REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS IN THE USA
1. Registration
All foreign nationals who are in the United States for 30 days or longer must be registered. In other words, the government must know about you.
You are automatically registered if:
- You were issued an I-94, even if it has expired
- You received Parole status, even if it has expired
- You have an employment authorization document
- You were issued an I-862 Notice to Appear or you are in the court system
- You received a visa
- You filed an I-485 and gave biometrics
You can see the full list of those automatically registered here.
You need to register if:
- You (your child) turned 14 after April 11, 2025. This must be done within 30 days.
- You entered the USA illegally and you have none of the items from the list above
How to register
A separate account is created for each person, including children.
If you are not sure whether you are registered or not - you can file Form G-325R. This will not harm you. USCIS will check the information and notify you if you have already met the registration requirement.
2. Notice of address change
All foreign nationals who are not U.S. citizens are required to report an address change to USCIS within 10 days.
In addition, if you are in court proceedings and/or under the supervision of ICE officers, you must also notify those agencies about your move.
Read the detailed guide about how to do this: How to change your address CORRECTLY
3. Carry documents with you
You must always carry immigration documents that confirm your status or registration:
- Green Card
- Employment Authorization Document
- I-94
- I-862 Notice to Appear
- I-797c for filing the asylum application I-589
- Proof of G-325R Registration
- any other documents confirming your status
Attention! It is not enough to simply carry an ID or a Driver License.
You are also required to carry a physical copy of the document.
Of course it is useful to have photos of your documents on your phone and that is often enough, however if you have a work permit or a green card, carrying it with you is a requirement.
4. Selective Service registration
All men permanently residing in the United States, regardless of status, ages 18 to 26, must register for Selective Service in the USA.
If you have an SSN, you can register online at https://www.sss.gov/
If you do not have an SSN, you can register at a USPS post office.
Penalties for noncompliance
1. Willful refusal to register
- fine up to $1000
- imprisonment up to 6 months
2. Failure to report a change of address
- fine up to $200
- imprisonment up to 30 days
3. Knowingly false information
- fine up to $1000
- imprisonment up to 6 months
- mandatory deportation
4. Lack of documents
- fine up to $100
- imprisonment up to 30 days
5. Forgery of registration documents
- fine up to $5000
- imprisonment up to 5 years
6. Evasion of Selective Service registration
- fine up to $250,000
- imprisonment up to 5 years
And of course, any of these violations can affect your legalization process in the USA. If you are in removal proceedings, such violations are a strong reason to detain you in Detention until the court decision is issued.
You can ask questions about these requirements in the Adaptation in the USA chat https://t.me/IGUIDE_USA_chat
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules may change. For guidance on your specific situation, always consult official sources or a qualified immigration attorney.
