FAQ Regarding USCIS’s Registration and Documentation Requirements

Last updated April 17, 2025

[Broader FAQs about traveling to the US can be found here.]

Q: Does the Executive Order requiring non-citizens to submit a new online registration form apply to me?  

Possibly, but it will depend on your circumstances. Many people’s immigration process registers them automatically. For example, you will be considered lawfully registered if: 

  • You are a permanent/conditional resident (green card holder);
  • You have applied for permanent or temporary residence within the US;
  • You entered the US and have been inspected by Customs and issued an I-94 record. (An I-94 is an arrival record, and one is almost always issued when a foreign national enters the US through an airport or seaport. Travelers are no longer provided with a paper I-94; it is logged digitally and so you have to access it through the CBP website);
  • You extended or changed your status from within the US, you have not traveled internationally since then, and you have an I-797 approval notice with updated I-94 attached at the bottom;
  • You have an employment authorization card (EAD); or
  • You have a Border Crossing Card.

For more information on the registration requirement, see here.  

 

Q: As a foreign national, do I have to carry specific documents while in the US? 

Yes, all foreign nationals over the age of 18 are required to carry proof of registration at all times while in the US. Evidence of registration includes:

  • An I-94 record issued by USCIS or Customs: If you hold nonimmigrant classification (ESTA, or B, E, F, H, J, L, O, P, TN, visas, etc.), the following documentation can prove status: 
    • If you were admitted to the US pursuant to a valid ESTA authorization or using a visa foil (“stamp”), you can print out your I-94 record from the CBP website, which will serve as your registration document. Additionally, it’s a good idea to also carry copies of your passport information page and visa/entry pages while in the US.
    • If you have an approval notice from USCIS following a request for extension or change of status petition and have not yet traveled outside of the US since it was issued: your I-797 approval notice will have your most recent I-94 record on the bottom of the form and is your registration document. This will not be reflected on the CBP’s I-94 website. Ideally original copies are recommended, but printed copies should be sufficient in most circumstances. You may also detach the I-94 portion from the I-797 notice to carry as your registration document until the next time you depart the US.
    • If you are a Canadian nonimmigrant: 
      • If you enter by air/sea: your I-94 print out from the CBP website serves as your registration document. Additionally, it’s a good idea to also carry copies of passport personal information page, visa, and entry stamp pages (if there is one) while in the US.
      • If you enter by boat or land: you should apply for an I-94 up to 7 days before coming across the border: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/apply-document.
      • If you enter as a visitor by land/ferry and are not issued an I-94: you will need to register if you intend to stay in the US for 30 days or longer in a single visit.
  • A Permanent Resident Card (“green card” or “Alien Registration Receipt Card”): the original green card must be carried at all times, with copies safely stored with personal records in hard copy and digital versions. If the green card is expired, it must still be carried at all times together with the receipt notice confirming USCIS is processing the request for the new card. 
  • I-485 application receipt notice issued by USCIS: If you have an EAD/work authorization approved, the EAD card can serve as your registration document. Otherwise, your I-485 receipt notice confirms your registration. Originals should be carried at all times, with copies safely stored with personal records in hard copy and digital versions. 
  • Employment authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS: the original EAD should be carried at all times, with copies safely stored with personal records in hard copy and digital versions.
  • Foreign passport with US entry stamp: original passport should be carried if being used as a proof of registration.
  • Border Crossing Card for citizens of Mexico.

While this requirement has typically not been enforced, potential consequences of failing to carry proof of registration can result in a misdemeanor with fines up to $100USD and/or up to 30 days in jail, and may be considered grounds for removal (“deportation”) from the US. We do not know yet how this will be implemented. 

 

Q: Can I use a scan or digital version of my registration document saved on my mobile device?

While it’s technically possible to store your registration documentation digitally, it can raise potential privacy issues. If you’re asked to present it by immigration or law enforcement officers, having it only on your phone could mean needing to unlock and hand over your device. That can expose more personal information than you might intend to share. For that reason, you may prefer to carry a physical copy instead.

 

Q: What if I did not get an entry stamp upon my last entry into the US?

Many US ports of entry have transitioned to digital records and are no longer stamping passports. 

  • If you enter by air or sea: Your I-94 printed out from the CBP website serves as your registration document. Additionally, it’s a good idea to also carry copies of passport personal information page, visa page, and entry stamp page (if any) while in the US.
  • If you enter by ferry/land: You should apply for an I-94 up to 7 days before coming across the border https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/apply-document. 

 

Q: How do I access my electronic I-94 record from my last entry into the US? What if it is not up-to-date or is incorrect?

You can access your most recent I-94 based on your last entry and your travel history on the CBP website: 

  • If your electronic I-94 is not updated in the system: Check your most recent I-797 approval notice to see if your I-94 has been updated and is attached at the bottom.
  • If your electronic I-94 is incorrect: You can submit an online inquiry at Ask Us a Question (cbp.gov) (Topic: I-94/Traveler Compliance & Issue with my I-94). 
  • It is a good idea to get in the habit of reviewing your online I-94 record after every entry into the US.

 

Q: Do I need to carry my foreign passport with me at all times while in the US?

No, you are not required to carry your foreign passport at all times. A foreign passport with an entry stamp may be used as a registration document, and if so, should be kept with you. However, as detailed above, a number of other documents serve as acceptable proof of registration such as an I-94 record or green card, which you can carry at all times instead.

 

Q: Do I need to notify or update USCIS of my US residential address?

This is nothing new, but it’s important to not forget: if you maintain a physical address or residence in the US, you are required to notify and update USCIS within 10 days of moving. This requirement does not apply to A or G visa holders, visa waiver visitors, or individuals who come to the US for temporary project-based or gig work and do not maintain a US address. 

  • If you do maintain a residence in the US, you can notify USCIS of your current US primary physical and mailing US address by…
    • submitting an online change of address through a USCIS account (instructions for how to set up an individual/applicant account can be found here), and screenshot the submission page/download the submission confirmation (please note that it can take the system 24 hours to reflect the submission and status of the request); or by 
    • filing a paper Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, by mail (keep a copy of the completed form, and mail using receipt confirmation). 
  • If you’re not sure what US address USCIS has on file for you, or if you have multiple US residences and/or mailing addresses: make sure your primary physical residence and most reliable US mailing address is on file by submitting an address update.
  • If you provided a US physical/mailing address on your DS-160 that has not been provided to USCIS after entering the US: make sure your primary physical residence and most reliable US mailing address is on file by submitting an address update. 
  • If you are in between US residences or have moved more than 10 days ago: update a physical and mailing address with USCIS as soon as you can, making sure to keep it updated going forward, and keeping records of submissions.

Potential consequences of failing to keep your US address updated (within 10 days of moving) include a misdemeanor that can also result in fines and/or up to 30 days in jail, and may be considered grounds for removal (“deportation”) from the US. In the past, this requirement has generally not been enforced, but could be reviewed as a discretionary factor of eligibility/character on a pending application with USCIS. It remains to be seen how this will be implemented going forward.