Registration Requirement for Foreign Nationals – Effective April 11, 2025
Starting April 11, 2025, all foreign nationals who meet certain criteria must register with the U.S. government. This would apply to many of the snowbird travelers to the U.S. who typically spend time in southern United States in the winter months. Failure to comply may result in fines and/or imprisonment. If registration is required, individuals must carry proof of registration at all times and present it to law enforcement if requested. Below provides general information to help determine if registration is necessary and how to register. General information can be found on the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration. For specific questions, we recommend consulting an attorney, we are happy to help!
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Am I Required to Register?
Q: Will you be in the U.S. for 30 days or more?
- Yes: You must register. Continue to the next question.
- No: You do not need to register. Consult an attorney if you have further questions.
Q: Are you 14 years of age or older?
- Yes: You must register.
- No: Your parent or legal guardian is responsible for registering you.
You must re-register within 30 days of turning 14.
How Do I Register?
Q: Do you have any of the following valid documents after entering the U.S.?
- I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home)
- Border Crossing Card
- Notice to Appear in Immigration Court (NTA)
- I-551 Stamp or Green Card (LPR card)
- I-765 EAD
- Admission or parole stamp in your passport
- Yes: You are already registered.
- No: You must complete Form G-325R via your https://my.uscis.gov/ account.
Biometrics Appointment
If you register by submitting Form G-325R, you will be scheduled for a Biometrics Appointment. You are not considered fully registered until you complete this appointment. Watch for your Biometrics Appointment Notice, which should be sent to your https://my.uscis.gov/ account.
Canadian citizens entering as visitors under the visa exemption rule do not need to attend a biometrics appointment. Registration will be considered complete once Form G-325R is submitted.
Individuals who entered the U.S. under the Jay Treaty are exempt from the registration requirement.
What Is Considered Proof of Registration?
Proof of registration may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- I-94
- Border Crossing Card
- Notice to Appear in Immigration Court
- I-551 Stamp or Green Card
- I-765 EAD
- Admission or parole stamp
- Certificate of Registration or Alien Registration Receipt Card (available through your myUSCIS account after completing Form G-325R)
If you are over 18, you must carry proof of registration at all times. You should consult an attorney to ensure that you are properly registered and have the correct proof of registration.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Failure to carry proof of registration: A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, up to 30 days in prison, or both.
- Failure to register: A fine of up to $5,000, up to 6 months in prison, or both.
- Fraudulent statements on a registration: Criminal prosecution and possible deportation upon conviction.
- Parents: Responsible for registering children under 14 and may face penalties for non-compliance.
The registration requirement and proof of registration may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is important for snowbirds and visitors alike to properly understand the requirements of this new policy. If your questions are not addressed in this guide, consult an immigration attorney. While we assist clients with the registration process, please note that USCIS does not allow attorneys to access Form G-325R.
Are you a snowbird looking for assistance with this new registration process? Pilkington Immigration can ease the stress of registration. Schedule a consult today to discuss our fees and services!