USCIS Registration Requirement for Non-U.S. Citizens: What You Need to Know

USCIS Registration Requirement

On March 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an Interim Final Rule requiring certain non-U.S. citizens to register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This rule is set to take effect on April 11, 2025. Individuals who are not registered and lack proof of inspection from their last entry should consult legal counsel for specific advice.
Who is Subject to the Registration Requirement?

The registration requirement applies to:

Foreign Nationals Aged 14 and Older: Non-U.S. citizens who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or longer must register before the expiration of the 30 days.

Foreign National Children Under 14: Parents or legal guardians must register children who were not registered upon visa application and who will remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. Registration must occur within 30 days of reaching the age of 14.

Previously Registered Foreign National Children Turning 14: Children turning 14 must re-register and provide fingerprints within 30 days after their 14th birthday.

Who is Already Registered?

Individuals considered to be registered already include:

Lawful Permanent Residents (“green card” holders);

Foreign Nationals with Immigrant or Nonimmigrant Visas before their last date of arrival;

Nonimmigrants with Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired;

Foreign Nationals Paroled into the U.S., even if the period of parole has expired;

Foreign Nationals in Removal Proceedings;

Foreign Nationals with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD);

Foreign Nationals Who Have Applied for Lawful Permanent Residence using specific forms and provided fingerprints (unless waived);

Foreign Nationals Issued Border Crossing Cards.

Who is Not Considered Registered?

The following groups are not considered to be registered:

Undocumented Individuals who entered without inspection and admission, or admission and parole, and have not registered.

Canadians who entered at a land port or ferry crossing and were not issued evidence of registration (Form I-94).

Applicants for Immigration Relief like asylum, DACA, TPS, U visas, T visas, S visas, and VAWA self-petitions, who have not been issued evidence of that status.

Exemptions from the Registration Requirement

Exempt individuals include:

Officials of Foreign Governments and International Organizations with A or G visas;

Native Americans Born in Canada who possess at least 50% blood of the American Indian race and are present in the U.S. under the authority of 8 USC 1359;

Foreign Nationals Staying Less Than 30 Days.

How to Register

To register, individuals must:

Create a USCIS Online Account. Parents or guardians must set up an account for children under 14.

Complete Form G-325R after creating the account.

Penalties for Noncompliance

Failure to comply with registration and fingerprinting requirements can result in:

A fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

For those 18 years or older, failure to carry proof of registration can lead to a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both.

This reorganization provides a clear structure for understanding the new USCIS registration requirement, including who is affected, how to register, and the penalties for noncompliance.


USCIS Registration, Immigration Updates, Non-U.S. Citizens, DHS Interim Final Rule