How to Register with USCIS Under the New 2025 Immigrant Registration Rule

Key Takeaways

• New 2025 Immigrant Registration Rule requires certain undocumented individuals to register online with USCIS starting April 11, 2025.
• Registration does not provide legal status, protection from removal, or work authorization—only creates a government record.
• Adults over 18 must carry proof of registration; failure to comply may result in fines or prosecution.

From April 11, 2025, some people in the United States 🇺🇸 must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) because of a new federal rule called the 2025 Immigrant Registration Rule. This guide explains who needs to register, how you do it, and what you need to watch out for. The steps and advice below come directly from official government rules released as of April 2025. It is always important to check your own situation before doing anything.

Why Does the New Registration Rule Matter?

The new Immigrant Registration Rule means that people who haven’t already given their full biographic details to U.S. authorities now need to do this. This helps the government keep records about everyone living in the country. But it does not give you legal immigration status or protect you from being removed from the U.S. 🇺🇸.

The rule mostly affects people who entered without inspection, came over the border without a visa, those with Temporary Protected Status, people granted certain types of deferred action, and some children as they turn 14. The process is quite different from past procedures, with a focus on online forms and collecting fingerprints.

Who Must Register With USCIS?

You must register under the new 2025 Immigrant Registration Rule if you:

• Entered the U.S. 🇺🇸 without official inspection, such as crossing a border without speaking to an officer or getting paperwork.
• Came into the country and did not get a Form I-94 or other entry document.
• Live in the U.S. 🇺🇸 now under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), DACA, or some other deferred action, but never got a visa, paper, or fingerprinted.
• Were never fingerprinted by immigration officials.
• Are going through removal (deportation) proceedings, but you weren’t registered before.
• Just turned 14 (or are the guardian of a child who just turned 14 and fits the rules).
• Have a child aged under 14 who has been in the U.S. 🇺🇸 for more than 30 days and isn’t registered.

Many people think that having any official document means you don’t need to do this, but that’s not true. If you never got a visa, I-94, or were not fingerprinted, it’s likely you must register.

Who is Exempt (Does Not Need to Register)?

You do not need to register again if you:

• Have already applied for a green card (permanent residence).
• Have a valid visa right now.
• Received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• Entered the country and were given Form I-94 or I-94W at the port of entry.

This means most people who went through formal channels, got their fingerprints taken, or were given essential documents after entry do not have to register under the new rule.

Step-By-Step Guide to Registering Under the 2025 Immigrant Registration Rule

The following steps explain exactly what to do. Read each one fully before you begin so you can avoid common errors.

Step 1: Create Your USCIS Account

What to Do:
Go to the USCIS website for online accounts and create an account using your email address. You must use your own information. If you are under 14, a parent or guardian should create and manage the account for you. This process can be done in about 10-15 minutes if you have internet access and an email.

Tips:
– Use an email you check often because USCIS will send important messages to this address.
– Write down your password somewhere safe.
– Parents should keep all login details safe until the child turns 14.

Note: You cannot register in person or by mail. The process is only online.

Step 2: Complete Form G-325R Online

What to Do:
Once your online account is set up, fill out Form G-325R (“Biographic Information – Registration”) directly through your USCIS account. This form is not available for download or printing—everything is done online.

You will need to provide:
– Full legal name (first, middle, last)
– Countries of birth and citizenship
– Date of birth
– Past and present addresses
– Immigration history (how you arrived, what type of visa or paper you had, if any)
– Length of stay in the U.S. 🇺🇸
– Family member information (spouse, children, parents)
– Information about any arrests or criminal record, if you have one

Caution:
Answer all the questions honestly. Lying on this form may lead to penalties or possible criminal charges.

Tips:
– Take your time filling out the form. Double-check spelling and dates.
– If you are not sure about an answer, ask a qualified immigration attorney for help.
– Get all papers ready before you start (such as past addresses, passport, and other identification).

Note: There is no paper or mail-in version of Form G-325R. The only way to submit is online.

Step 3: Attend Biometrics Appointment (If Required)

What to Do:
After you finish Form G-325R and submit it, most people will receive an appointment notice from USCIS for biometrics. This means you’ll need to go to a local USCIS Application Support Center so the agency can take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. These are used for background checks.

Time Estimate:
This notice usually arrives within 2-6 weeks after submitting the form, but it can come sooner or later. The appointment itself often takes less than 30 minutes.

Special Rules for Children:
– Children under 14 do not need to attend the fingerprinting appointment now.
– When a child turns 14, they must re-register and go for biometrics within 30 days after their birthday.

Tips:
– Bring your appointment letter and identification to the biometrics appointment.
– Get there early; missing your appointment can delay the process or require you to reschedule.

Note:
If you have any history with law enforcement (arrests, tickets), bring details with you. This can help you answer any questions if asked during the check.

Step 4: Download Proof of Registration

What to Do:
Once biometrics and form review are done, USCIS will put a “Proof of Alien Registration” document in your online account. You can download and print this paper.

Time Estimate:
It may take 2–8 weeks after biometrics, depending on each case.

Important:
– Adults over 18 must carry this document with them at all times, as required by federal law. If an officer asks, you must show it.
– Children under 18 do not have to carry this proof, but parents should keep it safe.

Tips:
– Print several copies to keep in different safe places.
– Save an electronic copy in your email, phone, or cloud storage.

Ongoing Requirements and Deadlines

• No broad deadline for most people: As of April 2025, the government hasn’t announced a national cut-off date. Still, you should register as soon as possible, since waiting too long may cause problems.
• Children turning 14: Must register and complete biometrics within 30 days after turning 14.
• Change of address: You must update your address online through your USCIS account within 10 days of moving.

Failure to comply:
People who don’t register when required may face civil or criminal charges, including fines or being prosecuted.

Note: If your situation changes (like if you get a green card, leave the U.S. 🇺🇸, or receive an I-94 later), update your status in your account.

Quick Checklist: What You Need

• Access to the internet and a personal email address
• All past and current addresses in the U.S. 🇺🇸
• Documents showing your name, date of birth, and country of citizenship
• Information about when and how you arrived in the U.S. 🇺🇸
• Details of your family (spouse, children, parents)
• Any records of criminal or immigration history
• A printer or phone/computer to save registration proof

Key Warnings and Best Practices

While registering is the law for some people, it does not protect you from removal (being sent out of the country) or grant any immigration benefits. Registration is meant only for keeping government records, not for giving you legal status or work permission.

Important:
Giving all your personal information to federal officials is always risky if you do not have a legal immigration status. As reported by VisaVerge.com, some immigrant advocates warn that sharing your exact address, history, and background with USCIS could lead to immigration enforcement, including arrests or deportations.

For this reason:

• Think carefully before submitting your information.
• Strongly consider speaking to an immigration lawyer or trusted community group before you begin. They can help you find out if registration is required in your case and explain the risks.
• Keep every receipt, notice, and document from USCIS in a safe place.
• If your child is turning 14 or newly needs to register, make sure to watch for all deadlines so you remain in compliance.
• If you are a TPS or DACA recipient who has never been registered or fingerprinted, registration might apply to you.

If you are denied proof of registration or receive a warning from USCIS after you apply:

• Do not panic.
• Gather all letters and notices.
• Contact a legal support group or accredited lawyer for next steps.

If your application is denied because you are not eligible or made a mistake, you may need to try again or appeal the decision. Legal advice is strongly recommended in this situation.

Summary Table: Who Needs to Register vs. Who Does Not

Always check your own case before taking action. Special rules and policies may apply if you have a criminal record, are currently in court proceedings, or have made past immigration mistakes.

Special Points for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders

If you hold Temporary Protected Status and you were never fingerprinted or officially registered before, you may be required to register under the new rule. If you entered without a visa or were not given an I-94, even if you have TPS now, you should check to see if this rule applies to you.

Changes in U.S. 🇺🇸 rules about registration and record-keeping often affect TPS holders and others who entered without formal inspection. If you are in this group, confirm with an immigration lawyer about how this new Immigrant Registration Rule affects your situation.

For more on these requirements, you can refer to the official USCIS Alien Registration page.

What Happens After All Steps Are Complete?

Once you finish all the steps and download your proof of registration, you will not need to do anything else unless you move or your information changes. Carry your proof if you are over 18, and keep all emails and documents safe.

USCIS may contact you for updates, especially if laws change in the future. Always keep your information in your account up to date.

Where to Get More Help

• Visit national organizations with information for immigrants.
• Talk to qualified immigration attorneys before taking big steps.
• Use the USCIS website for updates and official forms. If you need to find forms like G-325R, always use government sites.

In Summary

The 2025 Immigrant Registration Rule sets new requirements for people who entered the U.S. 🇺🇸 without official permission or paperwork, as well as certain children and those with Temporary Protected Status who never registered before. Registering is required by law but does not give you immigration benefits. Make sure to check your status, get legal advice, and keep all USCIS documents. For official forms and more updates, the USCIS Alien Registration page is the best resource.

Remember, compliance is key, but so is making smart choices to protect your future and safety.

Learn Today

USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency overseeing lawful immigration and managing related documentation and processes.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A designation allowing individuals from certain countries to live and work temporarily in the U.S. due to unsafe conditions at home.
Biometrics → The process of collecting fingerprints, photographs, and signatures for identity confirmation and background checks.
Form G-325R → An online-only biographic information registration form required under the 2025 Immigrant Registration Rule.
Deferred Action → A discretionary decision by authorities to temporarily delay removal of an individual, often without granting legal status.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting April 11, 2025, some undocumented individuals in the U.S. must register online with USCIS. The process involves creating an account, submitting Form G-325R, and attending biometrics if required. Registration is for record-keeping, not legal status. Consult an immigration lawyer before registering to understand risks and requirements.
— By VisaVerge.com

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