What is an A-Number?
An Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a unique 7-9 digit number assigned by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to non-citizens. This number stays with you for life and is used to manage and track your immigration records and status. It appears on all your immigration forms and petitions, linking all your documents together.
How to Write Your A-Number:
If your A-Number has less than nine digits, add zeros after the “A” and before the first digit. For example, “12345678” becomes “A012345678.”
Who gets an A-Number?
- Green Card Applicants: Anyone applying for a green card for any reason (family, employment, etc.).
- Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Those seeking asylum or admitted as refugees.
- Individuals in Removal Proceedings: Those placed in removal proceedings.
- Others: When applying for some immigration benefits, USCIS will assign an A Number. This includes the following:
- F-1 international students who obtain an Employment Authorization Document
- Applicant for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Note: Nonimmigrant Visitors: U.S.-born citizens and many nonimmigrant visitors (B1/B2 visa holders) do not get A-Numbers. They are considered short-term visitors, not permanent immigrants.
When do I get an A-Number?
Green Card Applicants in the U.S.
If you’re filing a green card from within the U.S., your A-Number will be on the receipt notice from USCIS after you file your green card application (Form I-485).
- Spouses of U.S. Citizens: Receive an A-Number about 30 days after starting the process.
- Spouses of Green Card Holders: Receive an A-Number after the I-130 petition approval and when an immigrant visa is available, roughly a year into the process.
Green Card Applicants Outside the U.S.
Receive an A-Number during your consular interview. It will be on your immigrant visa stamp and immigrant data summary.
When Placed in Removal Proceedings
An A-Number is assigned by USCIS, ICE, or CBP if one wasn’t already provided.
Where is My A-Number?
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card): Alien Registration Receipt Card, also known as a green card, is an identification card given to lawful permanent residents of the U.S. It’s proof of status and has the Alien Registration Number.
- New Green Card:
- On the front of the card, under “USCIS#”.
- On the back of the card.
[show picture with red around the A number]
- Old Green Card (2004-2010):
- Under “A#” next to A-Number on the front of the card.
[show picture with red around the A number]
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- On the front of the card.
[show picture with red around the A number]
Immigrant Visa
- As the “Registration Number” in the top right of the visa stamp in your passport.
[show picture with red around the A number]
Notice of Action (Form I-797C): A Notice of Action (Form I-797C) is a form sent by USCIS to inform you of the status of your immigration application or petition. It can be a receipt notice, appointment notice, approval notice, or request for evidence. Not all Notices of Action have an A-Number. When they do, it’s usually labeled as “USCIS#” and in the top right corner.
[show picture with red around the A number]
Immigrant Data Summary: is a form given to applicants who have applied for their immigrant visa or green card, through consular processing. This document is usually stapled to the top of the immigrant visa package. The A-Number is at the top of the summary, under “A-Number”.
[show picture with red around the A number]
Immigrant Fee Handout: The USCIS Immigrant Fee Handout is given to you at your consular interview and has instructions on how to pay the USCIS immigrant fee. This document has your A-Number at the top right, under “Alien Registration Number”.
[show picture with red around the A number]
Summary
- Unique Identifier: Your A-Number is your unique ID in the immigration system.
- Multiple Documents: Found on work permits, visas, green cards, approval notices, etc.
- Noncitizens: All noncitizens applying for or receiving immigration benefits get an A-Number.
- Consistent Usage: Used throughout the immigration process.
What do I use my A-Number for?
- Immigration Benefits: Whenever you apply for immigration benefits like a green card or asylum, you will include your A-Number on the application forms.
- Check the Status of Your Case: Whether you’re waiting to hear back from USCIS or tracking your immigration journey, your Alien Registration Number allows you to access your case information.
- Other Services and Benefits: Your A-Number is also needed when you are dealing with other government agencies or accessing certain services and benefits. Think of it as your official proof of being in the U.S. It may be required when you’re getting things like a driver’s license, social security number or any other important documents to handle your business here smoothly.
- Identifying and Tracking Purposes: Your A-Number is used for identification, tracking immigration records, and monitoring illegal activities or criminal records.
Note: The A-Number does not change even if you change status or switch to a different type of immigrant visa. It has no expiration date and will remain valid regardless of your immigration status.
Lost Your Alien Registration Number?
Don’t worry if you lost your Alien Registration Number! Here’s what you can do to get it:
- Check Your Documents: First, go through all your immigration related documents. Your A-Number might be on your green card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or previous USCIS notices.
- Contact USCIS:
- Customer Service: Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and follow the prompts to speak with a representative. They may be able to help you locate your A-Number if you provide your personal information and case details.
- Infopass Appointment: Schedule an appointment at your local USCIS office through InfoPass. Bring any documents you have and be prepared to verify your identity.
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request: If other methods fail, you can file a FOIA request to obtain your A-Number. Instructions for filing a FOIA request can be found on the USCIS website.
A-Number vs. Other Identifiers
Common Questions About A-Numbers
What is an A-File?
An A-File (Alien File) is a comprehensive record maintained by immigration authorities containing all documentation related to a noncitizen’s interactions with immigration services. This includes applications, petitions, records of interactions with USCIS, visas, photographs, and correspondence. The system was introduced by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) starting April 1, 1944.
History of A-Files and Genealogy Research
The Alien Registration Act of 1940: In response to World War II, Congress mandated that all noncitizens aged 14 and older who planned to stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days register with the INS. Registration involved filling out a form, providing fingerprints, and was later used to issue a registration number, initially known as the Alien Registration Number or A-Number.
Issuance of Registration Numbers
- Initial Registration: Each registration form was stamped with a number.
- Proof of Registration: Noncitizens received a registration card that served as proof and included their registration number, which evolved into the A-Number.
Historical Alien Registration Card Receipt
Noncitizens received a receipt card displaying their registration number, now known as the A-Number. This card was an early version of today’s Green Card (Form I-551)
The First A-Number
The A-Number sequence began at 1,000,000. Anna Lapidus, a 48-year-old immigrant from Russia, was the first to receive this number in 1940, though her A-File was not created until 1944 when the INS implemented the system.
Post-War Records Management
- Need for System Reorganization: After World War II, INS faced the challenge of managing over 300,000 cubic feet of files spread across multiple systems.
- Transition to Individual-Based System: To improve efficiency, the INS microfilmed older records, transferred some to the National Archives, and adopted a system where each immigrant had a single file containing all their documents, starting April 1, 1944.
A-Files Evolution
- Introduction of A-Files: New immigrants received an A-File for their records, and existing immigrants were assigned A-Files when they next interacted with the INS. Earlier files were often consolidated into the new A-File.
- Modernization: USCIS continues to evolve the system with electronic records, enhancing security, cost-effectiveness, and case processing efficiency.
Who Had an A-File Below 8 Million?
A-Files below eight million were opened for:
- Immigrants arriving between April 1, 1944, and May 1, 1951.
- Reopened cases of immigrants registered through the Alien Registration Program.
- Other purposes, including criminal investigations.
A-Files Today
- Current Holdings: A-Files below 8 million are a small fraction of the over 60 million A-Files held by USCIS. Inactive files are stored in various locations, with many held by USCIS.
- Retention and Access: Since 2009, A-Files are designated for permanent retention, and over 350,000 have been transferred to the National Archives (NARA). Researchers can access these files via the National Archives Online Public Access (OPA) Catalog.
A-Files Research
- Content: A-Files offer a wealth of biographical information and modern immigration documents, including visas, photographs, applications, affidavits, and correspondence.
- Indexing: Files are indexed by name, date of birth, place of birth, and sometimes port and date of arrival, INS district, and other details.
Avoiding Common Issues with A-Files
Common Issues with A-Files
- Index Search Issues: Indexes may not always capture all relevant details.
- Record Request Issues:
- A-Files below eight million can be requested through a Genealogy Record Request.
- A-Files above 8 million require a request through the USCIS Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Program.
- Processing Times: Retrieval can take longer due to off-site storage.
- Privacy Restrictions: Files may contain sensitive information about third parties, which may be redacted.
Finding an A-File Number
Researchers might find A-Numbers in an immigrant’s personal papers or court naturalization records. A-Numbers for deceased individuals below eight million can be obtained by submitting an Index Search Request using Form G-1041.
A-Files Image Gallery
The A-Files Image Gallery provides examples of the contents of an A-File. Some information may be redacted for privacy.
Anna Lapidus and A-File 1000000
Anna Lapidus’s A-File, created as A-File 1000000, was consolidated in 1951. Despite being the first number in sequence, her file was established seven years after the first A-Files.
Not much is known about Anna beyond her registration record. Census records show she and her husband Samuel lived in Elizabeth where she continued to work in the garment industry. She did not naturalize and passed away in 1974. In USCIS history she is the first A-File.
Note: USCIS no longer uses the term “alien” for noncitizens in the U.S. This term is used here in a historical context referring to specific laws, forms and events.
Sample of Historic AR Form for Anna Lapidus
The Alien Registration Form A-1000000 for Anna Lapidus is the “first” A-File in the sequence.’
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NARA Holdings (as of November 2023)
- Kansas City: Over 1,300,000 A-Files for individuals born in 1920 and prior.
- San Francisco: Over 300,000 A-Files for similar cases, primarily from the INS-Honolulu and INS-San Francisco District Offices.
Research and Access
- Online Catalog: Researchers can search the National Archives Catalog to locate A-Files.
- Viewing Files: Files can be viewed in person at the National Archives in Kansas City or San Francisco by appointment. Copies can be ordered for a fee.
Information Required: To request an A-File, you need the individual’s complete name, National Archives Identifier, and Alien Registration number. Optional details such as date and place of birth and date of entry into the U.S. can help confirm the correct file.
Requesting Copies
- Kansas City:
- Email: Afiles.KansasCity@nara.gov
- Mail: National Archives at Kansas City, Attn: A-Files Request, 400 W. Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Fax: (816) 268-8038
- San Francisco:
- Email: sanbruno.archives@nara.gov
- Mail: National Archives at San Francisco, Attn: A-Files Request, Leo J. Ryan Federal Building, 1000 Commodore Drive, San Bruno, CA 94066
- Fax: (650) 238-3510
Fees:
- Mail Order Services:
- A-Files with a date of birth prior to 1890: $27.00
- A-Files with a date of birth 1890 or after: $40.00
- On-Site Service:
- Self-service paper copies: $0.25 per copy
Public Information Status
A-Files become public records and available through NARA 100 years after the immigrant’s year of birth. Until then, they are restricted and accessible only by the individual or authorized parties.
Research Value of A-Files
- Comprehensive Data: A-Files provide extensive biographical and historical data, including documents and details from birth through final immigration actions.
- Unique Information: A-Files may offer exclusive information not found elsewhere, such as employer addresses, photographs, and foreign birth certificates.
How to Request an A-File
To request an A-File, provide:
- Required Information: Full name, National Archives Identifier, Alien Registration Number.
- Optional Information: Date and place of birth, date of entry into the U.S.
Requests can be made via email, postal mail, or fax to the appropriate National Archives field office.
Need Help Navigating Your A-Number or Immigration Process?
Understanding and managing your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is crucial for a smooth immigration journey. If you have questions or need assistance with your immigration status, our experienced team at Herman Legal Group is here to help. Contact us today at 1-216-696-6170 to schedule a consultation and get expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Need Help Navigating Your A-Number or Immigration Process?
Understanding and managing your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is crucial for a smooth immigration journey. If you have questions or need assistance with your immigration status, our experienced team at Herman Legal Group is here to help.
Contact us today at 1-216-696-6170 to schedule a consultation and get expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.
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