It can be confusing to differentiate between your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and your USCIS case number. After all, both are important identifiers used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) throughout your immigration process, both are used on USCIS forms and correspondence, and the format of both numbers looks similar.
You may have multiple USCIS case numbers if you have filed various applications, but you will have only one A-Number. Understanding your alien registration number is important because this permanent, unique identifier is a critical part of the immigration process.
In this guide to understanding your alien registration number, FileRight explains what you need to know about A-numbers if you are currently in the process of getting a case approved by USCIS. If you have any questions about which number to use on your immigration forms, read this guide to alien registration numbers before you submit that document.
What is the 9 digit alien registration number?
The 9-digit Alien Registration Number, also known as the “A-Number” or “USCIS Number,” is a unique identifier assigned by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to certain foreign nationals who interact with the agency. This number is used to track and maintain records of an individual’s immigration status, applications, and documentation.
Here are some key points about the Alien Registration Number:
- Format: The A-Number is a 9-digit number that usually appears in the format “A###-###-###.” Older A-Numbers may have fewer digits.
- Assignees: A-Numbers are assigned to foreign nationals who apply for immigration benefits, such as permanent residence (green card), work permits, or asylum. They are also assigned to individuals who are subject to deportation proceedings.
You can also find your A-number on various USCIS documents, including:
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766)
- Notice of Action (Form I-797)
- Immigrant Fee Receipt
- Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
The A-Number is a crucial identifier that foreign nationals must provide when communicating with USCIS, attending interviews, or filing immigration-related applications or petitions. Like other personal information, the A-Number should be kept confidential and only shared with trusted individuals or organizations when necessary for immigration-related purposes.
If you are a foreign national dealing with U.S. immigration matters, it is essential to locate and maintain records of your A-Number, as it will be required for various processes and communications with USCIS.
How do you read an alien registration number?
An Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is typically formatted as a 9-digit number, appearing as “A###-###-###.” Here’s how you can read and understand an A-Number:
- The letter “A”: Every A-Number begins with the letter “A,” which stands for “Alien.” This is a term used by the U.S. government to refer to foreign nationals.
- Three digits: Following the “A,” there are three digits. These digits are part of the unique identifier assigned to each individual.
- Dash: After the first three digits, there is a dash (“-“) to separate the number into more readable segments.
- Three more digits: After the dash, there are three more digits, which further contribute to the uniqueness of the identifier.
- Another dash: Following the second set of three digits, there is another dash.
- Final three digits: The final three digits complete the A-Number, making it a unique 9-digit identifier.
Here’s an example of what an A-Number would look like: A123-456-789
In some older cases, A-Numbers may have fewer than 9 digits. For instance, an older A-Number might look like this: A12-345-678. When providing your A-Number on forms or in communications with USCIS, it’s essential to include the “A” and the dashes in the correct locations to ensure accuracy.
If you have trouble locating or understanding your A-Number, you can find it on various USCIS documents, such as your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or Notices of Action (Form I-797).
How do I use my alien registration number?
Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a unique identifier assigned to you by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will use your A-Number when interacting with USCIS and for various immigration-related purposes. Here are some common situations where you will need to provide your A-Number:
- Filling out USCIS forms: Many USCIS forms, such as Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), or Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), will require you to provide your A-Number.
- Communicating with USCIS: When corresponding with USCIS via mail, phone, or online, you may be asked to provide your A-Number to help them locate your records and assist you more effectively.
- Attending USCIS interviews: When you attend interviews at USCIS offices, such as for a green card or naturalization interview, you may be asked to provide your A-Number for identification purposes.
- Checking case status: If you want to check the status of a pending application or petition online using the USCIS Case Status tool, you will need to enter your receipt number, which typically includes your A-Number.
- Obtaining or renewing immigration documents: When applying for or renewing immigration documents, such as your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), you will need to provide your A-Number.
- Interactions with other government agencies: Other U.S. government agencies, such as the Department of State (for visa applications) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), may require your A-Number for identification and verification purposes.
It’s essential to keep your A-Number confidential and secure, as it is a unique identifier tied to your immigration records. Only share your A-Number with trusted individuals or organizations when necessary for immigration-related matters.
Is the citizenship number the same as the alien registration number?
No, the citizenship number is not the same as the Alien Registration Number (A-Number). These are two distinct numbers used for different purposes by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- Assigned to foreign nationals who apply for immigration benefits, such as permanent residence (green card), work permits, or asylum.
- Used to track and maintain records of an individual’s immigration status, applications, and documentation.
- Typically a 9-digit number in the format “A###-###-###.”
- Found on various USCIS documents, such as Green Cards, Employment Authorization Documents, and Notices of Action.
Citizenship Number
- Assigned to individuals who have successfully completed the naturalization process and become U.S. citizens.
- Typically an 8-digit number, sometimes followed by a letter (e.g., 12345678 or 12345678A).
- Found on the Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550) or Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560).
- Used as proof of U.S. citizenship for various purposes, such as applying for a U.S. passport or registering to vote.
In short, the A-Number is used to identify foreign nationals throughout their immigration journey, while the citizenship number is assigned only after an individual becomes a U.S. citizen through naturalization or derivation. It’s important to use the appropriate number when filling out forms or interacting with government agencies, depending on your current status and the specific purpose of the interaction.
Do I lose my alien number when I become a U.S. citizen?
No, you do not lose your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) when you become a U.S. citizen. Your A-Number is a unique identifier assigned to you by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and remains linked to your immigration records even after you naturalize.
Here are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Permanent identifier: Once assigned, your A-Number generally remains the same throughout your immigration journey, including after you become a U.S. citizen.
- Continued use: Even as a U.S. citizen, you may still need to provide your A-Number in certain situations, such as when filling out Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification), or when applying for certain government benefits.
- A-Number on naturalization certificate: Your A-Number will be printed on your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550), which serves as proof of your U.S. citizenship.
- Citizenship number: Upon naturalization, you will also receive a unique citizenship number, which is different from your A-Number. This citizenship number is typically an 8-digit number, sometimes followed by a letter, and is found on your Certificate of Naturalization.
- Different purposes: While you will have both an A-Number and a citizenship number after naturalization, they serve different purposes. The A-Number is used to track your immigration records, while the citizenship number is used as proof of your U.S. citizenship status.
So your A-Number remains with you even after you become a U.S. citizen and will still be used in certain situations related to your immigration records. However, you will also receive a separate citizenship number upon naturalization, which will serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship status.
How do newer A-numbers differ from older ones?
Newer Alien Registration Numbers (A-Numbers) differ from older ones primarily in their format and the number of digits they contain. Here are the main differences between newer and older A-Numbers:
Newer A-Numbers
- Format: Newer A-Numbers typically follow the standard 9-digit format, appearing as “A###-###-###.”
- Consistency: The 9-digit format has been in use for several decades and is the most common format encountered today.
- Example: A123-456-789
Older A-Numbers
- Format: Older A-Numbers may have fewer than 9 digits and can vary in format.
- Variations: Some older A-Numbers may have 8 digits, appearing as “A##-###-###” or even 7 digits, appearing as “A#-###-###.”
- Rarity: Older A-Number formats are less common today, as they were assigned during earlier phases of the U.S. immigration system.
- Examples: A12-345-678 (8 digits) or A1-234-567 (7 digits)
It’s important to note that regardless of the format, both newer and older A-Numbers serve the same purpose of uniquely identifying individuals within the U.S. immigration system. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) still recognizes and uses older A-Number formats in their records.
If you have an older A-Number, it is essential to provide it accurately when filling out forms or interacting with USCIS. If you are unsure about your A-Number format, you can refer to your official immigration documents, such as your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or Notices of Action (Form I-797), where your A-Number will be listed.
