Your alien registration number is the foundational identifier assigned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to track your immigration case. This unique, seven-character code—starting with a letter and followed by numbers—is attached to every form you file and every record the agency maintains. Losing this number can delay applications, complicate employment verification, and cause unnecessary stress, making it essential to know exactly where to find alien registration number details quickly and accurately.
What the Alien Registration Number Is and Why It Matters
Formally known as the A-number, the alien registration number serves as the primary key for your immigration history in the USCIS database. It appears on nearly every official document you receive from immigration authorities, from your green card to approval notices. Because government agencies, employers, and academic institutions routinely request this identifier, understanding where to find alien registration number information streamlines verification and prevents administrative delays.
Locate It on Your Permanent Resident Card
For most permanent residents, the easiest place to find alien registration number details is on the front of their Green Card. The A-number is printed clearly above the card number in the top-right section of the card. It typically appears as a letter followed by seven or eight digits, making it straightforward to locate without additional documentation.
Green Card Format Variations
Newer card designs and legacy versions may display the number slightly differently, but the location remains consistent. On cards issued after 2020, the A-number is in the same position, ensuring continuity for scanning and manual checks. If you are unsure whether you are looking at the correct field, compare the label “REGC NO” or “A-NUM” printed near the card’s barcode.
Find It on Your Form I-797 Approval Notice
If you are waiting for a decision on an application or did not yet receive a Green Card, your alien registration number appears on the Form I-797, the official approval notice issued by USCIS. On this document, the A-number is listed under “A-Number” or “USCIS Number” in the header section. This is a reliable source when you do not have physical proof of permanent residency.
I-797 Format Clarity
Each I-797 includes a unique case number that doubles as the alien registration number for the underlying applicant. Whether you are reviewing a Notice of Action or a Decision Notice, the code is positioned near the top of the form, just below the USCIS office information. Keeping a digital or printed copy of this page ensures quick access during interviews or job onboarding.
Check Your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Nonimmigrants and certain immigrants can locate their A-number on the electronic Form I-94, the record of admission maintained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. While the paper version may not always display the number, the online I-94 history page often includes the alien registration number in the biographical details section.
Accessing the I-94 Online
To retrieve the number, visit the official CBP I-94 website, enter your name and passport details, and review the admission record. The A-number, if assigned, appears alongside your status and admission date. This source is particularly useful for individuals who have recently entered the United States and do not yet have a Green Card.
Check Existing Immigration Documents and Correspondence
Beyond the most common forms, the alien registration number appears on a wide range of immigration-related documents. These include employment authorization documents, change of status receipts, and visa stamps. Reviewing past correspondence from USCIS or the Department of State often reveals the A-number in the subject line or case summary.
