Your visa number is a unique identifier printed on your visa stamp or document
Your US visa number is an eight-digit code assigned to your individual visa. It appears on the physical visa itself — either on a stamp in your passport or on a separate visa document, depending on your visa type and country of issuance. This number is not the same as your passport number, your case number, or your travel document number. You will need it when you renew your visa, explore for certain benefits, or prove your visa status to an employer or institution.
The location of the visa number depends on where your visa was issued. If you received a traditional visa stamp, the number is printed directly on that stamp in your passport. If you received a visa on a separate page or document — which some consulates do — the number appears on that document instead. The number is always eight digits long and uses only numbers, no letters.
Key Takeaways
- Your visa number is an eight-digit code printed on your visa stamp or visa document, not on your passport cover or biographical page.
- Check the visa stamp itself first; if you received a separate visa document instead, the number is on that page.
- The visa number is different from your passport number, case number, and travel document number — do not confuse them.
- If your visa stamp is damaged or the number is unclear, contact the US consulate that issued your visa for a replacement or certified copy.
- You can also find your visa number in your USCIS account if you filed any immigration forms after receiving your visa.
How to locate the number on a visa stamp
Open your passport to the page with your US visa stamp. The stamp itself is a colored rectangle, usually about the size of a postage stamp, with an eagle and the words "United States of America" printed on it. Look at the bottom of the stamp — the eight-digit number is printed there in small type. The number may also appear elsewhere on the stamp depending on when and where it was issued, but the bottom is the most common location.
If the stamp is faded, smudged, or difficult to read, hold the passport under good light or use a magnifying glass. If you still cannot make out the number clearly, do not guess — contact the US consulate that issued your visa and request a certified copy of your visa record, which will include the number in legible form.
Finding the number on a separate visa document
Some consulates issue visas on a separate page rather than as a stamp in your passport. This is common for certain visa types and countries. If you received a separate visa document, look for the eight-digit number printed on that page. It is usually located near the top or bottom of the document, alongside other identifying information like your name and passport number.
Keep this document with your passport at all times when traveling to the United States. If you have lost the separate visa document but still have your passport, the consulate can issue you a replacement. You will need to contact the consulate that issued your visa and provide your passport and any other identifying information they request.
Checking your USCIS account for the visa number
If you filed any immigration forms after receiving your visa — such as an adjustment of status process, work permit request, or travel document request — your visa number may be recorded in your USCIS online account. To check, go to the USCIS website and log into your account using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address.
Once logged in, look for any case or process you filed. The details page for that case often includes information about your visa, including the visa number. This method works only if you filed a form with USCIS after your visa was issued. If you have never filed a form with USCIS, this option will not help you.
What to do if you cannot find your visa number
If your visa stamp is damaged, illegible, or missing, or if you cannot locate a separate visa document, contact the US consulate that issued your visa. You can find the consulate's contact information on the US State Department website by searching for the city where you received your visa. Call or email the consulate and explain that you need your visa number.
Have your passport ready when you contact them. They may ask you to provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, and the date your visa was issued. The consulate can provide your visa number over the phone or by mail, or they can issue you a certified copy of your visa record. Some consulates charge a small fee for this service; others do not.
Why you need your visa number and when to use it
Your visa number is required in several situations. If you are renewing your visa, the consulate will ask for your previous visa number to look up your record. If you are explore for a green card or other immigration benefit, USCIS will ask for your visa number to verify your entry to the United States. Some employers also ask for your visa number when you are hired on a work visa, so they can verify your status with USCIS.
You may also need your visa number if you are traveling outside the United States and need to prove your visa status to a border agent, or if you are explore for a state ID or driver's license and the state requires proof of legal status. Keep a copy of your visa number in a safe place separate from your passport, so you can provide it quickly if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my visa number the same as my passport number?
No. Your passport number is printed on the biographical page of your passport and is issued by your home country. Your visa number is issued by the US consulate and appears only on your visa stamp or visa document. They are two separate numbers.
Can I find my visa number online without contacting the consulate?
Only if you filed an immigration form with USCIS after receiving your visa. Log into your USCIS account and check the details of any case you filed. If you have never filed a form with USCIS, you will need to check your passport or contact the consulate.
What if my visa stamp is partially torn or faded?
If you can read the number, write it down and keep it in a safe place. If the number is not legible, contact the consulate that issued your visa and request a certified copy of your visa record. This document will have the number printed clearly and can be used as proof of your visa in most situations.
Do I need my visa number to enter the United States?
No. You need your physical visa stamp or visa document and your passport to enter the United States. The visa number itself is not required at the border, but you should know it in case a border agent asks for it.