Office Locations
Proudly Serving Dallas & Houston.
What Is an A-Number?
What Is an A-Number?
What is an A number? An Alien registration number (A-number) is a unique seven to nine-digit number that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S.C.I.S.) assigns to foreign nationals for identification purposes.
The U.S.C.I.S. uses alien registration numbers to identify immigrants who have applied to permanently live and work in the United States. A-numbers are also used to track the immigration files of noncitizens (A-files) and must be provided when submitting immigration documents.
However, the A-number is not the same as a U.S.C.I.S. case number or a U.S.C.I.S. online account number.
If you have applied for a permanent resident card or an immigrant visa, you will receive an Alien Registration Number. It will remain unchanged even if you change status or switch to a different type of immigrant visa. Alien numbers do not have an expiration date and will stay effective regardless of your immigration status.
If you’re navigating the immigration process, understanding your A-number and how USCIS uses it can help you track applications, maintain proper documentation, and avoid delays. Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, can guide you through the process of obtaining and managing your immigration records.
How A-Numbers Work?
A-Numbers begin with the letter “A” followed by eight or nine numbers (e.g., A012345678). They may appear on various immigration documents, including:
- An Employment Authorization Document (E.A.D.)
- An I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- An immigrant data summary on an immigrant visa package
- An immigrant visa stamp
- A notice of action
- A permanent resident green card
- A refugee travel document
- A USCIS Immigrant fee handout given to you by an immigration officer
- A USCIS receipt notice
For example, if you are a green card holder, you can find your alien registration number in the upper right-hand corner of your green card (also known as an alien registration card).
The alien number on an employment authorization document is usually under the “# U.S.C.I.S..” on the information area on the front of the E.A.D. card or work permit.
What Are the Uses of an Alien Registration Number?
An Alien registration number may be used for the following purposes:
- As a form of identification
- To keep track of immigration records and files
- To monitor illegal activity
- To identify the number of immigrants residing in the U.S.
- To obtain criminal records of immigrants
- To track an alien in an Immigration Detention Center
- To track an alien in times of emergency
Am I Eligible for an A-Number?
Individuals who apply to permanently live in the U.S. are eligible for an A-number irrespective of the type of green card they applied for (e.g., family, marriage, employment).
Foreign nationals who intend to come to the U.S. temporarily for business or tourism will not be given an A-number. The only exception is students on F-1 visas. F1 visa holders will receive alien registration numbers, even if they do not apply for a green card.
When Will I Receive My Alien Registration Number?
Most individuals will get an alien registration number after the U.S.C.I.S. receives their Application to Register Permanent Residence. Others, such as F1 student visa holders, may receive their number after completing Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Immigrants do not need to be present in the U.S. to receive an A-number. They can receive the number at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country, where they attended their consular interview.
Those who submit a marriage-based green card application as the spouse of a U.S. citizen can expect to receive their A-number within four weeks (approximately thirty days).
H-1B visa holders working in the United States will not receive an Alien registration number until their employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for an Alien Worker, on their behalf. If the U.S.C.I.S. approves their petition, the employee will receive an alien number.
However, dependents of an H-1B visa holder on an H-4 visa will not be issued an Alien Registration Number.
What Happens When I Lose or Misplace My Alien Number?
Immigrants who have lost their green cards and other immigration documents may use the online Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A.) online tool to access their A-number and other available immigration forms.
If you cannot find your Alien registration number, simply contact the U.S.C.I.S., and they will help you recover it quickly and easily. They may require evidence of identification or proof of your immigration status before providing you with the number.
Is My Alien Registration Number Different From My U.S.C.I.S. Number?
An alien number is sometimes referred to as a U.S.C.I.S. number, but it should not be confused with a U.S.C.I.S. case number.
Your alien registration number is different from your U.S.C.I.S. case or receipt number, even though it may be found on your green card. The U.S.C.I.S. case number has thirteen characters, including three letters and ten numbers (e.g., EAC1234567890).
Each immigration application is assigned a unique U.S.C.I.S. case number, which varies with every new application. It should not be confused with an alien registration number which remains constant across your applications.
An A-number cannot be used to check your immigration status with the U.S.C.I.S. Instead, you will need your U.S.C.I.S. case number to monitor and track your immigrant application on the U.S.C.I.S. website.
Will My Alien Registration Number Expire?
An Alien number is a permanent identification number that stays with an individual and has no expiration date, regardless of immigration status.
For example, a lawful permanent resident will need to renew their green card after ten years but not their A-number. Immigrants with conditional permanent resident status will need to renew their resident status after the two-year conditional period expires, but they will keep the same A-number.
The A-number will never change, even if you switch from one type of visa to another or become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. It is the only way to track your immigration history, so it’s important to keep it safe and secure at all times. So, any individual who has ever applied for an immigration benefit or entered the U.S. with a visa should have an Alien Registration Number assigned to them.
Some individuals may also receive multiple alien numbers due to clerical errors or changes in status. In such cases, it is vital to keep track of all your alien numbers and notify the U.S.C.I.S. of any discrepancies. Failure to do so may result in delays or complications with future immigration applications.
Why Legal Help Matters
If you need assistance in obtaining or recovering your alien registration number, it is best to seek help from an experienced immigration attorney. They can guide you through the U.S. immigration system and help with any issues or concerns you may have regarding your A-number.
Among the many services they provide, immigration attorneys can assist you:
- In obtaining or recovering your alien registration number
- In filing immigration applications and petitions
- With any legal issues or concerns related to your immigration status
- In understanding the complex U.S. immigration system and laws
- In representing you in immigration court or at visa interviews
- In advocating for your rights and protections under the law as an immigrant in the U.S.
Overall, having an experienced immigration attorney can significantly increase your chances of success in obtaining and maintaining legal immigration status in the United States. They can also provide peace of mind and support during the often complex and overwhelming immigration process.
How Can Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law Help?
At Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, we handle comprehensive immigration matters including adjustment of status, green card applications, naturalization, asylum cases, and deportation defense.
Whether you need help understanding your A-number, filing for permanent residence, or resolving immigration complications, our experienced team provides personalized guidance throughout your immigration journey.
Schedule your consultation to discuss your immigration needs with our legal team.