The Alien Registration Number can also be referred to as an A-Number. It is a seven-to-nine-digit number that is found on a variety of a United States citizen documents. The A-Number can also be found on Immigration Services (USCIS) documents or the former INS.
USCIS makes use of the A-Number to track immigration files for immigrants and also some nonimmigrants. It is also an important number when processing a new USCIS form to request immigration benefits.
Alien Registration Number
If the Alien Registration Number is less than nine digits, then you can insert a zero after the “A” and before the first digit to make it a nine-digit number. Like for example, “12345678” will then become “A012345678” making it nine digits.
Note that United States born citizens and most nonimmigrants visitors don’t have an A-Number.
Alien Registration Number on Green Card
If you own a United States green card (permanent resident card), then you can check for you’re a-Number on the front side. The number is embedded within the character on the back of the green card as well. Check the below example:
The below sample green card was issued between the year 2004 to 2010. And you can get the A-Number next to A# as given below:
USCIS doesn’t give everyone an A-Number. It is only created for every permanent resident. This means that generally, they don’t give the number to nonimmigrant visitors.
Nonimmigrants visitors include people in the United States on a temporary visit. B1/B2 visas persons are nonimmigrants going for just visiting. But the USCIS can give the number to nonimmigrants that have been offered employment authorization or other benefits.
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Alien Registration Number on Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
As said earlier, you can find the A-Number on other immigration document like EAD. The EAD refers to a work permit. Below is an example of an EAD with the number on it:
Alien Registration Number on Immigrant Visa
The A-Number can be gotten on an immigrant visa. This visa is also called a visa stamp or visa foil, and it is found in your passport. The Alien Number is located at the top right position of the visa stamp.
Check below an example of an immigrant visa with the A-Number highlighted.
Alien Registration Number on Notice of Action
It was found out that some Notice of Action document carries the A-Number on them. You can get the A-Number as indicated in the example below next to the USCIS#
Alien Registration Number on Immigrant Data Summary
If your permanent resident card was applied for through consular processing, then you should have an Immigrant Data Summary stapled to the front of your immigrant visa document. You can get the A-Number on the top of the Immigrant Data Summary as given in the below example:
Note that the consular processing is applying for a green card at any United States embassy or consulate.
Alien Registration Number on Immigrant Fee Handout
If you also apply for your permanent resident card through consular processing, then you should have a USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout. This document shows instructions and guidelines on how you can pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee. The document has you’re a-Number as shown in the example below:
NOTE
All A Numbers on the images as shown in this article are highlighted on a RED LINE.
