Key Takeaways

  • An Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a unique identifier issued by USCIS to immigrants.
  • The A-Number remains constant across all immigration cases and statuses.
  • It can be 7–9 digits long, depending on when it was issued.
  • You can find your A-Number on documents like your green card, EAD, immigrant visa, USCIS notices, I-94, and more.
  • The A-Number differs from the USCIS Case Number, which tracks individual applications.
  • If lost or incorrect, the A-Number can be recovered or corrected through USCIS.
  • A-Numbers are critical for employment, travel, obtaining a driver’s license, and other official processes.
  • Nonimmigrants and undocumented individuals typically do not have an A-Number unless they apply for a benefit.

If you're an immigrant to the United States, you likely have an Alien Registration Number - also known as an A-Number. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assign this unique number to you and is used to track your immigration case throughout the process. 

You can find your Alien Registration Number on a variety of documents, including your: 

  • Alien Registration Card (also called a Green Card)
  • USCIS Case Receipt
  • Employment Authorization Document
  • Travel Document
  • Refugee Travel Document
  • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

If you have any questions about your Alien Registration Number or where to find it, please consult with an experienced immigration attorney. They can help guide you through the process and ensure everything is in order. 

What Is an Alien Registration Number?

An Alien Registration Number is a unique seven or eight-digit number assigned to immigrants by the USCIS. 

This number allows the agency to keep track of your immigration case as it moves through the system - from application to approval (or denial). 

Your Alien Registration Number will remain the same even if your immigration status changes (for example, from tourist to student or from student to a United States permanent resident). 

How Long Is an Alien Registration Number?

Alien Registration Numbers are typically seven to nine digits long. Earlier A-Numbers started with fewer digits and have since expanded as more numbers were issued. If your A-Number is fewer than nine digits, USCIS may place leading zeros to maintain a nine-digit format in modern systems. For example, A# 1234567 may appear as A# 001234567 on newer documents.

Who Gets an Alien Registration Number?

If you're an immigrant to the United States - regardless of age - you will be assigned an Alien Registration Number. 

This includes immigrants who have: 

  • Applied for a Green Card
  • Been granted asylum or refugee status
  • Entered the country on a work visa
  • Entered the country as a tourist
  • Entered the country as a student 

If you're unsure if you have an Alien Registration Number, please consult with an experienced immigration attorney. They can help determine if you should have one and, if so, where to find it. 

Do All Immigrants Have an Alien Registration Number?

Not every person who enters the United States receives an A-Number automatically. Temporary visa holders (such as tourists or business visitors) do not usually receive an A-Number unless they apply for a specific immigration benefit like a green card or asylum. Similarly, undocumented immigrants will not have an A-Number unless they begin a formal immigration process. If you're unsure whether you should have one, reviewing your immigration documents or consulting an immigration attorney is advised.

Where Can I Find My Alien Registration Number?

You can find your Alien Registration Number on various documents mentioned above. However, you'll need to know where to find it in your specific documents. Here's where to find the Alien Registration number:

What Does an Alien Registration Number Look Like?

An Alien Registration Number is often displayed as “A#” followed by a 7–9 digit number (e.g., A# 123456789). On more recent documents, it might be formatted simply as a nine-digit number without the “A#” prefix and may appear next to or beneath labels like "USCIS#," "Registration Number," or "A-Number." Understanding this format can help you identify it more easily across different types of documents.

 Find Alien Registration Number on Green Card

On all permanent residence cards issued after May 10, 2010, the A-number is located in two places: on the front of the card next to the USCIS number and on the back of the card.

If your permanent residence green card was issued between 2004 and 2010, the A-number is listed after the ‘A#.’

 Find A-Number on an Immigrant Visa

An immigrant visa is a document that allows you to enter the United States as a permanent resident. It is also known as a visa foil or visa stamp and contains your Alien Registration Number. 

You can find your immigrant visa in your passport. To find your A-Number check the top right corner, and you'll see it next to the 'Registration Number.' 

 Find A-Number on Notice of Action

The Notice of Action is a document that USCIS sends you to update you on the status of your case. 

The Notice of Action will contain your Alien Registration Number if your application has been approved. 

To find it, look in the top right-hand corner of the document next to 'A-Number.' 

Find A-Number on an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a card that permits you to work in the United States. If you have an EAD, your Alien Registration Number will be listed on the card's front side under 'USCIS#.' 

Find A-Number on an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record 

An I-94 is a small white card you should have received when you entered the United States. The I-94 contains essential information about your stay in the country, including your Alien Registration Number. You can find it in the top right-hand corner of the card next to 'A-Number.' 

Find A-Number on USCIS Case Receipt 

If you've recently applied for an immigration benefit with the USCIS, you should have received a case receipt. This document contains your A-Number, usually located at the top right corner of the first page. 

Find A-Number on a Travel Document 

A travel document is an official document that allows you to travel outside the United States and return to the country. If you have a travel document, your Alien Registration Number will be listed on the first page under 'A-Number.' 

Find A-Number on a Refugee Travel Document 

A Refugee Travel Document is an official document allowing refugees and asylees to travel outside the United States and return to the country. If you have a Refugee Travel Document, your Alien Registration Number will be listed in the top right corner of the first page. 

Find Alien Registration Number on Naturalization Certificate

If you've been naturalized, your Alien Registration Number will be listed on your Naturalization Certificate. To find it, look in the top right-hand corner of the certificate next to 'Register Number.' 

Understanding the Difference Between your A-Number and your USCIS Case Number

Understanding the difference between your A-Number and USCIS Case Number is essential. 

Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a unique seven or eight-digit number that the Department of Homeland Security assigns to you. While the USCIS Case Number is also unique, it's assigned by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

The USCIS Case Number is different from your A-Number in that it includes letters and numbers, whereas your A-Number only contains numbers. 

For example, a typical USCIS Case Number would look like this: WAC1234567890, whereas a typical A-Number would look like 12345678. 

In summary, your A-Number is assigned by the Department of Homeland Security, and it's used to identify you as an immigrant in the United States. 

Your USCIS Case Number, on the other hand, is assigned by USCIS, and it's used to track your specific immigration case. 

Another notable distinction between the Alien Registration Number and the USCIS Case Number is what they're assigned to. 

As mentioned, the Alien Registration Number is assigned to you as an immigrant. However, the USCIS Case Number is assigned to your specific immigration case. 

For example, the USCIS will assign a case number to your application if you've applied for a green card. 

If you've applied for citizenship, the USCIS will assign a different case number to your application. 

In other words, when you apply for an immigration benefit, the USCIS will assign a new case number to your application. 

Can I Have Multiple USCIS Case Numbers but Only One A-Number?

Yes. While your A-Number stays with you throughout your immigration journey, each application or petition you file with USCIS will receive its own unique case number. For example, if you apply for a green card and later for citizenship, each application will have a different case number, but your A-Number will remain the same across all interactions with USCIS.

Is My Alien Registration Number on My Passport? If so, Where Is It?

Whether your Alien Registration Number is in your passport depends on where you applied to become a Permanent Resident of the United States. 

If you apply for a green card from outside the United States, your Alien Registration Number will be on your passport. As mentioned, it will be on the immigrant visa stamp in your passport.

However, your Alien Registration Number will not be in your passport if you apply for a green card from inside the United States. 

Will My Alien Registration Number Expire?

No, your Alien Registration Number will not expire. 

However, it's essential to note that your Alien Registration Card (ARC) is also known as a Green Card. And the USCIS can revoke or cancel your Green Card, but they cannot revoke or cancel your Alien Registration Number. 

What Happens if I Lose My Alien Registration Number?

If you lose your Alien Registration Number, you can contact the USCIS for help.

You can also find it on official documents, such as your green card, passport, or travel document. 

I Think My A-Number May Be Incorrect. How Can I Check?

If you think your A-Number may be incorrect, you can check by looking at your official documents, such as your green card, passport, or travel document. 

The A-Number will be listed on these documents. 

What Should I Do if My A-Number is Incorrect on My Official Documents?

If your A-Number is incorrect on your official documents, you should contact the USCIS as soon as possible to get it fixed. 

Having the correct A-Number on your official documents is crucial because it's used to identify you as an immigrant in the United States. 

How to Correct an A-Number Mistake

If your A-Number is incorrect or missing on an official document, you can correct it by submitting a written request to USCIS along with supporting documentation. In some cases, you may need to file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) or Form G-325A (Biographic Information) depending on the nature of the mistake. It's also advisable to call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or consult an immigration attorney for personalized guidance.

Why Do I Need My Alien Registration Number? 

There are a few reasons why you may need your Alien Registration Number. 

For example, you may need it to: 

  • Apply for a job
  • Travel outside the United States
  • Apply for a driver's license
  • Apply for a social security number 

As you can see, the Alien Registration Number is an integral part of life as an immigrant in the United States. 

If you have questions about your Alien Registration Number or anything related to your immigration case, get in touch with an experienced immigration lawyer today. 

Other Situations Where Your A-Number Is Required

In addition to employment, travel, and identification purposes, you may also need your Alien Registration Number to:

  • Track your immigration status online using the USCIS Case Status tool
  • Complete immigration forms such as I-130, I-485, or N-400
  • Request immigration records through a FOIA request (Freedom of Information Act)
  • Apply for public benefits in certain states (if eligible)
  • File taxes if you're applying for an ITIN or using a Social Security Number

Get a Free Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer

An Alien Registration Number is an essential part of the life of any immigrant in the US. It legitimizes your immigration status and allows you to enjoy a productive life. This is because without one you will not be able to work, study or get a driver's license in the United States. 

The application process for an Alien Registration Number can be complicated and time-consuming. This is why it's important to have an experienced immigration lawyer by your side who can guide you through the process and help you avoid any potential pitfalls. 

However, it's not about hiring an attorney but finding one that will best handle your case. For this, you need to consider the following: 

  • How experienced they are
  • How well they understand your specific situation
  • Their professionalism
  • How well they communicate
  • Whether they'll be committed to your case

It's only by considering such factors that you can get a reliable immigration attorney. But as you may know, finding the ideal attorney can be challenging.

This is where UpCounsel comes into play. UpCounsel is a platform that makes it easy for you to find and hire the best attorneys. We only work with top-rated lawyers with the expertise and experience to handle immigration cases. 

Moreover, our platform makes it easy for you to compare different lawyers so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. 

If you're ready to get started, post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. Within 24 hours, you'll receive proposals from experienced immigration lawyers ready to help you with your case.

Post your job today to have all your immigration, and Alien Registration Number needs to be sorted by a highly-rated immigration lawyer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my A-Number on the USCIS online account? Yes, if you’ve linked your application to your USCIS online account, your A-Number may be listed in your account profile or associated case documents.

Does every non-citizen get an A-Number automatically? No. Only individuals who interact with the immigration system through specific applications (like for green cards, asylum, or adjustment of status) receive one.

Is the A-Number confidential? Yes. Your Alien Registration Number is considered sensitive information and should only be shared with trusted government agencies or legal professionals.

Can I apply for a green card without an A-Number? Yes. If you do not yet have an A-Number, one will be assigned to you once your application is accepted and processed.

What’s the difference between an A-Number and an I-94 number? Your A-Number is a permanent ID issued by USCIS. The I-94 number, however, is a temporary admission record number given to travelers when they enter the U.S., and it can change with each entry.

You should contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible if you have questions or concerns about your Alien Registration Number or immigration status. An experienced lawyer can offer guidance and support throughout the process.

If you need more information on immigration, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.