Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Publishes a New Interim Rule Requiring Certain Foreign Nationals to Register and Undergo Fingerprinting with USCIS

On March 12, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an interim rule requiring certain non-US citizens to complete a new online registration form and undergo biometrics (fingerprinting) and a background check if they have never been registered or fingerprinted, and if they intend to remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days.

Foreign nationals under Drexel’s visa sponsorship* who must register include: 

• Canadian nationals who entered the U.S. at land ports of entry and were not issued an I-94, Arrival Departure Record, if they intend to remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.

• Non-US citizen children under the age of 14 who have not been registered and remain in the U.S for 30 days or longer. Therefore, parents with children on F-2, J-2, H-4, and other dependent visas are now required to register their children. Children will not need to submit fingerprints until they reach age 14.

Foreign nationals under Drexel’s visa sponsorship* who do NOT need to register include:

• F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2, H-1B/H-4 visa holders with valid immigration status. Valid immigration status is evidenced by your I-94 printed from the CBP website if you have otherwise maintained your status. The I-94 meets the registration and fingerprinting requirement if you are over the age of 14. You should carry a copy of your I-94 printout and notify USCIS of any changes in your home address. F-1/F-2 and J-1/-J-2 update their residential address via SEVIS. H-1B/H-4s do so by filing Form AR-11 directly with USCIS.

The new registration requirement will primarily impact foreign nationals without lawful immigration status who are not considered to have satisfied the registration requirement. Most foreign nationals present in the U.S. are considered already registered and generally will not be impacted by the new requirement. 

Individuals subject to this rule are required to submit the form within 30 days of the publishing of this rule, so by April 12, 2025. They will do so by creating an account on the myUSCIS website and submit Form G-325R (Biographic Information – Registration) Non-US citizens who willfully do not comply with these requirements or fail to comply with the change of address notification requirement, are subject to criminal penalties, including a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.   

NOTE: *Definition of visa sponsorship – visa sponsorship refers to cases where Drexel University has filed immigration paperwork on behalf of a foreign national and serves as their official sponsor providing oversight of their visa status. Drexel sponsors visas for:

• F-1 students whose I-20 was issued by Drexel
• J-1 exchange visitors whose DS-2019 was issued by Drexel
• H-1B employees whose H-1B petition was filed by immigration counsel on behalf of Drexel
• Other visa categories where Drexel is the petitioner (i.e. Employment-based permanent residence, O-1, E-3, TN, etc.)

Drexel ISSS can only provide guidance for visa statuses under Drexel’s visa sponsorship. For individuals who hold other immigration statuses, please see review the resources below:

• If you are a green card holder and have a spouse and/or children, please consult with an immigration lawyer about your specific situation;
• If you are a Drexel student or employee on a visa that is not sponsored by Drexel, please consult with your visa sponsor about your situation;
• If you entered the U.S. without inspection and do not have a valid immigration status, consult with an immigration attorney.