Unraveling the Mystery of Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
The Alien Registration Number, fondly known as the A-number, is a unique identifier assigned by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immigrants seeking to make the United States their home. As a branch of the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS uses this number to keep track of your immigration files, also known as “alien files” or “a-files”. This number is paramount in your immigration journey, hence, it’s crucial to know where to find it. Fortunately, it’s not a hide and seek game! You can easily spot your A-number on various documents like your green card, work permit, and immigration visa.
Obtaining an Alien Registration Number (A-Number): The How-To Guide
If you’re dreaming of a life in the United States, applying for a green card or an immigrant visa is your first step. In this process, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will bestow upon you an alien registration number (A-number). While most temporary visitors to the US (non-immigrants) don’t receive an A-number, there’s an exception. If you’re an F-1 student visa holder with a work permit, you’ll be granted an A-number. This number plays a pivotal role in immigration applications such as the I-130 applications.
Locating Your Alien Registration Number: The Treasure Hunt
The A-number is a precious gem gifted to you by the US government. It serves as a tracking mechanism for your information and can be found on a plethora of documents that USCIS sends your way. Your A-number, marked as “A#”, can be typically found at the top of most documents.
Spotting Your A-number on Your Employment Authorization Document (“EAD,” “Work Permit”)
Your work permit document, also known as “EAD”, “work permit”, or “work authorization”, proudly displays your A-number. In the example below, the A-number is the nine-digit figure nestled below the “USCIS#” number:
EAD-A-number
Locating Your A-number on Your Permanent Resident Green Card
If you’re a Green Card-holder with a card issued by USCIS post May 10, 2010, your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) mirrors your nine-digit USCIS# as shown in this example:
Green-Card-A-number
Discovering Your A-number on Your Immigrant Visa
If you don’t possess any other ID cards from USCIS, your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) may be found on an Immigrant Visa Stamp in your passport. Your A-Number is the nine-digit figure positioned under “Registration Number”:
IV-A-number
Finding Your A-number on Your Request of Evidence(RFE)
USCIS may reject an immigration application if the applicant fails to provide all the necessary original evidence or if the evidence does not demonstrate the applicant’s eligibility for benefits. In such cases, USCIS sends a notice to the applicant detailing the required evidence and the deadline for submission. The applicant is given a generous window of up to 12 weeks to provide the required evidence.
Your A-number can be found on your RFE.
RFE-A-Number
Unearthing Your A-number on Your Notice of Action
Your Notice of Action from USCIS, Form I-797C, often houses your A-Number. If your I-797C carries your A-Number, the number will be positioned under “USCIS#” on the notice:
FAQ
Q1: What is an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?
A: The Alien Registration Number, or A-Number, is a unique seven to nine-digit number assigned by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immigrants seeking to live in the United States. It is used to track your immigration files.
Q2: How do I get an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?
A: If you apply for a green card or an immigrant visa, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will assign you an A-number. However, most temporary visitors to the US do not receive an A-number unless they are F-1 student visa holders with a work permit.
Q3: Where can I find my Alien Registration Number?
A: Your A-number can be found on various documents issued by USCIS, such as your green card, work permit, and immigration visa. It is typically marked as “A#” on these documents.
Q4: Is my A-Number the same as my USCIS# on my Green Card?
A: Yes, if your Green Card was issued after May 10, 2010, your A-Number is the same as your nine-digit USCIS#.
Q5: Can I find my A-number on my Notice of Action?
A: Yes, your Notice of Action from USCIS, Form I-797C, often contains your A-Number. It is usually located under “USCIS#” on the notice.
