How To Find Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) Quickly And Accurately
The Alien Registration Number, commonly referred to as an A-Number, is a unique seven, eight, or nine-digit identification number assigned by the Department of Homeland Security to non-citizens. You can locate this number on various official immigration documents, including Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards), Employment Authorization Documents, and official correspondence issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Documents and Prerequisites for Locating Your A-Number
Before initiating your search, identify which immigration documents you possess. The A-Number is not a social security number, nor is it a visa foil number; it is a permanent identifier tied to your alien registration file. You do not need specialized equipment, but you must have access to original government-issued documentation to ensure you are capturing the correct nine-digit sequence. If you are searching on behalf of another individual, ensure you have the appropriate legal authorization to access their sensitive records.
- Essential Documentation: Valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), Employment Authorization Document (EAD/Form I-766), Immigrant Visa stamp, or an I-797 Notice of Action.
- Mandatory Prerequisites: Basic understanding of document terminology, access to the physical document or a clear high-resolution scan, and knowledge of the specific forms that contain the identifier.
- Time Requirements: If the physical document is in your possession, retrieval takes less than five minutes. If you have lost your documentation, requesting records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can take several weeks to months.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Identifying Your A-Number
Step 1: Checking Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
If you hold a physical Green Card, the A-Number is prominently displayed. On cards issued after May 2010, the A-Number is listed on the front side, typically labeled as "USCIS#." It is a nine-digit number. If your card was issued before May 2010, the A-Number is usually located on the back of the card, often preceded by the letter A.
Pro-Tip: Ensure you are not confusing the A-Number with the Receipt Number, which starts with three letters (such as EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by ten digits.
Step 2: Locating the Number on Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)
For those holding a work permit, the A-Number is found on the front of the EAD card. It is printed directly below the "USCIS#" label. If you do not see the label, look for a nine-digit sequence that does not match the expiration date or the card sequence number.
Step 3: Verifying the Number on Immigrant Visa Stamps
If you are a new arrival to the United States, your A-Number is printed on the immigrant visa stamp in your passport. Look for the label that reads "Registration Number." It will be an A followed by eight or nine digits. Note that on some older visa stamps, the A-Number may be listed as the "IV Case Number" or simply "A#."
Step 4: Extracting the A-Number from Official USCIS Correspondence
If you lack physical identification cards, review your previous correspondence from the Department of Homeland Security or USCIS. Look for the I-797 Notice of Action (such as an Approval Notice or Receipt Notice). The A-Number is almost always listed in the upper right-hand corner or the header section of these forms under the heading "A#."
Warning: Never share your A-Number with unauthorized parties. This number provides access to your sensitive immigration history and should only be provided on official government forms or to a licensed immigration attorney.
Alma Guide: Alien Registration Number (A‑number)
Technical Specifications and Document Variations
The following table outlines the location and format of the A-Number across different official documents, helping you distinguish between similar-looking identifiers.
| Document Type | Primary Label | Typical Format | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Card (Post-2010) | USCIS# | 9 digits | Front |
| Green Card (Pre-2010) | A# | A + 8/9 digits | Back |
| EAD (Work Permit) | USCIS# | 9 digits | Front |
| Immigrant Visa | Registration# | A + 8/9 digits | Passport Stamp |
| I-797 Notice of Action | A# | A + 8/9 digits | Header/Top Right |
Troubleshooting Common Identification Errors
Locating the A-Number can be confusing due to the high volume of codes on immigration forms. If you are struggling, consider these common pitfalls.
- Confusing Receipt Numbers with A-Numbers:
- Root Cause: The Receipt Number is used for tracking a specific case, whereas the A-Number is tied to your individual file.
- Actionable Fix: Look for the prefix. If the number starts with three letters (EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC), it is a Receipt Number, not your A-Number.
- A-Number Leading Zeros:
- Root Cause: Some older systems require a nine-digit format, while your A-Number may only be seven or eight digits.
- Actionable Fix: If you are inputting the number into an online system that mandates nine digits, add the necessary amount of zeros to the front of your A-Number until the nine-digit requirement is satisfied.
- Illegible or Damaged Documents:
- Root Cause: Wear and tear on physical cards can obscure small print, making the A-Number unreadable.
- Actionable Fix: If your document is damaged, log into your USCIS online account if you have one. Your A-Number is stored in your digital profile. If no digital account exists, you must file Form G-639 (Freedom of Information Act Request) to obtain a copy of your A-File.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A-Number the same as a Social Security Number?
No, the Alien Registration Number is an immigration identifier assigned by the Department of Homeland Security, while the Social Security Number is a tax and benefits identifier assigned by the Social Security Administration. They serve entirely different legal purposes and are issued by different federal agencies.
What should I do if I have lost all documents containing my A-Number?
If you have lost all official documents, you should file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request via Form G-639 to obtain your records from USCIS. Alternatively, if you have ever been represented by an immigration attorney, they may have a copy of your previous filings in their client archives.
Can I find my A-Number on my passport?
You can only find your A-Number on your passport if you have an immigrant visa stamp affixed to one of your passport pages. If you entered on a tourist or student visa, your A-Number will not be on your passport, as these classifications do not typically require permanent registration.
Does the A-Number change if I become a U.S. Citizen?
Once you naturalize and become a U.S. Citizen, you no longer utilize an A-Number for immigration purposes. The number remains in the government’s historical archives as a reference for your previous immigration status, but it becomes effectively obsolete for your daily legal and administrative affairs.
Secure Your Immigration Records Today
Ensuring you have accurate access to your A-Number is the most efficient way to manage your immigration status and facilitate future applications. If you require further assistance with your specific immigration file, consult the official USCIS website or reach out to a certified legal professional to discuss your record retrieval options.
