New Department of Homeland Security guidance posted on February 25, 2025 now requires young nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to "re-register" with the immigration service (US Citizenship & Immigration Services-USCIS) within 30-days of their 14th birthday, even if previously registered when entering the country. This may affect, for example, F-2, J-2, H-4 dependents and even some young F-1/J-1 students who entered the US before age 14 who have not traveled abroad and re-entered the US since they were under 14.
Most nonimmigrants (for example, F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1, etc. as well as their accompanying dependents) who were aged 14 or over when they entered the United States were likely already registered with the U.S. government when they first arrived. When you receive a visa at a US consulate abroad, are inspected at a US port of entry, and receive a Form I-94 (either on paper or electronically), this automatically counts as your registration, and you will not have to re-register under this new registration program. You can check any of your dependents’ I-94 record here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home
Current visa holders (including visa-exempt Canadian citizens) will generally not need to re-register if:
- You entered the U.S. at age 14 or older; and
- You received an I-94 form when you entered
How To Know If You Are Already Registered
The USCIS Alien Registration Requirement page contains a subsection that gives details on How to Determine If you are Already Registered. If a dependent who has recently turned 14 (or will be turning 14-years of age prior to any planned international travel) needs to register based on the USCIS questionnaire linked above, complete instructions are provided on how to do so. Please contact with Office of Global Affairs with any additional questions.
Carrying Proof Admission and Immigration Status
Additionally, U.S. immigration law requires all immigrants and non-immigrants to carry documentation of their lawful registration as foreign nationals while in the United States, including whenever traveling domestically or just going about daily life. Failure to carry the required documentation could result in criminal or civil penalties. It is recommended that you carry hard copy printouts of documentation demonstrating compliance with the foreign national registration requirement at all times. Acceptable identity documents include a copy of an unexpired passport or driver’s license, as well as the following based on your particular status:
- F-1 students: Form I-20 (signed)
- J-1 Exchange Visitors: Form DS-2019 (signed)
- H-1B and O-1 Professionals: Form I-797
- TN and E-3 Professionals: Form I-797
- F-1 on Optional Practical Training (OPT) / STEM OPT: EAD card
- J-1 Student on Academic Training (AT): Letter of AT authorization from Authorized Representative (A/RO)
