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.


By:
Chelsea Spinos
Reviewer:
Nicole Gunara
5 min read • April 17, 2025
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.
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
Step 1: Set Up a USCIS Online Account
Step 2. Complete the Online Registration Form (Form G-325R)
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)
Step 4. Get Your Proof of Registration
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.
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.
In this blog article: