***THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT WHETHER YOU NEED TO REGISTER, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY.
Noncitizens who are already registered include:
Individuals paroled into the U.S. under INA § 212(d)(5) (regardless of whether their parole has expired)
Nonimmigrants issued Form I-94 or I-94W (electronic or paper)
Individuals who entered the U.S. using valid immigrant or nonimmigrant visas
Individuals placed in removal proceedings
Individuals who have been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Individuals issued Border Crossing Cards
Lawful permanent residents (green card holder)
Individuals who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I- 700 and submitted fingerprints (unless waived)
Individuals who have submitted a registration form listed under 8 CFR § 264.1(a) and provided fingerprints, even if they were not issued one of the listed documents under 8 CFR § 264.1(b)
Noncitizens required to register include:
Individuals who entered the United States without inspection or parole and have not otherwise registered
Individuals who submitted benefit requests not listed in 8 CFR § 264.1(a) (e.g., applications for Temporary Protected Status or deferred action) and were not issued one of the qualifying registration documents.
Individuals age 14 or older who were not registered or fingerprinted when applying for a visa or upon entry and who remains in the U.S. for 30 days or more
Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 years old who are in the U.S. for 30 days or longer
Individuals who turn 14 while residing in the United States must register within 30 days of their birthday.
Canadian visitors who entered at land ports of entry without being issued registration documentation
All registered noncitizens who are 18 years of age or older are required to always carry valid evidence of their registration.
Consequences of failure to carry registration documentation:
Failure to register is a misdemeanor. Any noncitizen subject to this requirement who does not comply may be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for up to 30 days, or both, for each offense.
Additionally, registered noncitizens must notify USCIS of any change of address within 10 days of moving.
Failure to do so constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
Noncompliance also renders the noncitizen deportable unless they can establish that the failure was not willful or was otherwise reasonably excusable.
If you have questions about the registration requirement, or possible applications you may be able to file, please consult with an immigration attorney.
This document does not constitute legal advice.