If you apply for a green card or certain other immigration benefits, you’ll be asked to provide your Alien Registration Number—also known as an A-number, A#, or USCIS number—on many forms and petitions you file with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What Is an Alien Registration Number?
An Alien Registration Number is a unique identification number assigned to non-citizens by the U.S. government. It’s used to track all immigration-related records and filings over time. Once assigned, this number stays with you for life.
Who Gets an Alien Registration Number?
Alien Registration Numbers are assigned to:
- Anyone applying for a green card, whether through family, employment, asylum, or refugee status.
- Some F-1 international students who obtain work authorization under programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Most nonimmigrant visa holders—such as tourists or business visitors—do not receive an A-number, as they are considered temporary visitors. However, students with work authorization under F-1 visas do receive one, even though they may not be applying for permanent residency. (The reason for this exception isn’t clearly explained by U.S. immigration authorities.)
Check Also: U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization – Complete Guide
When Will I Get My A-Number?
If You’re Applying from Inside the United States:
- You will receive your A-number on the receipt notice (Form I-797C) shortly after filing your green card application (Form I-485).
- If you’re the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you’ll typically receive your A-number about 30 days after filing.
- If you’re the spouse of a green card holder, you’ll receive your A-number later in the process, once your Form I-130 is approved and an immigrant visa becomes available.
If You’re Applying from Outside the United States:
- You’ll receive your A-number at your consular interview.
- It will be printed on the visa stamped in your passport and included in the Immigrant Data Summary and USCIS Immigrant Fee handout provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Where Can I Find My Alien Registration Number?
Once it’s issued, your A-number appears on most immigration correspondence, including:
- USCIS receipt notices
- Approval notices
- Immigrant visa (if applying from abroad)
- Green card (front and back, labeled “USCIS#”)
Tip: On most USCIS forms, your A-number is labeled as “A#” and is located near the top of the first page.
If You’ve Lost Your A-Number:
If you’ve misplaced all your USCIS documentation:
- Submit a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain your immigration records.
- Schedule an InfoPass appointment at a local USCIS office (availability may vary, as self-scheduling is being phased out).
A-Numbers vs. USCIS Case Numbers:
Your A-number identifies you as an individual. Your USCIS case number identifies a specific immigration application.
Key Differences:
| Alien Registration Number (A-number) | USCIS Case Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 7–9 digits (e.g., A12345678) | 13 characters (e.g., EAC1234567890) |
| Purpose | Identifies the immigrant | Tracks the specific application |
| Reused? | Same A-number for life | New case number for each application |
Note: The term “USCIS#” may refer to either your A-number or your case number, so always double-check which number is required on your form.
Is an A-Number the Same as a Social Security Number (SSN)?
No. The Alien Registration Number is used by USCIS and other immigration agencies, while the SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration and is used for tax, income, and benefit tracking.
If you’re applying for a green card and a work permit, you can request an SSN as part of your application process.
Is the A-Number the Same as the I-94 Number?
No. The A-number is different from your I-94 admission record number:
- A-number: 7–9 digits, assigned by USCIS
- I-94 number: 11 digits, assigned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to track lawful entries
You can access your I-94 number on the Department of Homeland Security website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
Summary:
- Your Alien Registration Number (A-number) is a permanent ID used by the U.S. government to manage immigration records.
- Most green card applicants and some student visa holders with work authorization receive an A-number.
- Once issued, your A-number will appear on all USCIS documents, your visa, and your green card.
- Always keep a record of your A-number, and know the difference between it and your USCIS case number or SSN.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do nonimmigrant visa holders (like tourists or students) have an A-Number?
Generally no, unless they’ve applied for immigration benefits or have been placed in certain proceedings.
Is an A-Number the same as a USCIS case number?
No. An A-Number identifies you as an individual, while a USCIS receipt or case number tracks a specific application or petition.
What is an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?
An A-Number is a unique 7-, 8-, or 9-digit number assigned by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to certain noncitizens, including immigrants and some visa holders. It helps track an individual’s immigration records.
