Beginning April 11, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service will enforce provisions requiring all non-U.S. citizens over age 14 register and be fingerprinted if they are in the U.S. for at least 30 days and have not completed these processes through a visa application or other immigration application. While these regulations are not new, they have rarely been enforced.
Who is Exempt?
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
- Non-U.S. citizens who meet any of the following:
- In the U.S. for less than 30 days
- Enter using the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
- Adult who was issued an I-94 at entry into the U.S. (available online(goes to new website)(opens in a new tab))
- Fingerprinted pursuant to a visa application
- Fingerprinted pursuant the filing of a green card application
- Have a Border Crossing Card
- Have an Employment Authorization Document
Who Must Register?
- Non-U.S. citizens who will remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more and did not complete the registration/fingerprinting process pursuant to an ESTA or visa application
- ALL non-U.S. citizen children who turn 14 years old must update their registration and be fingerprinted within 30 days after their 14th birthday
- Non-U.S. citizen children under age 14 who were not registered and fingerprinted pursuant to ESTA or a visa application and will remain in the U.S. for at least 30 days (these individuals are required to register, but do not have to be fingerprinted until they turn 14)
- Canadians who entered by land and were not issued an I-94
- Green card holders who obtained their green card before they were 14 years old must complete registration and fingerprinting by renewing their green card
How Do I Register?
- Create a USCIS online account at: my.uscis.gov(goes to new website)(opens in a new tab). A separate account must be created for each family member, including each child.
- Complete and submit Form G-325R, which is available to complete and submit through the account. Download proof of registration to carry.
- Submission of the G-325R will trigger the scheduling of a Biometric Services Appointment. At this time, there is no fee. (Fingerprints are not required for Canadians or for children under age 14.)
- Proof of registration and fingerprinting must be carried at all times. (If exempt, individuals should carry documentation such as an I-94 printout, green card, or Employment Authorization Document.)
Penalties
- Failure to register and be fingerprinted (a criminal offense) can result in a fine of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months. This applies to parents/guardians of children who fail to comply.
- Failure to carry proof of registration for those who are 18 or older (a criminal offense) could result in a fine of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment of up to 30 days.
- Failure to change address could result in a fine of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment of up to 30 days. This is both a criminal and deportable offense.
