If you have ever applied for a U.S. immigration benefit, been in immigration court, or held certain immigration statuses, you may have been assigned an Alien Registration Number, commonly called an A-Number. This number is one of the most important identifiers in the U.S. immigration system, yet many immigrants are unsure what it means, where to find it, or when it is required.
Understanding your A-Number can help you avoid delays, filing errors, and serious complications in your immigration case.
What Is an Alien Registration Number?
An Alien Registration Number is a unique identification number assigned by U.S. immigration authorities to certain noncitizens. It is used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the immigration courts to track an individual’s immigration history and records.
The A-Number typically begins with the letter “A” followed by seven, eight, or nine digits. In many newer documents, the “A” may be omitted, but the number itself remains the same.
Once issued, your A-Number generally stays with you for life, even if your immigration status changes.
Who Gets an A-Number?
Not everyone who interacts with the U.S. immigration system is assigned an Alien Registration Number. An A-Number is generally issued only when the government needs a long-term way to track a person’s immigration history across multiple applications, agencies, or enforcement actions. For many immigrants, receiving an A-Number marks the point at which their case becomes part of a permanent immigration record.
Lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green card holders, almost always have an A-Number. This number is assigned either when a person adjusts status inside the United States or when they immigrate through a U.S. consulate abroad. The A-Number remains associated with them throughout their time as a permanent resident and is later used during the naturalization process if they apply for U.S. citizenship.
People who apply for adjustment of status typically receive an A-Number even before their green card is approved. USCIS uses the A-Number to track the adjustment application, supporting documents, interviews, and final decisions. If the application is approved, the same A-Number appears on the permanent resident card and continues to follow the individual through future immigration filings.
Asylum applicants and refugees are also commonly assigned A-Numbers. In asylum cases, the number may be issued when an asylum application is filed, when the case is referred to immigration court, or when asylum is granted. Refugees entering the United States through the refugee resettlement process receive an A-Number as part of their admission and later use it when applying for work authorization, permanent residence, and citizenship.
Individuals placed in removal or deportation proceedings are assigned an A-Number so their case can be tracked by immigration courts and enforcement agencies. This number appears on documents such as the Notice to Appear and is used in all court filings, hearing schedules, and immigration judge decisions. For people facing removal, the A-Number becomes a critical reference point for their entire case history.
Applicants for certain humanitarian immigration benefits also receive A-Numbers. This includes people filing self-petitions under the Violence Against Women Act, as well as applicants for U visas and T visas. Because these cases often involve multiple stages, confidentiality protections, and long processing times, the A-Number allows USCIS to maintain a consistent record across years of filings and approvals.
Individuals who have had immigration court cases or encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement may be assigned an A-Number even if they never applied for a green card or other benefit. ICE uses A-Numbers to identify individuals during enforcement actions, custody determinations, and supervision. In some cases, a person may not realize they have an A-Number until they later request their immigration records or file a new application.
By contrast, some nonimmigrant visa holders, such as tourists, business visitors, international students, or temporary workers, may never receive an A-Number at all. If their interaction with the immigration system is limited to short-term or temporary stays, the government may rely on passport numbers and visa records instead. However, if a nonimmigrant later applies for an immigration benefit such as asylum, adjustment of status, or a humanitarian visa, an A-Number is often issued at that stage.
Understanding whether you have an A-Number, and when it may have been assigned, is an important step in preparing accurate immigration filings and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Why the A-Number Is So Important
Your Alien Registration Number serves as the central link connecting all of your immigration records. U.S. immigration agencies rely on this number to review your full history, including applications you have filed, decisions that were made, prior immigration statuses, court records, and any past enforcement actions. Rather than relying solely on names or dates of birth, which can change or be shared by many people, the A-Number allows the government to accurately identify you within the system.
When an A-Number is missing, incorrect, or inconsistent across filings, it can create serious problems. Even small errors can cause applications to be delayed or routed to the wrong file. Common consequences include processing delays, requests for additional evidence, application denials, misfiled or incomplete immigration records, and confusion between individuals who have similar names, birthdates, or biographical information. These issues can take months to correct and may require legal intervention.
For individuals in removal or deportation proceedings, the A-Number is especially critical. Immigration courts use the A-Number to track hearing dates, filings, motions, and court orders. A mistake involving this number can result in missed hearings, incorrect case information, or enforcement actions based on incomplete records. Ensuring that the correct A-Number is used consistently is essential to protecting your rights and maintaining an accurate immigration record.
Where to Find Your Alien Registration Number
Many people already have an A-Number without realizing it. You can typically find it on official immigration documents, including:
- Permanent resident card (green card), where it may be labeled as “USCIS#”
- Employment Authorization Document (work permit)
- Notices of Action from USCIS, such as Form I-797
- Immigration court paperwork, including a Notice to Appear
- Asylum approval or referral notices
- Immigrant visa packets
On a green card, the A-Number is usually located on the front of the card. On USCIS notices, it is often listed near your name or case information.
A-Number vs. USCIS Online Account Number
Many people confuse the Alien Registration Number with the USCIS Online Account Number. These are not the same.
The A-Number is a long-term identifier used across agencies and cases.
The USCIS Online Account Number is created only if you file applications online and is used primarily for USCIS account management.
You may have one, both, or neither, depending on your immigration history.
Do You Need an A-Number to File Immigration Forms?
Some immigration forms require an A-Number, while others do not. If a form asks for your A-Number and you have one, it is important to provide it accurately.
If you do not have an A-Number, you should not guess or leave incorrect information. In most cases, you can leave the field blank or write “none,” depending on the form instructions.
Providing the wrong A-Number can be more harmful than leaving it empty.
What If You Lost or Cannot Find Your A-Number?
If you cannot locate your A-Number, there are several ways to recover it:
- Review past USCIS notices or immigration documents
- Check old work permits or green cards
- Contact your immigration attorney if you previously had representation
- Request a copy of your immigration file through a Freedom of Information Act request
For individuals with complex immigration histories, especially those involving immigration court or prior denials, locating the correct A-Number is critical before filing anything new.
Can One Person Have More Than One A-Number?
In theory, a person should only have one A-Number. However, duplicate A-Numbers can sometimes occur due to clerical errors or multiple filings under different names.
If you suspect that you have been assigned more than one A-Number, this should be addressed carefully. Duplicate records can cause serious delays or denials if not corrected properly.
An experienced immigration attorney can help identify and resolve these issues before they affect your case.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Something as simple as an Alien Registration Number can have significant consequences if mishandled. Many immigration delays and denials happen not because someone is ineligible, but because of missing, inconsistent, or incorrect information.
If you are applying for a green card, citizenship, asylum, or any other immigration benefit and are unsure about your A-Number, it is wise to seek legal guidance before filing.
If you have questions about your Alien Registration Number or need help with an immigration application, the team at Rebecca Black Law, P.A. is here to help. We regularly assist clients in understanding their immigration records, correcting errors, and filing strong, accurate applications.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and protect your immigration future.
