What Is an Alien Registration Number?
In the marriage Green Card application process, each applicant is assigned an Alien Registration Number by USCIS. Typically this number will begin with “A-“ followed by 7, 8, or 9 numbers. It is important not to confuse this number with the USCIS case number. Check this article to learn what the Alien Registration Number is.
I. What is an Alien Registration Number?
During your marriage Green Card application process, the applicant will be assigned an Alien Registration Number. This number is registered with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to keep your petitions and filings separate and well organized.
II. Who is eligible for an Alien Registration Number?
In general, anyone that applies for a permanent residence card will receive an alien registration number. Temporary nonimmigrants that are not part of the permanent residence card programs will not be issued one.
At times, there are other temporary visa holders that will obtain alien registration numbers along with their work authorization letters. However, these are an exception to the general rule that permanent resident card applicants obtain alien registration numbers.
III. When does an Alien Registration Number get assigned?
There are different time frames of when a marriage Green Card applicant will receive their alien registration number, depending on where the marriage application is submitted.
When are Alien Registration Numbers assigned?
| Category of Status | Time frame for assignment |
|---|---|
| Applying from within the United States Spouse is a U.S. Citizen |
|
| Applying from within the United States Spouse is a U.S. Green Card holder |
|
| Applying from outside of the United States |
|
IV. Where can I find my Alien Registration Number?
When you receive your alien registration number, you will be able to find it on all USCIS notices, and you will need to use it for all future USCIS filings. In general, this number will start with “A-.” It can be found as “Alien Registration Number”, just as a “Registration Number” (typically on passport visas), or sometimes as “USCIS #.”
V. Is the USCIS case number the same as the Alien Registration Number?
Each USCIS case will have its own case number. However, there will be only one alien registration number assigned to one individual. Typically this number will begin with “A-“ followed by 7, 8, or 9 numbers. A USCIS case number will be a 13 digit number beginning with three letters (dependent on the USCIS office). Although there are some documents that may list this number after “USCIS,” it is important not to confuse that with your USCIS case number.
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