Alien Registration Rule Now in Effect: Key Compliance Steps for Individuals and Employers
- Anna Sun
- Apr 15
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
As of April 11, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a new alien registration requirement. The rule requires certain non-citizens who have not previously registered with USCIS to submit a new Form G-325R and, if directed, undergo biometric data collection. This includes fingerprinting, a photo, and a signature. Once complete, individuals will receive a Certificate of Alien Registration issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Who Must Register?
The registration requirement applies to non-citizens who:
Are 14 years or older, have not previously registered, and have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days
Are under 14 years old, have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days, and whose parent or legal guardian must complete the registration on their behalf
Turn 14 years old while in the U.S. and must register within 30 days of their birthday
Entered the U.S. without inspection, parole, or valid admission, including some Canadian visitors who entered via land ports of entry and did not receive a Form I-94
Have applied for benefits such as DACA or TPS that are not automatically covered under 8 CFR 264.1(a) and have not yet received formal identification, like an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
In general, the registration requirement primarily targets non-citizens who entered the U.S. without lawful admission and those whose immigration status applications are still pending and not yet officially recorded in the system.
Who Is Already Registered?
Individuals do not need to register again if they have previously submitted one of the following forms or possess any of the corresponding documents:
Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record, including ESTA travelers)
Form I-95 (Crewman’s Landing Permit)
Form I-181 (Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence
Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Form I-590 (Refugee Registration)
Forms I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, I-817 (various residency or legalization applications)
Form I-766 (EAD)
Form I-551 (Green Card/Permanent Resident Card)
Most visa holders, such as those with B, F, H-1B, or L-1A status, are automatically registered upon entry into the U.S. and are not required to take additional steps. Green Card holders are also considered registered.
Registration Process
Create a USCIS Online Account: Each individual required to register must establish a personal USCIS online account. For minors under 14, a parent or legal guardian must create and manage the account on the child's behalf
Submit Form G-325R: Complete and submit the form electronically through the individual's USCIS online account.
USCIS Review: USCIS will assess the submitted information and existing records to determine if the individual has already fulfilled registration requirements
Attend Biometric Appointment (if necessary): USCIS will send Form I-797C, Notice of Action, with instructions to visit a local Application Support Center (ASC)
Receive Certificate of Alien Registration: Upon completion, registrants will receive a certificate, which can be downloaded from their USCIS online account. Non-citizens aged 18 and older are required to carry this certificate at all times while in the United States.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to register or provide required biometric data may result in:
Fines up to $5,000
Imprisonment for up to six months
Additionally, non-citizens aged 18 and older who do not carry their Certificate of Alien Registration may face:
Fines up to $5,000
Imprisonment for up to 30 days
What Employers Should Know
1. I-9 Compliance
The Certificate of Alien Registration is now an acceptable document for employment eligibility verification. Employers should update internal protocols and train HR staff accordingly.
2. Third-Party Staffing Compliance
If your business uses contractors or staffing agencies, ensure those vendors are aware of this new requirement to avoid compliance issues down the line.
3. Increased Enforcement
The DHS is expected to step up worksite inspections and audits. Employers should ensure that their hiring practices and documentation are fully compliant.
4. High-Turnover Industries at Higher Risk
Industries such as logistics, food service, and retail should pay close attention, as they often have a higher proportion of non-citizen employees. Missteps in document verification could lead to significant penalties.
If you have questions about the new alien registration requirement and how it may affect you or your business, please contact our immigration team at contact@consultils.com for a consultation.
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Disclaimer: The materials provided on this website are for general informational purposes only and do not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any information provided here. Please consult with your own legal counsel regarding your specific situation and legal questions.
As Partner and Head of Immigration at ILS, Anna advises global employers on all aspects of U.S. business immigration. She helps companies recruit and retain executives and highly skilled professionals essential to their U.S. operations, with experience spanning industries from autonomous driving and biotech, to entertainment, logistics, and manufacturing.
Previously, Anna practiced at leading global law firms and served as in-house counsel and compliance manager in the telecommunications, finance, and gaming industries. This diverse background equips her with practical, cross-industry insights that inform strategic, business-focused immigration solutions.
Email: contact@consultils.com | Phone: 626-344-8949
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