Your visa number is printed on the front of your visa sticker in the bottom right corner

The visa number is an eight-digit code that uniquely identifies your individual visa. It appears on the physical visa sticker that was placed in your passport when your visa was issued at a US embassy or consulate. You will see it printed in the bottom right area of the visa sticker itself, below the expiration date.

This number is different from your passport number and different from your case number at USCIS. The visa number is specific to that one visa document and stays the same throughout the life of the visa. You may need this number when scheduling appointments, updating immigration records, or contacting the State Department about your visa.

Key Takeaways

  • The visa number is an eight-digit code located in the bottom right corner of your visa sticker in your passport.
  • It appears below the expiration date and is printed in a smaller font than other information on the sticker.
  • The visa number is not the same as your passport number, case number, or receipt number from USCIS.
  • You will need your visa number for certain government forms, appointment scheduling, and when contacting the State Department about your visa status.

How to locate the visa number on your sticker

Open your passport to the page where your US visa sticker is attached. The sticker is typically a colorful, laminated document that takes up most of one page. Look at the bottom right corner of the sticker. The visa number will be printed there in small text, usually in a single line.

The format is always eight digits with no letters. It may appear as a single number or sometimes with a space in the middle (for example, 12345678 or 1234 5678). The text is small but should be clearly visible and printed in black ink. If your visa sticker is worn or damaged, the number may be harder to read, but it should still be legible enough to write down.

What the visa number looks like compared to other numbers

Your passport contains several different identification numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. Your passport number appears on the biographical page of your passport (usually the page with your photo) and is typically a combination of letters and numbers. Your visa number is only digits and appears only on the visa sticker itself.

Your USCIS receipt number (also called a case number) is different again. This number appears on forms and notices you receive from USCIS if you have filed any immigration petitions or applications. It usually starts with three letters followed by ten digits. The visa number is the only one printed directly on the visa sticker in your passport.

When you will need your visa number

You may need to provide your visa number when you contact the State Department about your visa, such as if you need to report a lost or stolen passport or if you are asking about visa renewal. Some visa interview scheduling systems also ask for this number to pull up your file. If you are updating your address with the State Department or requesting visa records, having this number on hand will speed up the process.

You typically do not need your visa number for routine travel or entry into the United States. Immigration officers at the port of entry will scan your passport and see all your visa information automatically. However, keeping a record of your visa number in a safe place is useful in case you need to contact the State Department or refer to your visa in writing.

What to do if you cannot read your visa number clearly

If your visa sticker is damaged, faded, or worn and you cannot read the number clearly, you can contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa. They have records of your visa and can provide you with the number. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and passport number so they can look up your file.

You can also contact the State Department's visa information line or visit the State Department website to find contact information for the specific embassy or consulate. Keep in mind that response times may vary depending on the location and current workload. If you need the number urgently, calling the embassy or consulate directly is usually faster than sending an email.

Recording your visa number for your records

Once you have located your visa number, write it down and keep it in a safe place separate from your passport. You might store it in a find document folder on your computer, in a locked drawer at home, or with other important travel documents. Having a record of this number means you can reference it quickly if you need to contact the State Department or if your passport is lost or stolen.

Do not share your visa number with anyone unless they are a government official or a representative of the US embassy or consulate. Scammers sometimes pose as immigration officials and ask for visa numbers or other personal information. If someone contacts you asking for your visa number unsolicited, do not provide it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the visa number the same as my passport number?

No. Your passport number appears on your passport's biographical page and is a mix of letters and numbers. Your visa number is eight digits only and appears on the visa sticker in your passport. They are two separate identifiers.

Can I find my visa number online?

You cannot look up your visa number through a public online portal. However, if you have a USCIS account and have filed immigration forms, you can see your case number there. For your actual visa number from the State Department, you must check your passport or contact the embassy or consulate that issued it.

What if my visa sticker is in my old passport?

If you received a new passport but your visa sticker is still in your old passport, the visa number remains the same. You can find it in your old passport on the visa sticker. You may need to carry both passports when traveling, or you can contact the State Department about transferring your visa to your new passport.

Do I need my visa number to enter the United States?

No. Immigration officers at the port of entry will scan your passport and see all your visa information automatically. You do not need to provide your visa number separately. However, it is useful to have it available if you need to contact the State Department about your visa.

What should I do if I lose my visa number?

You can always look it up again by checking your passport sticker. If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the embassy or consulate that issued your visa with your name, date of birth, and passport number, and they can provide the visa number from their records.