Are you an Indian in the US? 10 things you ought to know about the new Alien Registration Rules

The recent rollout of mandatory alien registration guidelines by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has sparked widespread confusion and anxiety among Indians residing in the United States. Effective April 11, 2025, the new registration requirements aim to identify and register non-citizens who lack prior biometric records — but immigration experts say the majority of Indian nationals in the US on valid visas or green cards have little to worry about.

“There is a great deal of confusion surrounding the new registration requirements, especially about who should re-register and who need not,” Shilpa Gokare, managing partner at Gokare Law Firm — which handles business immigration matters in both India and the US — told the Times of India. “We’re receiving a lot of calls from both visa holders and green card holders.”

Here are 10 key points every Indian in the US should know:

1. Who Does the New Rule Apply To?
The requirement to file the new Form G-325R applies primarily to unregistered aliens — individuals in the US without prior biometric registration or legal entry documentation. This is distinct from standard visa procedures and does not apply to everyone.

2. If You Have an I-94, You’re Likely Already Registered
According to Gokare, anyone issued a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) — including most H-1B, L-1, F-1, and B-1/B-2 visa holders — is considered registered. This includes dependents and even children under the age of 14.

3. What Is Form G-325R?
This newly introduced online form is a way for unregistered aliens to provide their biometric information to USCIS. Filing can be done electronically via a personal USCIS account.

4. Children Must Re-Register at Age 14
If you’re a dependent child on an H-4, L-2, TD, R-2, or B-2 visa, you must re-register and undergo fingerprinting within 30 days of your 14th birthday — even if you were already issued an I-94.

5. How to File Form G-325R
Applicants (or parents of minors) must create a USCIS online account and submit the form electronically. For minors turning 14, a new USCIS account must be created in the child’s name.

6. Green Card Holders: Different Rules Apply
Green card holders are subject to separate requirements. If a green card was issued before the holder turned 14, they must file Form I-90 within 30 days of their 14th birthday. If the green card expires after they turn 16, no filing fee is required.

7. Filing Fees May Apply
For green card holders who must file Form I-90 and whose current card expires before age 16, a fee is applicable. The I-90 is also used for renewing or replacing green cards in other situations.

8. Biometric Appointments Might Be Required
Those submitting Form G-325R may be called for a biometric services appointment. Missing this could result in non-compliance with the registration requirement.

9. Carrying Proof of Registration Is Mandatory
US law requires registered aliens over the age of 18 to carry proof of registration at all times. Failure to do so may lead to fines or penalties.

10. Don’t Panic — But Do Verify Your Status
While these changes are aimed at those without proper documentation or who have never been registered, confusion has led to widespread fear among legitimate visa holders. “The new requirements do not impact most non-resident Indians working or studying in the US,” Gokare emphasised.

The Form G-325R and Form I-90 are part of broader efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to systematise immigration records and compliance. The move comes amid rising political pressure in the US to crack down on undocumented immigration — but has unintentionally created a wave of apprehension among legal immigrants as well.

For peace of mind, individuals are encouraged to log into the CBP’s I-94 portal to verify their travel record and consult with qualified immigration attorneys if in doubt.

“We’re advising clients to not panic,” Gokare said, “but rather to get informed and, if needed, act within the 30-day deadlines.”