What Is an A‑Number and Where to Find It

An Alien Registration Number - usually just called an A‑Number - is a unique ID assigned to a non‑citizen. It's seven, eight, or nine digits long. Having it on hand helps avoid mix-ups caused by common names or different spellings across documents.

Where Find

• ✓ Immigration paperwork and notices that list an “A‑Number”
• ✓ Detention-related paperwork that includes identifying information for the detained person
• ✓ CFIA’s release-assist form (it has a specific field labeled “A‑Number” when you’re requesting help with release after a bond has already been issued)

If you’re using CFIA’s release-assist form, you can send it in once you’ve filled it out - email it to info@cfiaus.com or fax it to (818) 449-7195. And if you’re stuck and need to talk through what information you have (or what you’re missing), you can call CFIA at (844) 910-2342.

The A‑Number matters because it points to one specific person - no guessing, no confusion from similar names or inconsistent spellings. That makes searches and paperwork go faster. You'll see it come up often when moving a case forward: CFIA's release-assist form, for example, has an

1. Gather the basics - Write down the person’s full legal name and country of birth.
2. Add the A‑Number if you have it - If you find the A‑Number on paperwork, include it; if you don’t have it yet, move forward with the other details.
3. Request a search using what you know - When you contact CFIA to search for someone detained, provide the A‑Number (if known), full name, and country of birth.

Once you have the A‑Number, add it to any CFIA paperwork so your request gets tied to the right person. If you're submitting CFIA's release-assist form, email it to info@cfiaus.com or fax it to (818) 449-7195. For general questions, call (844) 910-2342.