Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Registration Requirements

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) new registration Interim Final Regulation (IFR) went into effect on April 11, 2025.

The IFR provides that certain foreign nationals who remain in the United States for 30 days or more are required to register online with DHS by filing a Form G-345R and undergo biometrics collection and a background check.  Foreign nationals who are obligated to register but fail to do so may face significant consequences, including fines and criminal penalties.  For more information, including the form and filing instructions, please visit: https://www.uscis.gov/g-325r.

Many foreign nationals present in the United States are considered already registered and will not need to take further action under the new process.  This includes individuals who entered the U.S. on a valid visa or were issued a permanent resident card (green card), an I-94 admission record, an employment authorization document (EAD), or a border crossing card.

The two main groups impacted by the new registration requirement are:

• Visa-exempt Canadian nationals who enter the United States at a land port of entry and were not issued a Form I-94.
• Foreign national minors who are in the United States for 30 days or more and who turn (or turned) 14 while here.

NOTE: Minors who received lawful permanent residence must file a Form I-90 within 30 days of turning 14 years of age.  These individuals should still comply with the registration requirements and file a Form G-345R.

Carrying Registration Documents

In light of the enforcement of the new registration rules, it is essential that all foreign nationals aged 18 and older carry their qualifying registration documents while in the United States.

Lawful permanent residents may meet this requirement by carrying their Permanent Resident Card (green card).

Nonimmigrants must carry one of the following valid registration documents:

• A Form I-94 issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at their most recent entry,
• A Form I-94 located at the bottom of their Form I-797 Approval Notice, or
• A valid visa issued by a U.S. consular post.

Change of Address Notification

Lastly, all non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents, are required to notify DHS of changes of address within 10 days of moving. Foreign nationals may notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of an address change by either filing a Form AR-11 by mail or filing a change of address request online through a USCIS online account.  For detailed instructions on how to update your address with USCIS, please visit: https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange.

It is important to retain proof of having filed the AR-11. This can be done by either taking a screenshot of your confirmation page on your MyUSCIS account, or, if filing by mail, sending the AR-11 via certified mail and keeping the receipt and delivery confirmation for your records.

Please note that failure to meet any of the above requirements could lead to potential civil or criminal penalties. If you have questions on the registration process, you may contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: This advisory is solely informational and does not constitute direct legal advice.  Please contact Sostrin Immigration Lawyers, LLP for specific immigration related legal guidance.