April 17, 2025: Registration requirement for dependents who turn 14 years old
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a rule on March 12, 2025, announcing a new registration requirement. Among other things, the new rule requires minor dependents in nonimmigrant visa status – such as but not limited to F-2, J-2 and H-4 status – to register with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when they turn 14 years old.
See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for more information. FAQs are based on currently available information and relate only to this rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
The order took effect on April 11, 2025.
It applies to all minors who are not U.S. citizens, including foreign nationals holding nonimmigrant (temporary) visa status and permanent residents (“green card” holders).
No. Only individuals who were younger than 14 years old on April 11, 2025, must register with the USCIS when they turn 14 years old if they are in the United States.
The USCIS website provides instructions on how the minor can register for a USCIS online account and submit Form G-325R, the registration application. Once the form has been reviewed by the USCIS, they will determine if fingerprints and photos are needed. If such steps are needed, the USCIS will schedule an appointment for the minor at a USCIS Applications Support Center to have their fingerprints and photo taken. Please read the USCIS website carefully for detailed instructions.
No, a nonimmigrant or “green card” holder who turns 14 years old does not need to pay a fee to register with the USCIS.
No. The USCIS website instructions state that the minor must set up their own USCIS online account to register.
No. Only when a nonimmigrant turns 14 years old do they need to register with USCIS.
The minor must register within 30 days of turning 14 years old.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at CU Boulder and in the United States. If you need to talk or have any questions, we are here for you. ISSS offers walk-in and remote advising. You can also reach us via our general email account isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057 during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For our sponsored students, ISSS offers specific walk-in and remote advising and our Sponsored Student Advising team can be reached directly at sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu.
Campus Resources
ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:
- Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
- Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.
We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the CU Boulder community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.