A#

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Robert8

Registered Users (C)
I have one A# from my previous OPT EAD (while I was F1), is this A# supposed to be filled in I140? I never filed I140/I485 before.

thank you
 
Robert8 said:
I have one A# from my previous OPT EAD (while I was F1), is this A# supposed to be filled in I140? I never filed I140/I485 before.

thank you
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No. The OPT A# has nothing to do with ur GC application, which would be tracked by this new A#. Leave it blank.

-ab
 
Yes, Your A# from your student EAD (OPT EAD) is supposed to be filled on I140. If you fill the blank, the service will issue you a new A# but at the adjucation of I-485, two A# numbers will confuse officer(s) and officer will send you a RFE or will send you a notice to come for the interview. You can fill the blank if you want and make sure to photocopy your OPT EAD & attach it to 485. But please talk to your attorney.

In fact, I had my I485 interview in November 2002. I had two A# numbers (one was student EAD's A# and another was 140/485's A#). I didn't fill my OPT EAD's A number on I40 in the beginning with my attorney because I didn't know what A number was and many people told me to fill the blank if I didn't know. The immigration officer in the interview room delayed approving my I-485 and couldn't stamp my passport because of A# numbers. I showed my student EAD card so the interviewer had to combine two A# and give me a new A# number and would send me an approval notice later. I got my approval notice in Feb 2003 and got my passport stamped.

But talk to your attorney or clarify with people of this forum.

Hope this helps.

USGC485
 
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atlantabhopali said:
No. The OPT A# has nothing to do with ur GC application, which would be tracked by this new A#. Leave it blank.

-ab
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Nope. A# number "normally" does not change (just like SSN, it's always same for an individual). So it's always better to refer previous A#s.
 
Interesting to hear ur different opinions and USGC485's experience.

My understanding is based on my discussions with quite a few lawyers. The A# is, as I understand, the method to track ur GC case. If you write the same A# as ur OPT EAD, it can confuse them to that case.

just my 2 cents worth

-ab
 
atlantabhopali said:
The A# is, as I understand, the method to track ur GC case.
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A# is specific to person. It's not specific to a GC case. A person can have multiple GC applications with same A#. I know some people who have their multiple I-485s with same A# in both cases.
 
pralay said:
A# is specific to person. It's not specific to a GC case. A person can have multiple GC applications with same A#. I know some people who have their multiple I-485s with same A# in both cases.
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-----pralay is correct
 
my A# is on my OPT EAD. That's the one I used for AOS application as well, and that's exactly what now appears on my notices of action for AOS.
 
Thank everyone for the input.

I call CIS national customer line (1-800-375-5283). I talked to one representative, she said I do need to file the form with that A#.

Hope this helps.
 
imwatcher123 said:
Then, ginnu and pralay, what is A#? the # in the I-94, EAD or you do not have one until you get your GC?
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A# means alien number (the person). You can get A# even before getting GC. Normally EB GC applicants get this number when their employer apply for I-140. But any immigrant (not non-immigrant or visitors) who is authorized to work gets A# - including refugees, workers who come from Mexico to work on EAD etc.
 
pralay said:
A# means alien number (the person). You can get A# even before getting GC. Normally EB GC applicants get this number when their employer apply for I-140. But any immigrant (not non-immigrant or visitors) who is authorized to work gets A# - including refugees, workers who come from Mexico to work on EAD etc.
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-------------What is the A# and the Alien Registration Number? Are they the same thing?
Yes, these are two terms for the same thing. The A# is a case number that BCIS/ISCIS assigns to certain people, and then (usually, for exceptions see below) stays with you for the rest of your life, much like a Social Security Number. Most people get their A# when they apply for adjustment of status. It is also assigned if you apply for an employment authorization document (such as an F-1 OPT), a V visa, find yourself in deportation proceedings, and in a number of other situations.

Many BCIS/USCIS forms ask for the A#. If you do not have one yet, simply write "None".

There actually are four separate types of A#. You can tell them apart by the number of digits and the first digit. The first kind is an eight-digit A#. These 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#'s that start with the digit 1 are used for employment authorization cards, usually related to students. Nine-digit A#'s that start with the digit 3 are used for fingerprint tracking of V visa applicants. All other nine-digit A#'s (these actually always start with a 0) are permanent A#'s and remain permanently with you for life.

Therefore, the rule is: if you are asked for an A# and have one, always give this A#, regardless of whether it starts with a 0, 1 or 3. If you have both a 0-A# and a 1-A# or a 3-A#, then use the one that starts with a 0.

Information from Legacy INS
 
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