The “A Number” Explained

We have all heard or seen references to the “A Number.”  Many USCIS forms ask for it, and many of our clients have asked us, “What exactly is the ‘A Number’?”

The “A Number” stands for Alien Registration Number.  It is a number that starts with an “A” followed by eight-digits.  Not all foreign nationals have an A Number.  Most people get A Number when they apply for adjustment of status, seek employment authorization document (EAD), apply for a V visa or are subject to deportation proceedings.

There are four separate kinds of A Numbers:

• Eight-digit A Numbers are manually assigned at local offices. If you have one of these numbers, simply treated it as if it was “0″ plus the number;
• Nine-digit A Numbers that start with the digit 1 are used for employment authorization cards, usually related to students;
• Nine-digit A Numbers that start with the digit 3 are used for fingerprint tracking of V visa applicants;
• All other nine-digit A Numbers  are permanent A Numbers and remain permanently with you for life.

Many USCIS forms ask for the A Number and we have advised our clients to enter “NONE” if they have not been issued one  yet.  However, if you have an A Number, it is important to enter it on any USCIS forms.