New USCIS Registration Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrants Turning 14

March 7, 2025 News

Important information about a new USCIS requirement for certain nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S.

Key Points:

  • New Re-registration Requirement: USCIS guidance requires nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to re-register with USCIS within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if they were previously registered upon entering the country. This affects individuals such as F-2, J-2, H-4, O-3, and TD dependents, as well as young F-1/J-1 students who entered the U.S. before age 14.
  • Who Does NOT Need to Re-register: Most nonimmigrants who entered the U.S. at age 14 or older and received a Form I-94 are already automatically registered and do NOT need to re-register.
  • New Process Coming Soon: The new registration process is not yet available. USCIS will announce the details, including the new form and online process, when it is ready. It is recommended that individuals who will need to re-register create a USCIS online account now in preparation: https://my.uscis.gov/. 
  • Reminder to Carry Registration Document: All nonimmigrants must carry their registration documents (e.g., I-94 print out, EAD card, Green Card).
  • Report Address Changes: All nonimmigrant employees must report address changes to USCIS within 10 days of moving. Employees can report address changes through their USCIS online account or by completing a Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card: https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11. J-1 Exchange Visitors must report any address changes to their faculty sponsor, HR Specialist, and FSIS, who will then update SEVIS. 

Background:

This new guidance stems from longstanding provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and is related to Executive Order 14159. Essentially, while most nonimmigrants are registered upon entry (via their I-94), this new rule targets those who turn 14 in the U.S., likely due to fingerprinting requirements.

What to Do:

  1. If your dependent will turn 14 in the U.S.: Create a USCIS online account now for your dependent if they do not already have one (https://my.uscis.gov/). Wait for USCIS to announce the new registration form and process. Once available, submit their registration through their online account within 30 days of their 14th birthday.
  2. All nonimmigrants: Ensure you are carrying your registration document and promptly report any address changes.

Important Note: Failure to comply with these requirements could result in penalties.

For more information, please visit the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration.