— Key Takeaways
- An alien registration number (A-Number) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by USCIS or other immigration agencies to noncitizens.
- You can find it on your green card, EAD, visa stamp, I-94, approval notices, and other immigration documents.
- The A-Number is not the same as your USCIS online account number or receipt number.
- If you cannot find your A-Number, you can file a FOIA request or consult an immigration attorney.
- Your A-Number is used on virtually every immigration form and stays with you throughout the immigration process.
If you have ever applied for an immigration benefit, attended a visa interview, or received a green card, you have likely come across the term “alien registration number” or “A-Number.” This nine-digit number is a unique identifier assigned by the U.S. government to noncitizens, and it plays a critical role in virtually every immigration application and process.
Despite its importance, many people do not know what their A-Number is, where to find it, or how it differs from other immigration numbers. This guide provides a complete explanation of the alien registration number—what it is, who gets one, where to locate it on your immigration documents, and why it matters.
What Is an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?
An alien registration number, commonly referred to as an “A-Number”, is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to noncitizens by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It typically appears in the format A-XXX-XXX-XXX.
Think of it as your personal immigration identification number. It is used to track your immigration history, applications, and benefits. Once assigned, your A-Number stays with you for life—it does not change if you file additional applications, change your immigration status, or even become a U.S. citizen.
Who Gets an A-Number?
Not every foreign national in the United States has an A-Number. An A-Number is typically assigned when a noncitizen:
- Becomes a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
- Is placed in removal (deportation) proceedings
- Receives an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Is granted asylum or refugee status
- Files certain immigration applications, such as Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
- Is issued a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. consulate (in some cases)
- Has been previously encountered by U.S. immigration authorities
If you are a temporary visitor (such as a tourist or business visitor on B-1/B-2 status) who has never filed an immigration application, you may not have an A-Number. However, if you have ever been fingerprinted by USCIS or encountered by CBP or ICE, you may have been assigned one.
Where to Find Your A-Number
Your A-Number can appear on many different immigration documents. Here is where to look:
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
On your green card, the A-Number is printed on the front of the card. On current-generation green cards, it is labeled “USCIS#” and appears near your photograph and personal information. On older green card formats, it may be labeled differently but is still a nine-digit number starting with “A.”
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
On your EAD card, the A-Number is listed under the “USCIS#” field on the front of the card.
Visa Stamp in Your Passport
If you have a U.S. visa stamp in your passport, your A-Number may appear on the visa foil. It is typically listed in the lower right portion of the visa stamp, though the exact location can vary by visa type and issuance date.
Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
Your I-94 record may include your A-Number. You can retrieve your electronic I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
Approval Notices (Form I-797)
If you have received an approval notice for an immigration petition or application, the A-Number often appears on the I-797 notice, typically near the top of the document.
Other Immigration Documents
Your A-Number may also appear on:
- Immigration court documents (Notice to Appear)
- USCIS correspondence and decision notices
- Refugee or asylum documentation
- Prior immigration applications or receipts
Format of the A-Number
The A-Number is a nine-digit number preceded by the letter “A.” For example: A-123-456-789. Some older A-Numbers may have fewer than nine digits. If your A-Number has fewer than nine digits, you can add leading zeros to make it nine digits when entering it on forms (e.g., A-12345678 becomes A-012-345-678).
When entering your A-Number on immigration forms, include all nine digits. Some forms ask you to omit the “A” prefix and enter only the numbers.
A-Number vs. Other Immigration Numbers
The immigration system uses several different identification numbers, and it is easy to confuse them. Here is how the A-Number differs from other common numbers:
| Number Type | Description |
| Alien Registration Number (A-Number) | Your unique 9-digit number; identifies you across all immigration interactions |
| USCIS Online Account Number | A 12-digit number associated with your uscis.gov online account; not the same as your A-Number |
| Receipt Number | A 13-character code (3 letters + 10 numbers) on your I-797 notice that tracks a specific application or petition |
| Visa Number (Visa Foil Number) | The red number printed on your visa stamp in your passport; identifies that specific visa issuance |
| I-94 Number | Your arrival/departure record number; assigned each time you enter the U.S. |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | Issued by the Social Security Administration for tax and employment purposes; not an immigration number |
Why Your A-Number Is Important
Your A-Number is used throughout the immigration process for several critical purposes:
- Tracking your immigration record: USCIS uses your A-Number to link all of your immigration applications, petitions, and history into a single file.
- Filing immigration forms: Most USCIS forms ask for your A-Number. Providing the correct number ensures your new application is linked to your existing record.
- Background and security checks: Your A-Number is used to verify your identity and conduct security screenings.
- Immigration court proceedings: If you are in removal proceedings, your A-Number identifies your case in immigration court.
- Employment verification: Employers may use your A-Number (as shown on your green card or EAD) for employment eligibility verification on Form I-9.
What to Do If You Cannot Find Your A-Number
If you cannot locate your A-Number on any of your documents, you have several options:
- Check all immigration documents carefully. Look at every approval notice, receipt, card, and document you have received from USCIS, an embassy, or immigration court.
- Log into your USCIS online account. If you have a USCIS online account, your A-Number may be visible there.
- Contact USCIS. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request your A-Number.
- File a FOIA request. You can submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to USCIS to obtain a copy of your immigration file, which will include your A-Number.
- Consult an immigration attorney. An attorney can help you locate your A-Number or obtain it from USCIS on your behalf.
How the A-Number Is Used in Immigration Applications
Nearly every immigration form asks for your A-Number. Here are some common forms where you will need to provide it:
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
- Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
- Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence)
- Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)
If you do not have an A-Number (because one has not yet been assigned to you), you can leave that field blank or write “N/A” on the form. USCIS will assign you an A-Number when they process your application.
How Bay Legal, PC Can Help
Navigating the immigration process can be complex and stressful. At Bay Legal, PC, we provide personalized guidance to help you understand your options, prepare thorough applications, and respond to any issues that arise during processing. Our experienced immigration attorneys work closely with each client to develop the strongest possible case.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation:
- Phone: (650) 668-8000
- Email: intake@baylegal.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an alien registration number?
An alien registration number (A-Number) is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned by USCIS, ICE, or CBP to noncitizens in the United States. It is used to track immigration history, applications, and benefits.
2. Where is the A-Number on my green card?
On current green cards, the A-Number is displayed on the front of the card under the label “USCIS#.” It is a nine-digit number near your photo and personal information.
3. Is my A-Number the same as my USCIS account number?
No. Your A-Number is a nine-digit number that identifies you in the immigration system. Your USCIS online account number is a separate 12-digit number associated with your uscis.gov account.
4. Does my A-Number ever change?
No. Once assigned, your A-Number remains the same for life—regardless of status changes, new applications, or even naturalization.
5. What if I do not have an A-Number?
If you have never filed an immigration application or been encountered by U.S. immigration authorities, you may not have an A-Number. You can leave the A-Number field blank on your first immigration form, and USCIS will assign one to you.
6. Can I look up my A-Number online?
You may be able to find your A-Number by logging into your USCIS online account. Otherwise, you can check your immigration documents or contact the USCIS Contact Center.
7. Is the A-Number the same as a Social Security Number?
No. The A-Number is an immigration identification number assigned by USCIS. The Social Security Number (SSN) is assigned by the Social Security Administration for tax and employment purposes. They are completely separate systems.
8. What format is the A-Number?
The A-Number is a nine-digit number preceded by the letter “A” — for example, A-123-456-789. If your number has fewer than nine digits, add leading zeros to fill it out.
9. Can someone else use my A-Number?
Your A-Number is unique to you and should not be shared unnecessarily. Protect it like you would any other personal identification number to prevent identity theft or fraud.
10. Do tourists get an A-Number?
Generally, no. Tourists and other temporary visitors who do not file immigration applications typically do not receive an A-Number. However, if you are encountered by immigration authorities or file any immigration paperwork, you may be assigned one.
Attorney Advertising. This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each immigration case is unique, and results will depend on the specific facts of your situation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For personalized legal guidance, contact Bay Legal, PC. Principal Office: Jayson Elliott, Esq., Bay Legal, PC, 667 Lytton Ave Suite 3, Palo Alto, CA 94301.
