The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires certain non-U.S. citizens (aliens) to register their presence in the United States. This article provides a step-by-step guide to the registration process, including who needs to register, how to complete Form G-325R, and the consequences of failing to comply with this requirement.

Who Must Register?

If you belong to any of the groups below, you must submit Form G-325R:

1. Aliens age 14 or older who were not registered and fingerprinted before entering the U.S. and have remained for 30 days or more
2. Parents or legal guardians must register children under 14 who have not been registered and remain in the U.S. for 30+ days
3. Any alien turning 14 years old in the U.S. who has not previously been fingerprinted, within 30 days after their birthday

Who is Already Registered?

The following individuals are already considered registered under 8 CFR 264.1(b) and do not need to submit Form G-325R:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
• Aliens paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5) (even if parole has expired)
• Nonimmigrants admitted to the U.S. who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (even if their status has expired)
• Individuals with a U.S. visa issued before their last arrival
• Aliens in removal proceedings
• Aliens with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Individuals who applied for permanent residency using Forms I-485, I-687, I-698, I-700, etc. (even if denied)
• Border Crossing Card holders

If you fall into one of these categories, you do not need to submit Form G-325R:

How to Register

Step 1: Create a USCIS Online Account

To initiate the registration process, you must first create a USCIS online account. This account is essential for completing and submitting Form G-325R electronically.

• Visit the USCIS Online Account Portal and follow the instructions to sign up.
• Each individual required to register must have their own account, including children under the age of 14.
• If you are a parent or legal guardian registering a child under 14, you must create an account on their behalf and in their name.

For detailed instructions on setting up an account, refer to the “How to Create a USCIS Online Account” guide on the USCIS website.

Step 2: Submit Form G-325R (Biographic Information Registration)

Once you have created a USCIS online account, the next step is to fill out and submit Form G-325R online.

• Form G-325R must be submitted electronically—paper submissions by mail or in person are not accepted.
• Each individual must submit their own form through their personal USCIS online account.
• If registering on behalf of a minor (under 14 years old), parents or legal guardians must submit Form G-325R through the minor's USCIS account.

Already Registered?

Before completing Form G-325R, check whether you have already registered:

• If you have been issued a Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record, DHS has already registered you.
• Aliens who turned 14 years old while living in the U.S. but were never fingerprinted must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

Step 3: USCIS Review of Form G-325R

After submission, USCIS will review the form and cross-check it with DHS records.

• If USCIS determines that you have already fulfilled the registration requirement, you will be notified, and no further action is necessary.
• If you still need to complete registration, USCIS will determine whether you must attend a biometric services appointment.

Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment (If Required)

Some applicants may be required to attend a biometric services appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) for fingerprinting and photographs.

• If biometrics are required, USCIS will notify you of the appointment date, time, and location.
• No biometric services fee is required for Form G-325R submission.
• Failure to attend a scheduled biometrics appointment may result in penalties, including potential criminal charges.

For details on what to expect, visit “Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment” on the USCIS website.

Step 5: Receive Proof of Registration

Once you complete the registration process and provide biometrics (if required), USCIS will issue Proof of G-325R Registration:

• A confirmation notice will be posted to your USCIS online account.
• You can download and print a PDF version of the notice for your records.

Exceptions to Registration

The following individuals do not need to register:

• American Indians born in Canada (under INA Section 289)
• Members of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas (under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act)

Penalties for Failing to Register

Failure to register as required under INA 266(a), 8 U.S.C. 1306(a) may result in criminal penalties:

• A fine of up to $5,000
• Imprisonment for up to 6 months
• Both fine and imprisonment

Additionally, any individual who knowingly submits false information on Form G-325R may face additional criminal charges.

If you are an alien present in the U.S. and meet the registration requirements, it is essential to complete Form G-325R through a USCIS online account. Failure to do so may lead to legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.