Enterline & Partners Consulting | info@enterlinepartners.com

Search
Close this search box.

What Is An Alien Registration Number And What Is It For?

The U.S. Alien Registration Number, commonly abbreviated as an A-Number, is a unique identifier assigned to non-citizens by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). This A-Number begins with the letter “A” followed by 8 or 9 numbers (such as A012345678).  It is used to track individuals throughout their interactions with U.S. immigration authorities.

Who Has a U.S. Alien Registration Number?

Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen but resides in the United States may be assigned an Alien Registration Number. This includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders), individuals on temporary visas, refugees, and asylum seekers. Even individuals who are in the U.S. without legal authorization may have an A-Number if they have had interactions with immigration authorities or if they are in proceedings to determine their immigration status.

What is the U.S. Alien Registration Number it used for?

  1. Identification: The primary purpose of the U.S. Alien Registration Number is to uniquely identify non-citizens in various interactions with U.S. government agencies, particularly those related to immigration and residency.
  2. Immigration Proceedings: A-Numbers are used extensively in immigration proceedings, including applications for green cards, asylum, and citizenship. They help immigration officials track individuals’ histories, applications, and statuses within the complex immigration system.
  3. Employment Authorization: Non-citizens who are authorized to work in the United States typically need to provide their Alien Registration Numbers to their employers for verification purposes, although the A-Number is not, on its own, evidence of work authorization.
  4. Taxation: A-Numbers may also be used for tax purposes, particularly for non-citizens who are required to file U.S. tax returns. This helps the Internal Revenue Service track tax liabilities and contributions.
  5. Law Enforcement: In some cases, law enforcement agencies may use A-Numbers to identify and track individuals who are involved in legal proceedings or criminal activities.

How to Find Your U.S. Alien Registration Number

If you are unsure whether you have a U.S. Alien Registration Number or need to locate it, there are several ways to do so:

  • Immigration Documents: Your Alien Registration Number may be listed on various immigration documents, such as your green card, employment authorization card (EAD), or notices from USCIS.
  • Correspondence from USCIS: Any official correspondence you have received from USCIS regarding your immigration status or applications will likely include your Alien Registration Number.
  • Contact USCIS: If you still can’t find your A-Number, you can contact USCIS directly for assistance. Be prepared to provide personal information to verify your identity.

The U.S. Alien Registration Number plays a vital role in the immigration process for non-citizens residing in the United States. From identification to immigration proceedings and beyond, this unique identifier is essential for navigating the complex legal and administrative landscape of U.S. immigration law. Understanding its significance can help individuals better manage their immigration statuses and interactions with government agencies.

If you have questions about U.S. visas or immigration matters, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office

146C7 Nguyen Van Huong St, Thao Dien Ward,
District 2, Thu Duc City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel: +84 933 301 488
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com
Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ
YouTube: @EnterlineAndPartnersConsulting
Website: http://enterlinepartners.com

Manila, Philippines Office

LKG Tower 37th Floor
6801 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, Philippines 1226

Tel: +63 917 543 7926
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com
Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines
Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/welcome/

Copyright 2024. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.

CATEGORY
time
recent posts
CTA_Collection

Over 18,000 successful customers with Enterline &
Partners, realizing the dream of immigration

Latest News

National Visa Center/American Institute In Taiwan No Longer Accepting Taiwan Birth Certificates

Sometime in 2024, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) quietly updated its requirements for birth certificates in the DOS Reciprocity Schedule for Taiwan.  Birth Certificates seem no longer required or accepted for Taiwan nationals. The only acceptable document for proof of birth is now an Individual Household Registration Transcript. The Individual Household Registration Transcript is part of Taiwan’s greater Household Registration System to which all Taiwan nationals must have registered with the Taiwan government.  The Transcript provides a record of a household’s members and their relationship to each other, including details like birth, marriage, and death. Moreover, DOS National Visa Center is not accepting bilingual Chinese and English versions which are now widely available. The National Visa Center is requiring an original Chinese version and an original English version issued by the Household Registration Office, although we have been successful submitting a translation of the original Chinese version.  

Read more >

David Enterline And Ryan Barshop Speak At AILA APAC Seoul Conference

Enterline and Partners attorneys David Enterline and Ryan Barshop recently spoke at the 2025 American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”), Asia Pacific Chapter (“APAC”) Annual Conference in Seoul, South Korea. David Enterline was the discussion leader of the EB-5 Panel titled “EB-5 State of Play Under the New Administration”.  Along with important challenges like I-485 processing delays, USCIS receipt number issues, visa rollover concerns, and ongoing litigation—including IIUSA’s challenge to USCIS’s sustainment policy and the Battineni v. Mayorkas ruling regarding EB-5 fund sourcing requirements—the topics covered included the encouraging rise in I-526/I-526E and I-829 petition approvals. Updates on tax planning, concurrent filing tactics and other topics were also discussed. On the panel “Live from the Trenches with Consular Post Experts in our APAC Region”, Ryan Barshop was one of the featured speakers. The event’s topics included advice on how to handle visa procedures at U.S. Embassies and Consulates throughout Asia. During

Read more >

DHS to Begin Screening Foreign Nationals Social Media Activity for Antisemetism

Effective immediately, the United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) will begin considering a foreign national’s antisemetic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefits. The new policy, which is consistent with President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders on Combatting Antisemetism, Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism and Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats; will apply to foreign nationals applying for an adjustment of status, foreign students on F-1 and M-1 student visas and those affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemetic activity. The United States Department of State provides a working definition of antisemitism as “certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestation of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions or religious facilities.” Under the new

Read more >
Vietnam
icons8-exercise-96 chat-active-icon