Alien Registration Number, also known as A-number, is an exclusive identification number assigned to an immigrant. The A-number is assigned to noncitizens at the time their A-file is created with USCIS. It is an “A” followed by a unique set of seven, -eight- or nine-digit numbers. For example,
A12 345 678
A 100 123 456
The A-number for an individual will not change but may be referred to interchangeably as a “USCIS number”, “alien registration number”, or “alien number”.
A #, Alien Number, USCIS Number, are They all the Same?
“A #” is simply short for Alien Registration Number. The “USCIS number” listed on government documents, such as permanent resident Green Cards issued after May 10, 2010, are also the same as A- numbers. All of these terms mean the same thing.
Who can get an Alien Number?
- Anyone who applies for a green card receives an Alien Number.
- F1 student visa holders get an Alien Number without having a green card.
- If you already have work authorization.
Alien Registration Number and its Uses
Alien Registration Number is the first piece of information required in many of the immigration forms. Some important forms on which it is required are Green Card Renewal Application (Form I-90), U.S. Citizenship Application (Form N-400), Employment Authorization Application (Form I-765), Petition for Relative Application (Form I-130), and more.
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Where to find the Alien Registration Number?
The alien number is found in different locations on different types of government documents.
Alien Number on a Green Card:
On permanent residence cards issued after May 10, 2010, the A-number is the same as the USCIS number listed on the front of the card. The A-number can also be found on the back of the card.
For permanent residence green cards issued between 2004-2010, the A number is listed after “A#”
Alien Number on an EAD card:
On EAD cards, or Employment Authorization Document (Work Permit), the A-number is the same as the USCIS number. It can be found under “Given Name.”
Alien Number on an Immigrant Visa:
On immigrant visas, the A-number is the same as the “registration number”, located on the front of the card.
This immigrant visa is different from a non-immigrant visa. The non-immigrant visa does not contain an Alien Registration Number.
Alien Number in Notice of Action:
On some Notice of Action versions, the A- number can be found in the top right-hand corner, next to the USCIS number.
Alien Number on Immigrant Data Summary:
The Immigrant Data Summary document is a part of Consular Processing or the application for a green card abroad. You can find the A-number on the Immigrant Data Summary Document.
Alien Number on Immigrant Fee Handout:
The Immigrant Fee Handout is also a part of the Consular Processing, and will most likely be given to you if applying for a green card abroad. The A-number can be found in the top right-hand corner of the document.
What to do if my Alien Number is less than 9 digits?
If your Alien Registration Number is less than nine digits, for example, if it is an 8 digit number you can insert a zero before the first digit to create a nine-digit number. For example, “12345678” would become “012345678” then you can use it in the forms you may file.
If it is a 7 digit number you can insert two zeros before the first digit to create a nine-digit number. For example, “1234567” would become “0012345678” then you can use it in the forms you may file.
