​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. Failure to do so can result in a misdemeanor, which includes fines and/or imprisonment.

If you have questions about how enforcement of this policy may affect you and/or your family it is essential that you consult with an immigration lawyer, if at all possible, to receive the most appropriate advice for your specific circumstances.

Registration requirement

Most WashU international students and scholars are already registered. This includes the vast majority of F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, as well as employees holding green cards or who hold a non-immigrant status such as H-1B, E-3, TN or O-1.

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

  • Lawful permanent residents
  • People admitted to the U.S. as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired
  • All people present in the U.S. (except those under the age of 14), who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival
  • People issued an employment authorization document (I-766)

Any other noncitizen who enters the U.S. and plans to stay for 30 days or longer must register before the end of the 30 days. This mandate includes:

  • Canadians who entered the U.S. at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration (e.g. Form I-94).
  • Noncitizens who entered the U.S. without inspection and have not encountered DHS or do not have a registration document. Those who applied for deferred action or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who were not issued evidence of registration are included.

Dependents younger than 14 years of age who were issued an I-94 when entering the country are registered. However, Executive Order 14159 clarifies that any dependent who turns 14 years old while in the U.S. must re-register within 30 days of their birthday.

  • If your child entered the U.S. before their 14th birthday and is still present in the U.S. after turning 14, they must re-register with USCIS within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if they were previously registered at entry.
  • If an LPR is outside of the U.S. when they turn 14, the individual must apply for registration and provide a photograph within 30 days of return. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their children’s compliance.

If you have dependents who are 14 years of age or older or who you anticipate will turn 14 years old while in the U.S. you should consult an immigration attorney regarding registration requirements pertaining to your dependents.

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-766, Employment Authorization Document— People 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). Failure to notify USCIS of your address change could result in civil and/or criminal penalties and could impact your immigration status. 

  • 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.