By Kelly D. Cobb

The Alien Registration Requirement goes into effect today. Please be aware that most foreign nationals working in the US with a visa are exempt, and registration and fingerprints are not required. Registration may only apply to Canadian nationals, children who were not fingerprinted at the consulate, and individuals who entered without inspection.

Please call or email Jackson Walker if you have questions as to whether this is applicable to you. We will provide guidance and assistance in registering if necessary.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

If you are currently a US visa holder, you are exempt from the Alien Registration Requirement because you were fingerprinted when applying for a US visa. It is important that you always keep a copy of your I-94, visa, and proof of registration, if applicable, with you.

WHO MUST REGISTER

All foreign nationals 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer. They must apply before the expiration of those 30 days.

The parents or legal guardians of foreign nationals less than 14 years of age: Parents or legal guardians must apply for the registration of foreign nationals less than 14 years of age who have not been registered and remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, before the expiration of those 30 days; and

Any foreign national, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States within 30 days after their 14th birthday.

HOW TO REGISTER

You must first create an online account by going to https://my.uscis.gov. Everyone must have his/her own account. While in your account, you will complete and submit a form G-325R. Once this is done, you will be sent a notice to appear for fingerprints.

FORM AR-11 CHANGE OF ADDRESS

US CIS has always required that all foreign nationals provide updated information regarding a change in a residential address. The form AR-11 is also located in the MyUSCIS account, so it may be completed there. Provide your current home address for yourself and each family member if you have not previously done so. By opening a MyUSCIS account, you are ensuring that you will receive any important mail from USCIS. You may also complete this form online without opening an account.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For assistance, please contact an attorney in Jackson Walker’s Business Immigration & Compliance practice.

Meet Kelly

Kelly D. Cobb is a partner in the Business Immigration & Compliance section of Jackson Walker’s Houston office. Kelly primarily focuses on U.S. corporate immigration law, including applications/petitions for all visa categories and paths to U.S. permanent residence and naturalization. She offers experienced counsel related to navigating the intricacies of ever-changing laws, regulations, and government processes in Immigration law. She has more than 20 years of experience counseling clients in the development and implementation of strategic immigration policies and advising U.S. and international clients on immigration issues related to corporate restructuring, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and start-ups.