There is a long-standing requirement under U.S. immigration law that foreign nationals must register with the federal government. For most international students and scholars, this registration process, which includes fingerprinting, happens as part of obtaining a visa and entering the U.S. For international students and scholars, the proof that you registered is your I-94. (You should access, verify, and save your I-94 from the CBP website after EVERY entry to the U.S.)
On March 12, 2025 the Department of Homeland Security announced details of a new process to comply with the registration requirements for individuals who have not already registered (or in some cases, for individuals who must re-register).
- Individuals on an F, J, or H visa who entered the U.S. after their 14th birthday and obtained an I-94 upon entry do not need to re-register.
- Non-U.S. citizen children who entered the U.S. before their 14th birthday may need to take additional steps to re-register within 30 days of turning age 14 (or sooner, if they turned 14 before the rule went into effect), using the new USCIS Form G-325R.
The DHS announcement states that failure to register may result in penalties including fines or imprisonment, and that individuals must keep evidence of registration in their personal possession at all times.
The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration published an FAQ on March 25, 2025. On March 31, 2025 several immigrant advocate groups filed a lawsuit challenging this requirement.
If you have questions about this registration process or the need to register a member of your family, please contact an immigration attorney. ISSS is not able to provide additional case-specific guidance on this topic. ISSS offers a list of local immigration attorneys and additional guidance on finding an attorney.
