Re-Registration Required for Non-U.S. Citizens Turning 14 While in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  released an updated interim final registration regulation on March 12, 2025, which is set to take effect on April 11, 2025. As this is an "interim" final regulation, DHS may provide further clarification and guidance in the future

Key Points of the New Regulation:

  1. Registration Requirement: The longstanding requirement remains that non-U.S. citizens over the age of 18 must at all times be able to provide evidence of their “registration,” such as their I-94, EAD, or green card, while in the U.S.
    • Note that if USCIS issued a Form I-797A with a new I-94 section, the paper I-94 replaces your online I-94 record, which does not get updated.
       
  2. New Re-Registration Requirement for Individuals Turning 14: A new requirement has been issued, mandating:
    • Anyone turning 14 years old while they are physically present in the U.S. must apply for re-registration within 30 days after their birthday.
    • While the new regulation is ambiguous on the required deadline for compliance and requires further clarification from DHS, it is recommended that any person in a valid immigration status, including those in a dependent immigration status (e.g., F-2, J-2, H-4, TD, etc.), who has turned 14 since their last entry into the U.S. re-register before the effective date of the new, interim final rule, April 11, 2025.  
      1. Children under age 14 are not required to re-register until they turn 14.
      2. Individuals who traveled internationally, re-entered the U.S. and were issued a new I-94 after their 14th birthday do not need to re-register.

How to Re-Register:

Upon completion, USCIS will issue new proof of registration to your online account. You will be able to download and print a PDF version of the registration notice from there.

For more information, please visit the USCIS  registration requirement website.

 

Last Updated: 3/31/2025