Alien Registration Requirement Finalized: What Foreign Nationals and Employers Need to Know

By: Sreelatha Babu | July 1, 2026

On June 29, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule confirming and refining the regulatory framework for the alien registration requirement. The rule adopts the previously issued Interim Final Rule (IFR) and incorporates procedural and technical updates, including revisions to the list of immigration forms and admission processes that satisfy the registration requirement.

Who Must Register?

Registration may be required for individuals who have not previously completed the registration process with the U.S. government. This generally includes:

• Individuals who are 14 years of age or older, have not previously been registered and fingerprinted, if required, and will remain in the United States for 30 days or longer.
• Children under 14 years of age who are required to register. In these cases, the child’s parent or legal guardian must complete the registration process.
• Individuals who turn 14 while in the United States, who must re-register and, if required, complete fingerprinting within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

Who Has Already Satisfied the Registration Requirement?

Individuals are generally considered to have already met the registration requirement if they:

• Were admitted to the United States using a valid immigrant or nonimmigrant visa;
• Were issued a Form I-94, I-94A, or I-94W, paper or electronic, upon admission;
• Are lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders);
• Were issued an Employment Authorization Document;
• Were paroled into the United States;
• Were issued a Border Crossing Card;
• Were placed in removal proceedings, issued an expedited removal order, or had a prior removal order reinstated; or
• Previously completed an immigration process that satisfied the statutory registration and fingerprinting requirements.

Who Is Not Required to Register?

The registration requirement does not apply to:

• U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals;
• Individuals who are outside the United States;
• Foreign nationals who will remain in the United States for fewer than 30 days;
• Individuals who have already satisfied the registration requirement for their current stay, unless they turned 14 and are required to re-register;
• Foreign diplomats, consular officials, and certain representatives of international organizations in qualifying visa classifications;
• American Indians born in Canada admitted under Section 289 of the INA; and
• Members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas admitted under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act.

How to Register

Individuals who determine that they are required to register should create a USCIS online account and complete Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration), electronically through the USCIS website. After the form is submitted, USCIS will review the application and, if required, schedule the individual for a biometric services appointment. Once the registration process is completed, USCIS will make proof of registration available through the individual’s online account.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

The final rule is expected to have limited impact on individuals who have already completed the registration process through a prior immigration filing, visa admission, Form I-94 issuance, parole, employment authorization, or other qualifying immigration process.

Individuals who entered the United States without inspection, certain Canadian visitors who were not issued evidence of registration, or others who are uncertain whether they have previously registered should carefully review the DHS and USCS guidance before submitting Form G-325R.

Employers should be aware that registration through Form G-325R does not provide lawful immigration status, employment authorization, or any other immigration benefit.

What Happens If You Do Not Register?

Individuals who are required to register but willfully fail or refuse to do so may face civil and criminal penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment. Parents or legal guardians who fail to register a child when required may also be subject to penalties.

How Can You Determine Whether You Need to Register?

USCIS has published an Alien Registration Requirement Determination Tool to help individuals determine whether they may be required to register. Because the tool is intended for general guidance and may not address every individual’s circumstances, those who are unsure of their registration status should consult experienced immigration counsel before taking any action.

For questions regarding the alien registration requirement or assistance in determining whether registration is required, please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.