Alien Registration Number: Guide for U.S. Immigrants

Alien Registration Number: Your Key to U.S. Immigration Records

When you apply for a green card, one of the first things U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will ask for is your Alien Registration Number — also called an A-Number. This number is how the immigration system identifies and tracks your case.

The A-Number isn’t just a random code. It’s your personal ID within the U.S. immigration system. You’ll find it printed on important documents like your green card, work permit, immigrant visa, and USCIS notices.

Why is this so important? Imagine filing forms, requesting records, or asking USCIS about your case. Without a unique number, your paperwork could get lost in millions of files. The A-Number solves that problem, linking all your immigration history under one ID.

For every immigrant, knowing what the A-Number is — and where to find it — makes the green card process, and other immigration steps, a lot smoother and less stressful.

What Is an Alien Registration Number?

An Alien Registration Number, also called an A-Number, is a unique identification number that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns to non-citizens who want to live and work permanently in the United States. It helps the government keep track of your immigration records and connect all your applications under one file.

Key details about the A-Number:

• It usually begins with the letter “A” followed by 7, 8, or 9 digits (for example: A012345678).
• It is also known as Alien ID Number, USCIS Number, or A-File Number.
• The A-Number is different from a USCIS receipt number.
  • A-Number = your personal ID in the immigration system.
  • Receipt number = the tracking number for a single USCIS application.

In short, the A-Number is your permanent immigration ID, while receipt numbers change with each new application.

Who Can Get an Alien Registration Number?

Not everyone who comes to the United States will get an Alien Registration Number (A-Number). This number is mainly given to immigrants who apply for long-term or permanent immigration benefits.

You will receive an A-Number if you:

• Apply for a green card through family, employment, or another path.
• Are granted asylum or admitted as a refugee.
• Apply for certain immigration benefits that can lead to permanent residence.
• Are placed in removal (deportation) proceedings, since the immigration court system also assigns one.

Special cases:

• F-1 students usually do not have an A-Number. Receiving an EAD for Optional Practical Training (OPT) does not automatically give an F-1 student an A-Number. However, if an F-1 student later applies for adjustment of status—such as a green card or asylum—they will be issued an A-Number at that stage.
• H-1B and H-4 visa holders do not have an Alien Registration Number unless they apply for permanent residency.

You may not have an A-Number if you:

• Entered the U.S. on a temporary visa (tourist visa, short-term work visa) and have not applied for permanent benefits.
• Hold nonimmigrant status only without requesting long-term immigration benefits.

If you don’t see an A-Number on your documents, don’t worry. Most people first receive one when they apply for a green card, get an EAD, or seek another major immigration benefit.

When Do I Get an Alien Registration Number?

Most immigrants first receive their Alien Registration Number (A-Number) when they begin the green card process. But the exact timing depends on your immigration path and whether you apply inside or outside the United States.

1. Green Card Applications Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)

If you are applying for a marriage-based green card:

• Spouse of a U.S. citizen: You’ll usually get your A-Number about 30 days after filing Form I-485. It will appear on your USCIS receipt notice.
• Spouse of a green card holder: You must first wait for your Form I-130 to be approved and for a visa to be available. In this case, your A-Number may not be assigned until months later — often about a year into the process.

• For other types of green cards filed inside the U.S., your A-Number usually appears on your I-485 receipt notice soon after you submit your application.

2. Green Card Applications Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)

• If you’re applying through a U.S. consulate, your A-Number will be assigned during your consular interview.
• You’ll receive paperwork at the interview that lists your A-Number, and you’ll also see it printed on the immigrant visa stamped in your passport.

3. F-1 Student Visa Holders (OPT Exception)

• Most F-1 students don’t get an A-Number.
• But if you applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and received a work permit (EAD card), USCIS will have already assigned you an A-Number — it’s printed on the card. Check the F-1 Student Visa Guide to learn more details.

4. Refugees, Asylees, and Court Proceedings

• Refugees usually receive an A-Number when admitted to the U.S.
• Asylum seekers get one once their case is officially filed.
• If you are placed in removal (deportation) proceedings, the immigration court will assign you an A-Number at that time.

Key takeaway: The A-Number doesn’t appear the day you first arrive in the U.S. — it comes when you apply for a green card, work permit, asylum, refugee status, or if you enter immigration court proceedings. The exact moment depends on your case type and whether you’re applying inside or outside the country.

Where to Find Your Alien Number?

Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is printed on several official U.S. immigration documents. The exact location and label can vary depending on the document type.

Alien Number on a Green Card

On a green card, your alien number is printed on both the front and back [embedded within the characters] of the card under the label “USCIS#.” This permanent resident number is one of the easiest ways to confirm your identity in the immigration system.

Find A Number on an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Your EAD card (work permit) also lists the USCIS number, which is the same as your alien registration number. You’ll find it on the front of the card, right under your biographical details.

Alien Registration Number on an Immigrant Visa

If you applied abroad, your immigrant visa will show your alien registration number on the visa stamp inside your passport. It’s also included in the Immigrant Data Summary you receive at your consular interview.

Finding Your Alien ID on a Notice of Action (Form I-797)

Most USCIS notices, such as the Notice of Action (Form I-797), display your alien ID number near the top. Many immigrants first see their number here before their green card is even issued.

Alien Registration No. on an Immigrant Data Summary

When you enter the U.S. with an immigrant visa, you’ll receive an Immigrant Data Summary as part of your visa packet. This document clearly lists your alien registration no. for official records.

Alien Identification Number on a USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout

Applicants going through consular processing are often given a USCIS immigrant fee handout at their interview. This sheet includes your alien identification number and instructions for paying the immigrant fee.

If you’re still unsure, this table makes it easy to check which document lists your Alien Number and where to look for it.

Where A-Number is Used?

Your Alien Registration Number is more than just a set of digits — it’s your identity inside the U.S. immigration system. Every time you file a petition, request a benefit, or contact USCIS, your A-Number makes sure your case is matched to the right file.

Here’s why it matters:

• Links your immigration history: Your A-Number connects all of your records in what’s called your A-file (Alien File). This file contains your applications, decisions, biometrics, and past immigration activity.
• Required on USCIS forms: Most immigration forms — such as the green card application (Form I-485) or naturalization application (Form N-400) — ask for your A-Number. Without it, USCIS can’t process your request correctly.
• Used in background checks: Government agencies use your A-Number when running security and background checks before approving benefits.
• Helps officers find your case quickly: USCIS officers use your A-Number to instantly pull up your records, which speeds up communication and reduces the chance of mistakes.

In short: Your A-Number keeps all of your immigration history under one ID, helping the government process your applications smoothly and helping you avoid confusion or delays.

Traveling Before Receiving Your Green Card

If you have an Alien Registration Number and need to travel outside the U.S. while waiting for your green card, it can feel stressful. Your A-Number tracks your immigration history, but leaving the country without the right documentation could cause delays or complications.

What You Need to Know About Travel Documents

Before traveling, you usually need an Advance Parole document (Form I-131). Think of it as official permission to leave and come back without affecting your green card application.

Key points:

• Why it’s important: Traveling without advance parole might cause USCIS to consider your green card application abandoned.
• When to apply: File for advance parole well before your trip, as processing can take several months. For more details on timelines, see our guide on I-131 processing time.
• Emergency travel: USCIS can sometimes expedite requests, but approval is not guaranteed, so plan carefully.
• Limitations: Even with advance parole, there may be travel restrictions, and re-entry isn’t automatically guaranteed.

For detailed guidance on applying for advance parole and traveling while your green card is pending, see our complete guide on Advance Parole Travel Document.

A-Number and Records Search

Many immigrants wonder if they can look up an Alien Registration Number online. The answer is no — there is no public A-Number search tool. These numbers are protected under privacy law, since they link directly to personal immigration records.

Legitimate ways to find or confirm an A-Number include:

• Your own documents (green card, EAD, USCIS notices, visa).
• Written consent if you are helping someone else.
• FOIA request to USCIS for a copy of your immigration file.
• USCIS Genealogy Program if you are researching a deceased relative’s immigration history.

In short: If you need your A-Number, check your official documents or request it directly from USCIS — there’s no public lookup service.

How to Request Your Immigration Records with an A-Number

If you need a copy of your immigration history, you can request it from USCIS using your Alien Registration Number (A-Number). This is done through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

• How do I file a FOIA request? You can file online through the USCIS FOIA system or by submitting Form G-639 (Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request).
• What records will I receive? Your A-file may include old applications, USCIS decisions, biometrics, and other documents USCIS has kept on file.
• Can an attorney or third party request my records? Yes — but only with your written consent. Without it, USCIS cannot release your A-file.
• What if I’m looking for a deceased relative’s records? USCIS has a special Genealogy Program that allows family members to request historical A-files for genealogy and family history research.

In short: With your A-Number, you can legally access your immigration history through USCIS — whether for personal use, legal cases, or family research.

Common Misunderstandings About the A-Number

Because USCIS uses so many different numbers, it’s easy to get confused. Let’s clear up the most common questions:

• Is my Alien number the same as my USCIS case number (receipt number)?
  No. Your receipt number tracks one specific application, while your A-Number is your permanent ID across all applications.
• Is the USCIS Number the same as the Alien ID number?
  Not always. On older cards, the label “USCIS#” often showed the A-Number. On newer cards, “USCIS#” may refer to a USCIS Online Account Number, which is different.
• Does every immigrant have an A-Number?
  No. Temporary visitors — like tourists, students, or workers — may not have one unless they apply for a green card, asylum, or certain work permits.
• Can I use my visa number as my A-Number?
  No. A visa number is different — it identifies your visa, not your personal immigration record.
• What if I have more than one A-Number?
  Sometimes USCIS mistakenly issues multiple A-Numbers. In that case, they usually merge your files so all your records stay connected under one number.

In short: Your A-Number is a unique, permanent ID — but it’s not the same as a visa number, case number, or always the same as the USCIS# on your card.

FAQs on Alien Registration Number

Conclusion

The Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a crucial identifier that links to your entire immigration history. It’s important to keep it safe and handle it carefully. Use your A-Number correctly when completing USCIS forms, submitting FOIA requests, or interacting with immigration authorities to ensure your records are accurately tracked and processed.