The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established Form G-325R, the government’s new mechanism for noncitizen biographic registration. The DHS initially published the interim rule on March 12, 2025. Afterwards, the DHS opened a comment period that ran alongside an effective date of April 11, 2025. After reviewing public comments, DHS adopted the rule as final on June 29, 2026 with a narrower comment window. Barring a few technical changes, this new window only lasts until August 28, 2026.
G-325R closes a gap many noncitizens in the U.S. never had a way of satisfying under the Immigration and Nationality Act (IMA) for decades. Most people with a visa, green card, or an EAD don’t need a filing. This is because the IMA already considers them registered. The form pertains to individuals outside the existing system, including people who entered without inspection and Canadian visitors admitted without an I-94.
Otherwise, the registration clock ignores the rule’s publication date. Noncitizens age 14 and older who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer must register and be fingerprinted before that 30-day window closes. Children under 14 are registered by a parent or guardian, and once a registered child turns 14, they have 30 days from that birthday to update their registration and appear for fingerprinting in person.
The final rule also expands what counts as evidence of registration. DHS added a Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-approved document, or its electronic equivalent, for noncitizens last admitted through a Trusted Traveler Program: NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST, or Global Entry. That’s a meaningful addition for frequent travelers who’ve relied on those programs but hadn’t otherwise registered.
The underlying penalties aren’t new, but they’re worth restating. Filing a registration application with false statements exposes a noncitizen to criminal prosecution. Additionally, conviction for fraudulent registration is grounds for removal under the INA. That exposure existed since the original 2025. The new rule doesn’t change that.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.