stay
- Proof of Registration issued by USCIS following submission of G-325R online and completion of biometrics (if required)11
The Form I-20 is the primary document to show that you have been admitted to school in the United States and that you are authorized to apply for admission to the United States in F-1 class of admission. You must have your Form I-20 with you at all times. ISS recommends that you carry a paper printout of your I-20 that you have signed in ink at all times.
Report Change of Address: F-1 or J-1 visa holders are required to report any change of address within 10 days of the address change. F-1 or J-1 visa holders can do this by submitting a Contact Information Update in ISSDeacs. Additionally, current students should also update any address changes in Workday.
Employees on other visa types such as H-1B, TN, O-1 or other, must update their address with USCIS within 10 days of moving. Information on how to update on USCIS : How to Change Your Address.