The New Immigration Registration Requirement

If you have one of the following forms, it will count as registration and you will not need to register through form G-325R:

• Legal Permanent Resident or Green card
• Parole paperwork
• I-94 or I-94W
• Nonimmigrant or immigrant visa
• Notice to Appear (NTA)
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Border Crossing Card

If you have applied for a status or EAD and provided fingerprints to USCIS or DHS, you most likely do not need to register, but you should consult with an attorney.

Starting April 11, 2025, the government will require some noncitizens in the United States to register. You are likely not registered if:

1. You do not have one of the documents listed under the “Who is Already Considered Registered” section, and
2. You entered the U.S. irregularly and without contact with an immigration agent (not admitted or paroled).

If this applies to you, you must register within 30 days of entering the United States. Or likely, within 30 days of April 11, when the rule becomes effective.

Examples of People Who Likely Need to Register:

• Undocumented individuals who crossed the border without inspection or parole and have never had contact with immigration authorities.
• Some Canadian visitors who entered the United States by land and were not issued an I-94. If they plan to stay more than 30 days, they are required to register (but do not need to be fingerprinted).
• People who applied for an immigration benefit but never received one of the documents listed in the “registered” section—especially if they were never fingerprinted.

Do children have to register?

Yes. Regardless of age, all noncitizens must be registered if they meet registration requirements. However, the process and responsibilities differ for those under and over 14 years old.

Noncitizens under 14

• Must be registered by their parent or legal guardian using a USCIS online account created in the child’s name.
• Are not required to be fingerprinted.
• Are not required to carry proof of registration.
• If the parent or legal guardian fails to register the child, the parent or legal guardian may face the consequences of failure to register.

Noncitizens 14 and older

• Must register if they meet the requirements using a USCIS account with their name.
• Must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if previously registered but not fingerprinted.
• Are required to be fingerprinted.
• Must carry proof of registration at all times starting at age 18.
• If they fail to register, they themselves may face consequences, including fines or jail time.

Before registering, it’s important to understand how your past may impact your risk. If you’ve had a criminal history or a history of working without authorization in the United States, you may be at greater risk once you register. It is recommended that you speak with an attorney.

Criminal Arrest or Conviction History:

• If you have any prior arrests or convictions, it may be more likely that ICE will arrest you.
• Any arrests or convictions may impact your ability to get other immigration status.
• You should speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

Working without Authorization:

• If you have worked without employment authorization, you should speak to an attorney before completing the form to understand any consequences.

DHS has said registration will help them track people in the U.S. without legal status.

By registering, you may:

• Be identified for arrest, detention, or deportation
• Will be required to appear for fingerprinting at USCIS, if you start the registration process and then abandon it, your case may be referred to immigration enforcement (ICE).
• Have your information shared with immigration enforcement (ICE)

If you do not register, you could face:

• Criminal consequences if you encounter law enforcement of immigration enforcement
  • Misdemeanor criminal charges
  • Fines up to $5,000
  • Imprisonment up to 6 months
• Immigration consequences
  • Failing to register now could count against you later. The government may use it as a reason to deny future immigration applications or visas.

To register you will need to create a myUSCIS account. Someone can assist you, but your registration documents will be sent to your account.

The form is called the G-325R and it includes a request for information about the following:

• Where you live and have lived in the US;
• Contact information;
• What you have done in the US;
• When you plan to depart;
• Any criminal history;
• Information about your spouse and parents;
• Date and place of arrival; and
• Birthday, sex, race.

Once you have registered, you will be sent a fingerprinting appointment. After the form is processed you can print out your registration from the myUSCIS account.

You can move your fingerprinting appointment if necessary, but you may only be able to move it one or two times. If you do not show up for multiple appointments, your case may be referred to Immigration Enforcement.

After your registration is finalized, a “Registration Document” will be uploaded into your myUSCIS account. You will need to carry a copy of this with you.

If you move after you have registered, you will need to update your address through your myUSCIS account within 10 days.