If you’re navigating the U.S. immigration system, your alien registration number, often called the A‑Number, is one of the most important identifiers you'll encounter. It appears on many official documents, is required on most USCIS forms, and plays a key role in tracking your immigration history. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what the A‑Number is (and what it isn’t), who receives one, and how to find it on common immigration documents.
What Is an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?
An Alien Registration Number, also known as an A-Number, is a unique seven- to nine-digit number assigned by the U.S. government to noncitizens. It helps immigration agencies like USCIS, ICE, and CBP track your immigration records over time.
- Format: Usually 7, 8, or 9 digits (e.g., A123456789)
- Assigned by: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Also called: USCIS number (in some contexts)
Who Gets an A-Number?
Most immigrants who have had a long-term interaction with the U.S. immigration system will have an A-Number. This includes:
- Green card holders (lawful permanent residents)
- Individuals applying for adjustment of status (Form I-485)
- DACA recipients
- People in deportation or removal proceedings
- Some visa holders who apply for certain immigration benefits
Nonimmigrants (like tourists or short-term visa holders) typically do not receive an A-Number.
Why the A-Number Is Important
The A-Number is used to identify your immigration records. You'll need it for a wide range of purposes:
- Completing immigration applications and forms (e.g., Form I-130, I-485)
- Checking your USCIS case status
- Requesting a copy of your immigration file (Form G-639 FOIA request)
- Communicating with USCIS or EOIR
Important: When preparing USCIS applications, the form generally requires you to enter 9 numerical digits. If your number has fewer than nine digits, add a zero after the “A” and before the first digit to make it nine digits long. For example, “A12345678” becomes “A012345678.”
Where to Find Your Alien Registration Number
The location of your A-Number depends on the type of immigration document you have. Here's where to look:
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
If you have a permanent resident card (green card), your alien registration number appears on the front of the card. You can also find it embedded in the characters on the back. In the sample shown, the alien registration number is listed as “000-001-001” just below the label USCIS#.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card)
If you do not have a green card, you may be able to find your alien registration number on other immigration documents such as an employment authorization document (work permit). In the example below, the A-Number is listed as “000-000-811” underneath USCIS#.
A-Number on Immigrant Visa
You can also find an alien registration number on an immigrant visa. Your immigrant visa, sometimes called a visa stamp or visa foil, is found in your passport. Your A-Number is identified as the “Registration Number” in the top right portion of the visa stamp.
Note: The visa pictured above is an immigrant visa. It’s different than a nonimmigrant visa. A nonimmigrant visa does not contain an Alien Registration Number.
Location of Alien Registration Number on Notice of Action
Some versions of the Notice of Action may contain the alien registration number. In the I-797C (biometrics notice) below, the A-Number is located in the top/right of the document next to USCIS#.
Find Your A-Number on Immigrant Data Summary
If you applied for your green card through consular processing (applied for green card at a U.S. embassy or consulate), you probably had an Immigrant Data Summary stapled to the front of your immigrant visa package. You can find your A-Number at the top of the Immigrant Data Summary, as shown in the picture below.
Location of A-Number on Immigrant Fee Handout
Again, if you applied for your green card through consular processing, the immigration officer probably gave you a USCIS Immigrant Fee handout. This document provides instructions on how to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee and includes your A-Number in the top right corner, as shown below.
What If You Can’t Find Your A-Number?
If you can’t find your A-Number, these tips may help you find it:
- Review older USCIS notices (Form I-797) or approval letters
- Check past applications or forms you submitted to USCIS
- Look through copies of your visa or passport stamps
- Log into your USCIS online account
- Request a copy of your immigration file using Form G-639 (FOIA)
Generally, USCIS does not issue you new alien registration numbers over time. If you’ve had one in the past, it will remain the same even if you adjust status or renew a benefit.
Alien Registration Number FAQs
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