Updated October 28, 2026. General information only; immigration rules and court orders can change. Individual circumstances require legal advice.
Form G-325R is generally for people who must register and have not already met the registration requirement through another recognized process. It is not a form every noncitizen must automatically file. First review your prior visa, entry, documents, and immigration filings with qualified counsel.
Who Generally Must Register?
With limited exceptions, a noncitizen age 14 or older who was not previously registered and fingerprinted when required, and who remains in the United States for 30 days or longer, must apply before that 30-day period expires. Parents or legal guardians have registration responsibilities for children under 14. Previously registered children generally must take re-registration and fingerprinting steps within 30 days after turning 14 in the United States.
Lawful permanent residents turning 14 should review the Form I-90 instructions rather than automatically using G-325R. The appropriate procedure depends on the child’s circumstances.
Check Whether You Are Already Registered
The USCIS registration page and determination tool explain recognized forms and processes. Examples include qualifying visa admission, an I-94, lawful permanent residence, parole, an employment authorization document, and certain removal proceedings or immigration applications. Some prior registration remains sufficient even when the related admission period has expired.
| Your situation | What to check before filing |
|---|---|
| Green card, qualifying visa admission, I-94, or work permit | You may already be registered. Review the actual documents and current USCIS guidance. |
| Entry without inspection and no later recognized registration | G-325R may be necessary; obtain advice about your record and obligations. |
| TPS or deferred-action request only | A filing alone does not always establish registration. Check the recognized form and any evidence issued. |
| Child approaching or reaching age 14 | Confirm re-registration and fingerprinting duties, including whether the I-90 process applies. |
How Does the G-325R Process Work?
USCIS requires online filing through the individual registrant’s USCIS account. A parent or guardian creates and uses a separate account for a child under 14. Follow electronic notices about biometrics when required, then retain the evidence USCIS issues. An attorney can advise you, but USCIS says attorneys and accredited representatives cannot submit G-325R on a client’s behalf.
Registration Does Not Grant Legal Status
Submitting G-325R does not grant lawful immigration status, permission to work, or protection from removal. Registration duties and eligibility for an immigration benefit are separate questions. Do not assume filing this form resolves an overstay or other immigration issue.
People age 18 or older who are subject to the requirement must carry evidence of registration. Willful failure to register or provide required biometrics can lead to criminal penalties, including up to $5,000 in fines and up to six months’ imprisonment. Those penalties are distinct from the rules for carrying proof or updating an address. Required address changes generally must be reported to USCIS within 10 days.
Special Cases Need Individual Review
USCIS currently posts a separate alert concerning its September 2026 rule for children born to foreign government employees and an injunction in Casa Inc. v. Trump. Do not infer a U.S.-born child’s citizenship or filing duty from a parent’s employer alone. Counsel should examine citizenship, diplomatic or statutory exceptions, and the court order’s coverage.
For practical address-reporting concerns, read our guide to immigration changes of address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all noncitizens need to submit G-325R?
No. Many are already registered through a recognized document or process, and some are exempt. Check the current USCIS guidance and your history first.
Does registration give me permission to work?
No. Registration does not establish immigration status or employment authorization.
Should every child turning 14 use G-325R?
No. Re-registration duties require review, and lawful permanent residents generally use the I-90 procedure. Confirm the correct process for the child.
Talk With Wilner & O’Reilly
Our immigration attorneys can review your documents and help you understand the next steps for your circumstances. Contact Wilner & O’Reilly to request a consultation.
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