Registration and Fingerprinting Requirements for Foreign Nationals

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)
  • Admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants and issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired (available at cbp.gov/i94)
  • 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
• Non-U.S. citizen children who turn 14 years old after entering the United States must update their registration and be fingerprinted within 30 days after their 14^th birthday
• 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: myuscis.gov. 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.

If you have questions about who is subject to the registration and fingerprinting regulations, how to complete the process, or what documentation to carry, please contact Kerr Russell.