U.S. Immigration - Alien Registration Rule: Who It Applies to and How to Register

Learn everything you need to know about Form I-140, including eligibility requirements, filing process, fees, common mistakes, and how to avoid delays.

Chelsea Spinos, Writer
Immigration lawyer Nicole Gunara headshot

By:

Chelsea Spinos

Chelsea Spinos is a contributing writer for Manifest Law. She covers all topics related to U.S. visas and green cards. She is passionate about helping people navigate their immigration journey with clarity and confidence.

Reviewer:

Nicole Gunara

Nicole Gunara is a Principal Immigration Lawyer at Manifest Law, PLLC. Nicole is a creative, solutions-oriented attorney with >7 years of experience and over 2,000 successful prior cases.

5 min read • April 17, 2025

U.S. Immigration - Alien Registration Rule: Who It Applies to and How to Register
U.S. Immigration - Alien Registration Rule: Who It Applies to and How to Register
U.S. Immigration - Alien Registration Rule: Who It Applies to and How to Register

Key takeaways

Form I-140 is a form used by U.S. employers to sponsor a foreign worker or individuals who qualify to self petition themselves for a Green Card.

Most applicants require a U.S. employer to file on their behalf, but self-petitioning is allowed in specific categories like EB-1A (extraordinary ability) and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver).

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be added to the Form I-140 to also receive Green Cards when the principal applicant’s petition is approved.

For an extra fee, USCIS will process the Form I-140 within 15 business days, helpful for urgent job offers or time-sensitive cases.

A new U.S. immigration requirement is now being actively implemented. Commonly referred to as the Immigrant Registration Rule, it mandates that most non-citizens must register with the U.S. government within 30 days of entering the country, and report any address change within 10 days.


This rule officially came into effect on April 11, 2025, following a federal court decision on April 10 that upheld the government’s authority to enforce the requirement. If you're an immigrant or planning to move to the United States, this rule could apply to you.


In this blog post, we explain what the Immigration Registration Rule is, who it applies to, and how to register.

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H1B visa on american flag
H1B visa on american flag

What Is The Alien Registration Rule and How to Complete It

What Is The Alien Registration Rule and How to Complete It

Alien registration simply means notifying the government about your presence in the U.S. ensuring that the government is aware of your stay in the U.S.  It’s an important process for everyone who’s in the U.S. on a non-citizen basis—whether you’re here on a visa, working, or applying for a green card. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:


Who needs to register and when? If you’re a non-citizen in the U.S., this applies to you. That includes people on temporary visas, asylum seekers, and individuals applying for a green card.

  • All foreign nationals 14 years of age or older who were not previously registered and fingerprinted when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer. Such individuals must apply before the expiration of those 30 days. 

  • Parents and legal guardians of aliens less than 14 years of age who have not been registered and remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, prior to the expiration of those 30 days.

  • Any alien, even if previously registered, who turns 14 years old in the United States, within 30 days after their 14th birthday.

  • Aliens who are present in the United States without inspection and admission or inspection and parole.

  • Canadian visitors who entered the United States at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration. 

  • Aliens who submitted one or more benefit requests to USCIS not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), including applications for DACA or TPS, who were not issued evidence of registration.  .


Who is already registered? Foreign nationals who have already registered include:

  • Greencard Holders / Lawful Permanent Residents

  • Foreign nationals paroled into the United States under 212(d)(5), even if the parole has expired

  • Aliens admitted to the United States as nonimmigration who were issued a Form I-94 or I-94W

  • Aliens present in the United States who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas prior to arrival

  • Aliens whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings 

  • Aliens issued EAD cards

  • Aliens who applied for permanent residency using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, even if the applications were denied 

  • Aliens issued Border Crossing Cards

H1B visa on american flag
H1B visa on american flag
H1B visa on american flag

What happens if you don’t register?

What happens if you don’t register?

Not following the rule could lead to problems with your immigration status. These might include:


  • Delays in getting a green card or visa approved

  • Trouble renewing your status or applying for benefits

  • Missing important mail from USCIS

  • In some cases, removal (deportation) proceedings


The government hasn’t said exactly how strictly or quickly enforcement will happen, but it’s clear they’re treating this rule seriously.

Not following the rule could lead to problems with your immigration status. These might include:


  • Delays in getting a green card or visa approved

  • Trouble renewing your status or applying for benefits

  • Missing important mail from USCIS

  • In some cases, removal (deportation) proceedings


The government hasn’t said exactly how strictly or quickly enforcement will happen, but it’s clear they’re treating this rule seriously.

H1B visa on american flag
H1B visa on american flag
H1B visa on american flag

How to Register: Step-By-Step

How to Register: Step-By-Step

Step 1: Set Up a USCIS Online Account

Start by visiting my.uscis.gov and creating a personal account.


  • Each person must have their own individual account — including children.

  • For minors under 14, a parent or legal guardian should create and manage the account on their behalf.

Start by visiting my.uscis.gov and creating a personal account.


  • Each person must have their own individual account — including children.

  • For minors under 14, a parent or legal guardian should create and manage the account on their behalf.

Step 2. Complete the Online Registration Form (Form G-325R)

Once you’re logged in, you’ll be prompted to fill out Form G-325R, a biographic information form required for registration.


You’ll be asked to provide:


  • Your full legal name, date of birth, and country of birth

  • Your current U.S. address and any past addresses from the last 5 years

  • Details about your entry into the U.S. (when, where, how)

  • Information about your immigration status and travel history

  • Names of family members (like parents, spouse, children)

  • Your work and education background

  • Any criminal history, including past arrests or charges (if applicable)

Once you’re logged in, you’ll be prompted to fill out Form G-325R, a biographic information form required for registration.


You’ll be asked to provide:


  • Your full legal name, date of birth, and country of birth

  • Your current U.S. address and any past addresses from the last 5 years

  • Details about your entry into the U.S. (when, where, how)

  • Information about your immigration status and travel history

  • Names of family members (like parents, spouse, children)

  • Your work and education background

  • Any criminal history, including past arrests or charges (if applicable)

Immigration: This form is only available online — you cannot print or mail it, and there’s no in-person filing option.

Step 3. Attend Biometrics Appointment (if needed)

After you submit your form, USCIS may schedule you for a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). At this appointment, USCIS will take your photo, fingerprints, and signature. 


Not everyone will need to attend a biometrics appointment — but if you’re scheduled, it’s mandatory to go. Missing it could delay your registration or impact your status.

After you submit your form, USCIS may schedule you for a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). At this appointment, USCIS will take your photo, fingerprints, and signature. 


Not everyone will need to attend a biometrics appointment — but if you’re scheduled, it’s mandatory to go. Missing it could delay your registration or impact your status.

Step 4. Get Your Proof of Registration

Once everything is complete — and you’ve submitted biometrics if required — USCIS will upload a confirmation to your online account. From here, you’ll be able to download a digital proof of registration document.

Once everything is complete — and you’ve submitted biometrics if required — USCIS will upload a confirmation to your online account. From here, you’ll be able to download a digital proof of registration document.

Immigration: If you’re 18 or older, you are expected to carry your proof of registration with you, as required by U.S. immigration law.

Question mark in thought bubble
Question mark in thought bubble
Question mark in thought bubble

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Does this rule apply to children too?

Yes — in most cases, it does. If a child is a non-U.S. citizen and is staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days, they must be registered just like adults. This includes children on dependent visas (like H-4 or F-2) or those waiting on immigration paperwork.


  • Children under age 14 can’t register on their own — their parent or legal guardian must create their USCIS account.

  • If your child has a green card, visa, or travel record (Form I-94), they may already be registered, but you’ll still need to file an address update (Form AR-11) if you move.

I already applied for a green card. Do I still need to register?

If you’ve applied for a green card, visa, work permit (EAD), or have a Form I-94, there’s a good chance you were registered automatically. However, the registration rule also requires that you keep your address current — and you must still file Form AR-11 if you move.

Do tourists or short-term visitors need to register?

If you’re in the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 visa and your stay is less than 30 days, you don’t need to register. But if you extend your visit or end up staying past that time, you must complete the registration process.

What happens if I miss the registration deadline?

If you miss the 30-day window (or the 10-day address change deadline), you should register as soon as possible. While there’s no public grace period announced at this time.

Is there a fee to register?

There is no cost to complete the registration process or to file Form AR-11 to update the government on a change of address.

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

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Discuss the visa options of interest to you

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General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

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Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

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Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Picture of Avi Goldenberg, principal attorney at Manifest Law

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Check mark in a circle icon

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

Check mark in a circle icon

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Check mark in a circle icon

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Check mark in a circle icon

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Picture of Avi Goldenberg, principal attorney at Manifest Law

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

Take the First Step:

Request an evaluation

Check mark in a circle icon

Discuss the visa options of interest to you

Check mark in a circle icon

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Check mark in a circle icon

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Check mark in a circle icon

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Picture of Avi Goldenberg, principal attorney at Manifest Law

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law, PLLC

Attorney Advertising. This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC and Manifest Law, PLLC. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other.  Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. Manifest Legal is an Arizona ABS company. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct

2025 Manifest Copyright. All Rights Reserved.

Attorney Advertising. This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC and Manifest Law, PLLC. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other.  Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. Manifest Legal is an Arizona ABS company. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct

2025 Manifest Copyright. All Rights Reserved.

Attorney Advertising. This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC and Manifest Law, PLLC. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other.  Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. Manifest Legal is an Arizona ABS company. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct

2025 Manifest Copyright. All Rights Reserved.