As of April 11, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a new registration requirement for certain immigrants living in the United States. While most work visa holders are already considered registered, the rule affects individuals who haven’t had formal contact with immigration authorities — including some undocumented immigrants, humanitarian applicants, and dependent children.
There is no immediate action required from employers. However, HR teams should understand how this rule may impact their workforce and be prepared to support affected employees.
Which Employees Could Be Impacted?
In most cases, employees on work-based visas are already considered registered. Here’s a breakdown of how common visa categories are affected:
| Visa Type | Already Registered? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B (Skilled Workers) | Yes | Issued visa and Form I-94 |
| L-1 (Intra-Company Transfers) | Yes | Issued visa and Form I-94 |
| O-1 (Extraordinary Ability) | Yes | Issued visa and Form I-94 |
| TN (Canada/Mexico) | Yes | Issued Form I-94 at entry |
| E-2 (Investors) | Yes | Issued visa and Form I-94 |
| J-1 (Exchange Visitors) | Yes | Issued visa and Form I-94 |
| F-1 (Students) | Yes | Issued visa and Form I-94 |
| EAD Holders (e.g. DACA, TPS, OPT) | It Depends | Some may lack visa/I-94 and need to register |
| Asylum Seekers / Undocumented | No | No formal interaction with immigration authorities |
Why the Change?
This new registration requirement stems from a recent executive directive aimed at improving national security and better tracking immigration status. The federal government is now enforcing an existing legal requirement that all noncitizens residing in the U.S. register with USCIS.
What the Registry Is — and Is Not:
-
Does not offer legal status
-
Does not authorize employment
-
Does not prevent deportation
-
Is intended to maintain compliance and identification records
Who Must Register Under the New Rule?
While many foreign nationals are already registered through prior immigration interactions, the following groups may now be required to register:
Now Required to Register:
-
Individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection or parole
-
Canadian visitors who entered via land border without documentation
-
DACA, TPS, or humanitarian status holders who never received a visa or Form I-94
-
Children under 14 who have been in the U.S. longer than 30 days
-
Children who recently turned 14 and have not registered
-
People in removal proceedings without prior registration
What Counts as Formal Registration?
Most individuals are already considered registered if they have:
-
A U.S. visa issued by a consulate
-
A valid Form I-94 (arrival/departure record)
-
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
-
A Border Crossing Card
Anyone who has never received these documents may need to take steps to register now.
How HR Teams Can Support Affected Employees
Even though the registration process is personal, HR teams can play a key role in providing support and access to resources.
1. Identify At-Risk Groups in Your Workforce
If your organization employs individuals with humanitarian statuses (e.g. DACA, TPS, asylum) or non-traditional immigration pathways, consider proactively sharing information about this rule.
2. Support Employees With Children
Immigration registration rules extend to dependent children:
-
Children under 14 must be registered if they’ve been in the U.S. longer than 30 days
-
Children must register within 30 days of turning 14
This is especially important for employees whose children are unregistered dependents or are on derivative statuses.
3. Accommodate Time Off When Needed
Employees may need time to:
-
Attend biometric appointments
-
Help family members complete registration
-
Consult with legal professionals
Offering flexibility during this time shows care and encourages compliance.
4. Provide Resources — Not Legal Advice
Clarify that your organization is not offering legal advice or collecting immigration information. Instead:
-
Offer referrals to immigration attorneys, local nonprofits, or DOJ-accredited organizations
-
Share links to trusted resources or local immigration legal clinics
Final Thoughts
The new USCIS registration rule adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging immigration environment. By staying informed and proactively supporting your international employees and their families, HR teams can create a more inclusive and prepared workplace.
Policies are changing. Agora Visa is here to help.
Agora Visa tracks USCIS policy changes in real-time and offers expert guidance to help you and your workforce stay compliant. Whether it’s a new registration requirement or a complex filing deadline, we help you navigate it with clarity and confidence.
Visit AgoraVisa to get started.
