On March 12, 2025, DHS issued an interim final rule (IFR) with request for comments amending DHS regulations to designate a new registration form for aliens to comply with statutory alien registration and fingerprinting provisions. Today, DHS finalizes that rule—responding to public comment—and adjusts which forms and documents satisfy alien registration and evidence-of-registration requirements under 8 CFR Part 264.
What changed
This final rule responds to public comments, amends DHS regulations to adjust the lists of forms and processes that may serve as registration forms and evidence of alien registration, and seeks comments on other potential changes to the regulations relating to alien registration and fingerprinting. This final rule is effective on June 29, 2026.
The rule adjusts three main regulatory components: the prescribed registration forms in 8 CFR 264.1(a), the forms constituting evidence of registration in 8 CFR 264.1(b), and fingerprint waivers under 8 CFR 264.1(e)(1). The March 2025 IFR created a new, general registration form for certain unregistered aliens to comply with registration and fingerprinting requirements. This final rule incorporates comments received and makes targeted adjustments to the regulatory scheme.
Additionally, comments on the other potential changes relating to alien registration and fingerprinting described in the preamble must be submitted on or before August 28, 2026.
Why it matters
You need to know which forms now satisfy your clients’ alien registration obligations and which documents USCIS will accept as “proof” of registration. The regulatory changes affect:
- Registration strategy: Practitioners should advise clients on the finalized list of forms (including Form G-325R) that fulfill statutory registration and fingerprinting duties under INA § 262.
- Evidence documentation: The adjusted list of forms serving as evidence of registration may change what documentation clients need to retain or submit to demonstrate compliance.
- Biometric waivers: Outdated waiver provisions have been updated, potentially affecting certain nonimmigrant classes (e.g., Canadian visitors and certain diplomatic visa holders).
- Age-14 requirement: The final rule clarifies the requirement that alien minors turning 14 apply for a replacement permanent resident card within 30 days of return to the United States.
There is currently no fee for applicants to file the form or to submit biometrics.
Way forward
- Review the final rule text at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-13057 to identify specific changes to 8 CFR 264.1(a), 264.1(b), and 264.1(e)(1) that affect your practice area.
- Update client advisory materials to reflect the finalized list of designated registration forms and forms constituting evidence of registration. If you advise on Form G-325R compliance, confirm current instructions and filing procedures.
- Note the comment period on future potential changes: practitioners and public can submit comments by August 28, 2026, via https://www.regulations.gov (DHS Docket Number USCIS-2025-0004) if you wish to weigh in on additional regulatory adjustments.
- Verify requirements for your jurisdiction: Confirm whether your state or client population includes affected noncitizens (e.g., unregistered aliens, minors turning 14, visa waiver visitors) and plan compliance calendars accordingly.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fola is a software company, not a law firm. Always verify the contents of this rule against the official Federal Register publication and consult a licensed immigration attorney before advising clients on registration obligations. Immigration policy and regulations can change without notice; this summary reflects the rule as published on June 29, 2026.