Updated October 19, 2025
A New Requirement for Foreign Nationals in the U.S.
Starting on April 11th, 2025, the United States government introduced a significant change in registration requirements for foreign nationals staying in the country for longer periods of time. Under a new interim final rule published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), individuals staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more may now be required to complete a newly designated form: Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration).
This new regulation introduces a new form, Form G-325R, as the standard registration tool for foreign nationals who have not yet registered a stay of over 30 days with the government or been issued an Alien Registration Number (A-Number). In addition to immigrants to the United States, the new regulation also has implications for visitors to the United States, including snowbirds, who plan on staying for more than 30 days.
Let’s break down what this form is, who needs to complete it, and what you need to know to stay compliant.
Why Was Form G-325R Introduced?
Form G-325R is part of an effort to modernize and enforce the Alien Registration Requirement under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which was ordered by President Trump as part of Executive Order 14159. It enhances national security and immigration compliance by ensuring that DHS has current biographic information on individuals who are in the U.S. for extended stays but are not already in the system.
Who Must File Form G-325R?
You must file Form G-325R if you:
- Are a foreign national staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more, and
- Have not been previously been issued an Alien Registration Number (A-number) or been issued one of the documents designated as evidence of registration under 8 CFR 264.1(b), which includes Form I-94.
You’re also required to file if you are:
- An immigrant who is applying for certain immigration benefits
- A nonimmigrant who wasn’t fingerprinted or registered during the visa process
- An alien turning 14 years old while in the U.S. (must register within 30 days of their birthday)
- A parent or legal guardian registering a child under 14
It is advisable to use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Do I Need to Register?” tool to determine whether your specific circumstances require you to register using Form G-325R or not.
Who Is Exempt?
Not everyone needs to complete Form G-325R.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, the following categories of people are already counted as registered and therefore do not need to fill out Form G-325R:
- Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Nonimmigrants admitted to the U.S. who were issued a Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic)
- Most tourists, including Canadian snowbirds, will fall into this exemption category. You can check whether or not you have an active I-94 that would exempt you from having to fill out Form G-325R using the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
- Individuals paroled into the U.S. under INA section 212(d)(5), regardless of whether their parole period has expired
- Any foreign national present in the U.S. who was issued an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa prior to their most recent entry
- Individuals currently in removal proceedings initiated by DHS
- Foreign nationals who have been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Applicants for lawful permanent residence who submitted Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I-700 and completed fingerprinting (unless exempt), even if the application was ultimately denied
- Holders of Border Crossing Cards
What Does This Mean for Snowbirds?
Snowbirds who are entering the U.S. by air will be issued an electronic version of Form I-94 automatically, thus fulfilling the requirement to register their stay with the government. There is no need for these snowbirds to fill out form G-325R.
Snowbirds who enter the U.S. at a land crossing may or may not be issued Form I-94. These snowbirds have the option of either: (a) applying for Form I-94 in advance up to seven days prior to arrival by visiting the CBP website (subject to a $30 USD fee), (b) requesting that Form I-94 be issued to them at the border (also subject to a $30 USD fee), or (c) proceeding the border as normal and leaving it up to the border guard whether Form I-94 will be issued or not.
With options (a) and (b), there is no requirement to fill out the additional Form G-325R since Form I-94 satisfies the registration requirement. With option (c), if the border guard does not issue Form I-94 at the border and you plan on staying in the U.S. for longer than 30 days, only then are you required to fill out Form G-325R to register your stay. There is no fee for filing Form G-325R at this time.
Given that the paper version of Form I-94 incurs a $30 USD fee per person, our advice for snowbirds crossing the U.S. at a land border crossing is to show up with just your standard documentation (e.g., passport) and say nothing about Form I-94. The border guard may provide you with an electronic I-94 automatically, free of charge. If not, then you have 30 days to file Form G-325R online instead, which is entirely straightforward and also free of charge. Better to save your money for your winter getaway, rather than hand it to Uncle Sam.
And remember, if you are ever unsure whether or not you were issued Form I-94 electronically upon your entry to the United States, you can verify your I-94 status online via the CBP website. Simply select “Get most recent I-94/I-95”, enter your information, and see your current status.
What Information Is Required?
Filing Form G-325R involves providing detailed personal and background information, including:
1. Personal Information
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date/place of birth
- Gender
- Citizenship/nationality
- Any existing A-Number
2. Residence History
- Current U.S. address
- All residential addresses from the past five years
3. Employment History
- Current and past employers (last five years)
- Job titles and employment dates
4. Marital & Family History
- Marital status and spouse’s details
- Marriage history and prior marriages (if any)
5. Background Information
- Arrests, detentions, or convictions
- Military service (if applicable)
- Past immigration issues (e.g., visa denials or removal proceedings)
How to File Form G-325R
To file Form G-325R, follow the steps below. Note that the form must be filled out and submitted online.
- Create a myUSCIS account at my.uscis.gov
- Complete and submit Form G-325R online
- Attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (not a requirement for Canadian citizens)
- Receive proof of Alien Registration via your myUSCIS account
Are Fingerprints Required Also?
Canadians are currently exempt from having to submit fingerprints as part of the alien registration process. However, other nationalities will need to submit fingerprints or other biometric information if they are planning on staying in the United States for longer than 30 days. These individuals will be prompted to book a biometric information gathering appointment during the process of filling out Form G-325R online.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to file Form G-325R could lead to serious consequences, including:
- Fines up to $5,000
- Imprisonment for up to six months
- Deportation for failing to register as required
- Delays or denials in future immigration benefits (like work permits or green cards)
Anyone over the age of 18 must carry proof of Alien Registration with them at all times once it is issued.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Form G-325R introduces another hurdle for both immigrants and longer-term visitors to the United States. If you’re planning to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more and don’t yet have acceptable proof of registration such as Form I-94, make sure you understand your obligations and file this form on time to stay compliant with the law and avoid unwanted consequences.