​On January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14159 re-introduced registration requirements and processes for non-immigrants. The Alien Registration Act is being enforced as of April 11, 2025. (Federal Register: Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration).

The Alien Registration Act, requires that every foreign national, age 14 years or older who will be in the United States (U.S.) for 30 days or more, must be registered and fingerprinted.* This includes foreign nationals present in the United States (U.S.) without admission or parole. Foreign nationals 18 years of age and older are also required to always carry proof of such registration.

*Local fingerprinting is done at the Application Support Center at the Robert A. Young Federal Building in downtown St. Louis on Market Street. Once you apply to register, USCIS will send you an appointment.

Registration requirement

Most WashU international students and scholars are already registered for U.S. immigration requirements. This applies to the vast majority of F‑1 and J‑1 students and scholars, as well as employees holding green cards or other non‑immigrant statuses like H‑1B, E‑3, TN, or O‑1.

Who is already registered?

Noncitizens who have completed registered include (but are not limited to):

  • Lawful permanent residents (LPR or green card holders)
  • Individuals admitted as nonimmigrants with Form I-94 or I-94W: Whether you received a paper or electronic version, you are considered registered, even if your admission period has ended
  • Anyone in the U.S. (age 14 and older), who was issued a visa (immigrant or nonimmigrant) before their last date of entry
  • Individuals with an employment authorization document (EAD/Form I-765)

Who must register?

Anyone who enters the U.S. and plans to stay for 30 days or longer must register if they are not already registered. This includes:

  • Canadians entering at land ports of entry: If you entered without being issued evidence of registration (such as Form I-94), you need to register. Visit our I-94 Record webpage for guidance.
  • Noncitizens who entered the U.S. without inspection: This group includes those who have not interacted with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or received a registration document. It also covers individuals who applied for deferred action or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) but were not issued evidence of registration.

Special note for dependents

Dependents under the age of 14 who were issued an I-94 when entering the U.S. are automatically registered. However, Executive Order 14159 requires that any dependent who turns 14 while in the U.S. must re-register within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

  • If your child entered the U.S. before their 14th birthday and remains in the U.S. after turning 14: They must re-register with USCIS within 30 days of their birthday.
  • If your child (or dependent) is outside the U.S. when they turn 14: They must apply for registration and provide a photograph within 30 days of returning to the U.S. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for ensuring compliance.

If you have dependents who are already 14 years old, or if you expect your child to turn 14 while in the U.S., we strongly recommend that you review the immigration requirements on the USCIS website to ensure compliance.

Proof of registration

Individuals 18 years and older are required to carry proof of registration at all times while in the U.S.

For a complete list of documents that are acceptable as proof of registration see https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration. The following documents can be used as proof of registration:

  • I-94 or I-94W (Arrival-Departure Record paper or electronic) even if the admission period is expired, which includes people admitted with nonimmigrant visas. Those admitted under the Visa Waiver Program, I-94W are also included even though not designated under 8 CFR §264.1(b).
  • I-185 Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Canada or British subjects residing in Canada.
  • I-186 Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Mexico residing in Mexico.
  • I-551 Permanent Resident Card—Lawful permanent residents of the United States.
  • I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD)—Individuals with work permits.

What should I do now?

Staying informed about policies and requirements regarding your situation will help you maintain your immigration status and avoid potential issues.

Check your I-94 for accuracy

Your I-94 should reflect your most recent entry date, your immigration status and an Admit Until Date. If you find any errors on your I-94, email us immediately at oiss@wustl.edu.

  • For F and J status holders: your Admit Until Date should read “D/S”, meaning “duration of status”.
  • H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1 status holders: your Admit Until Date should match your immigration petition documentation.

Keep your address and contact information up to date

If you change your residence, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of the change. This requirement applies to all non-citizens (both non-immigrants and permanent residents alike).

  • Current students: follow instructions on the Contact Information Reporting Requirement webpage.
  • Alumni on OPT or STEM OPT: report your contact information through the SEVP Portal.
  • J-1 scholars: email J1Scholar@wustl.edu to report updates.
  • Employees (including permanent residents): USCIS has designated Form AR-11 to be used to notify USCIS of a change of address. USCIS’s Form AR-11 page states, “we strongly encourage requestors to use the self-service change of address tool available in their USCIS online account when reporting a change of address.” The USCIS page How to Change Your Address contains detailed information and links. 
Disclaimer Statement

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides resources and content for general informational and educational purposes only. This information does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is subject to changes in the law. For specific legal questions or guidance, students and scholars are encouraged to seek personalized legal advice from a qualified attorney at their own discretion and expense.