Alien ID
What is an Alien ID?
An Alien ID, officially known as an Alien Registration Number (A-Number), is a unique 7-9 digit identifier assigned by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to non-U.S. citizens. This number serves as a permanent tracking identifier for individuals who are legally residing in the United States, including immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and non-immigrant visa holders.
The Alien Registration Number is distinct from science fiction references to “aliens” and specifically refers to foreign nationals in U.S. immigration law. It is issued to non-citizens during various immigration processes, such as applying for a green card, seeking employment authorization, obtaining a visa extension, or filing for asylum or refugee status.
Documents That Contain Alien Registration Numbers
The Alien ID appears on various official USCIS documents, including:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – Work permits for non-citizens
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) – For lawful permanent residents
- Form I-797 Notice of Action – USCIS approval and receipt notices
- Refugee Travel Document – For refugees and asylees
- Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record – Entry documentation
- Visa documentation – Various visa types and extensions
- Asylum and refugee case documents
Where to Find Your Alien Registration Number
On a Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
- Located on the back of the card
- Appears as “USCIS#” followed by 9 digits
- May also be labeled as “A#” or “Alien Registration Number”
On an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Found on the front of the card
- Listed as “USCIS#” or “A#”
- Typically located in the upper portion of the document
On Form I-797 Notice of Action
- Appears in the upper left corner of the notice
- Clearly labeled as “A-Number” or “Alien Registration Number”
- Format: A followed by 8-9 digits (e.g., A123456789)
On Form I-94
- Electronic I-94 records display the A-Number when available
- Paper I-94s may show the number in the admission stamp
Common Uses and Legal Requirements
The Alien Registration Number is required for:
- Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification – Employers must record this number when verifying work authorization
- Immigration applications and petitions – Required on most USCIS forms
- Social Security Administration processes – When applying for or updating Social Security records
- Department of Motor Vehicles applications – For driver’s license and state ID applications in many states
- Background checks and security clearances – Government and employer verification processes
- Travel documentation – When applying for travel documents or re-entry permits
Non-citizens are legally required to carry documentation showing their immigration status, which typically includes their Alien Registration Number.
Alien ID vs. Other Immigration Numbers
It’s important to distinguish the Alien Registration Number from other immigration identifiers:
- Social Security Number (SSN) – A separate 9-digit number for tax and benefit purposes
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) – For tax filing when no SSN is available
- USCIS Receipt Number – Tracks specific applications (format: MSC, EAC, WAC, etc.)
- Visa Control Number – Appears on visa stamps and documents
- SEVIS ID – For students and exchange visitors (format: N followed by 10 digits)
The USCIS uses the Alien Registration Number to maintain comprehensive records and monitor the immigration status of non-U.S. citizens, ensuring compliance with immigration laws. It is crucial for non-citizens to keep their Alien ID number secure and provide it accurately when required for immigration-related purposes.
