Alien Registration Number - what it is

[nyfella 0]

Hello,

There seems to be no consensus on the Internet about this even though it is apparently a simple question.

I am applying for an AOS to a green card through marriage to a US citizen, I am currently in F-1 status, completing the STEM extension of my OPT.

Numerous (all) forms request my alien registration number. I have found the following answers for what I should use:

1. The A# that appears on my EAD, it starts with a 1 (which I understand means it is temporary).

2. Since the number on my EAD is temporary, I should use my I-94 number.

3. I should state "None".

4. I should state both numbers above, one next to each other.

I feel that the important thing is to be consistent across all forms. But is there any consensus as to which of the above is correct?

Thanks!

[Inky 1,111]

The I-94 number is not an A# and should not be used as such.

If you do not have one you put N/A. Don't try to use some other number or something random.

F-1 holders are not given alien registration numbers. If there is one listed on your EAD you will be given a new permanent number and should be putting N/A on your forms where it asks for A#.

[nyfella 0]

Thanks!

I am tempted to agree with you, but would like some reassurance.

For example, Cornell states "Alien Registration Number: in most cases you will use your I-94 number found on the upper left side of the I-94 card". http://www.isso.cornell.edu/immigration/f1/optinstruct.pdf

Others suggest using the A# on my EAD. http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/what-number-to-use-in-the-a-file-number-field-and--188025.html

Still, others do agree with you that I should state "none" - even though there is an A# in my EAD. http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?291610-Do-I-have-Alien-Registration-Number

Still feel the same way?

Thanks again, just want to make sure everything is perfect

[Dave&Roza 748]

Thanks!

I am tempted to agree with you, but would like some reassurance.

For example, Cornell states "Alien Registration Number: in most cases you will use your I-94 number found on the upper left side of the I-94 card". http://www.isso.corn...optinstruct.pdf

Others suggest using the A# on my EAD. http://www.avvo.com/...nd--188025.html

Still, others do agree with you that I should state "none" - even though there is an A# in my EAD. http://forums.immigr...stration-Number

Still feel the same way?

Thanks again, just want to make sure everything is perfect

The Alien Registration number is the number USCIS uses to link to your immigration file. It helps them find your information more quickly. If you do not have an A# do not put anything down. Would you put just any number down for your SSN? Same principle here. The SSN is associated to your work history and tax history just like the A# is associated with your immigration file. As a USC I do not have an A# so I put N/A. Until you receive one from the USCIS you should also put N/A. Then when USCIS issues you your A# you will put that number in. Other than the EAD do you have anything that says this is your A#?

I would put N/A in for now and when issued an A# put that number in as that number will be for your immigration file--right now you are not an immigrant.

Dave

[nyfella 0]

The Alien Registration number is the number USCIS uses to link to your immigration file. It helps them find your information more quickly. If you do not have an A# do not put anything down. Would you put just any number down for your SSN? Same principle here. The SSN is associated to your work history and tax history just like the A# is associated with your immigration file. As a USC I do not have an A# so I put N/A. Until you receive one from the USCIS you should also put N/A. Then when USCIS issues you your A# you will put that number in. Other than the EAD do you have anything that says this is your A#?

I would put N/A in for now and when issued an A# put that number in as that number will be for your immigration file--right now you are not an immigrant.

Dave

Hey, the A# is only on my EADs as far as I know. By the way, this is where I found the suggestion to put both numbers. http://internationalcenter.umich.edu/immig/fvisa/Filling%20Out%20the%20I-765%20for%20STEM.pdf

Your reasoning makes sense to me though. (Although it seems like everyone has a different approach...)

[Dave&Roza 748]

Hey, the A# is only on my EADs as far as I know. By the way, this is where I found the suggestion to put both numbers. http://international...0for%20STEM.pdf

Your reasoning makes sense to me though. (Although it seems like everyone has a different approach...)

So is your EAD about to expire? Why are you applying for EAD if you already have an EAD card? or are we talking about the AOS form which is the I-485? If you are filling out the I-765 then follow their suggestions. If you are filling out the I-485 then I would follow the suggestion to put "N/A" in the A# box and fill in the I-94 number and expiration date. I was assuming you were filling out the AOS form and not the I-765 as you stated you are filing for AOS. Always make certain the information you are looking at is for the form you are filing or the information my not be correct.

Good luck,

Dave

Edited April 15, 2012 by Dave&Roza

[nyfella 0]

So is your EAD about to expire? Why are you applying for EAD if you already have an EAD card? or are we talking about the AOS form which is the I-485? If you are filling out the I-765 then follow their suggestions. If you are filling out the I-485 then I would follow the suggestion to put "N/A" in the A# box and fill in the I-94 number and expiration date. I was assuming you were filling out the AOS form and not the I-765 as you stated you are filing for AOS. Always make certain the information you are looking at is for the form you are filing or the information my not be correct.

Good luck,

Dave

Thanks! My EAD expires in November, so I have time. I will be filing for a Green Card along with a new EAD - so I-485, I-765, I-130, etc., most of which ask for an A#.

Leaving blank seems to be what makes sense - although hard to resist putting in the number in my EAD.

[ClassyBee 19]

Thanks! My EAD expires in November, so I have time. I will be filing for a Green Card along with a new EAD - so I-485, I-765, I-130, etc., most of which ask for an A#.

Leaving blank seems to be what makes sense - although hard to resist putting in the number in my EAD.

whether you decide to write in your A# on your current EAD or write none , N/A or leave it blank is irrelevant.

when you get the NOAs for the AOS apps you will be getting a diff A# in the notice.

Edited April 15, 2012 by ClassyBee