As immigration law continues to evolve, it’s critical for healthcare organizations and international nurses to stay up to date with the latest regulations and compliance measures. In April 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began actively enforcing the Alien Registration Act, with a new focus on documentation and proof of lawful presence for noncitizens residing in the United States. At VisaMadeEZ, our immigration law firm specializes in helping U.S. healthcare providers hire and sponsor international nurses. Here’s what you need to know to remain compliant and keep your career or workforce on track.
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Who Is Considered Registered Under U.S. Immigration Law?
Most foreign nationals working or living in the United States are already considered “registered” under federal immigration law. This includes many international healthcare professionals like nurses, physicians, therapists, and allied health workers who generally enter the U.S. on visas and obtain employment authorization. According to USCIS, the following individuals are regarded as registered:
Green Card Holders (Lawful Permanent Residents): Whether you’re a nurse who obtained your green card through employer sponsorship or family-based petitions, you meet the registration criteria.
Individuals Issued Form I-94: This includes those admitted as students (F-1), professionals (like H-1B nurses or therapists), or tourists. Even if your period of admission has expired, you’re typically considered registered.
Nonimmigrant Visa Holders: Anyone entering the U.S. on a work or immigrant visa is included.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Holders: If you’re working in the U.S. with an EAD common for nurses awaiting green card approvals, you are registered.
Healthcare facilities should be aware that most of their internationally educated staff meet registration requirements through one or more of these statuses or documents.
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New Requirements for Carrying Proof of Registration
Under the recently reinforced Alien Registration Act, noncitizens aged 14 and older are required to carry proof of their registration status at all times. Accepted forms of proof include:
- Green Card (Form I-551)
- Valid Form I-94 (paper or electronic)
- Employment Authorization Document
- Confirmation of Form G-325R submission
For international nurses, therapists, or medical technologists, this means keeping your official documentation accessible—whether on your person or in a secure digital format while at work, during travel, and throughout daily activities.
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Steps for Noncitizens Approaching Age 14
It’s imperative for healthcare organizations and families with foreign-born children to note: Once a non-U.S. citizen turns 14 and has been present in the country for at least 30 days, they must register by submitting Form G-325R online via the USCIS portal. Proof of submission must also be carried going forward. Parents, guardians, and recruiters should coordinate with immigration attorneys to ensure timely compliance within 30 days of the child’s 14th birthday.
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Why Compliance Matters for Healthcare Workers and Employers
Carrying valid proof of registration is not just a legal formality it safeguards against avoidable complications in everyday life and during interactions with government agencies. For nurses and healthcare workers, this could mean smooth transitions during employment verification, state licensure, or in travel situations. For healthcare institutions, ensuring your international staff are aware and compliant with registration requirements will protect both the employee and the facility from potential legal or operational setbacks.
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How VisaMadeEZ Can Help
The landscape of U.S. immigration law is complex especially for healthcare employers hiring from abroad. At VisaMadeEZ, our attorneys specialize exclusively in healthcare immigration, guiding hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities through nurse recruitment, visa sponsorship, and long-term compliance.
If you have questions about the Alien Registration Requirement, Form G-325R, or best practices for documentation, contact our team for a consult. Staying proactive and informed is the best way to protect your international staff and maintain continuous, compliant operations.
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For more resources, updates, and legal support in hiring international nurses, visit [VisaMadeEZ’s website](https://www.visamadeez.com) or connect with one of our healthcare immigration attorneys today.
VisaMadeEZ: Your Partner in International Nurse Recruitment and Immigration Compliance.
