Your US visa number is printed on the visa sticker itself, in the upper right corner

The visa number is an eight-digit code that appears on your physical visa — the sticker in your passport. It sits in the upper right area of the visa page, below the word "Visa" and above your photograph. This number is unique to your visa and is different from your passport number, your case number, or your arrival record number.

You will need this number when you renew your visa, explore for certain US benefits, or contact the State Department about your visa status. If you cannot find it on your visa sticker, the number may have faded or the sticker may be damaged — in that case, you can request a replacement visa or look up the number through your case file.

Key Takeaways

  • The visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of your visa sticker in your passport.
  • Your visa number is different from your passport number, I-94 arrival number, and case number — each serves a different purpose.
  • You can find your visa number by checking your passport, your visa approval notice, or your case file with USCIS.
  • Keep your visa number handy when renewing your visa, updating your status, or contacting the State Department about your case.

How to locate the number on your visa sticker

Open your passport to the page with your visa sticker. The sticker is usually a full-page insert with your photograph, your name, and details about your visa type and validity dates. Look at the upper right corner of the sticker — the eight-digit number printed there is your visa number. The number appears in a standard font and is clearly separated from other information on the page.

If the sticker is worn, faded, or damaged and you cannot read the number clearly, do not guess. Instead, use one of the other methods below to find the correct number in your records.

Check your visa approval notice and case documents

Your visa approval notice — the document you received from the US embassy or consulate when your visa was issued — also contains your visa number. This notice is usually a separate letter or form that came with your passport when you picked it up after your visa interview. The visa number appears on this document alongside your case number and other details about your visa category and validity period.

If you no longer have the physical approval notice, you can request a copy from the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and passport number. The embassy can mail or email you a copy of your approval documents, which will include the visa number.

Use USCIS records if you filed a case in the United States

If you filed an immigration case with USCIS after entering the US — such as an adjustment of status, work permit, or travel document — your case file contains your visa information. You can view your case online through the USCIS online account portal if you created one during your filing. Log in with your username and password, select your case, and look for the visa details section.

If you do not have an online account, you can request your case file by mail. Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or visit uscis.gov to request Form G-639 (Freedom of Information Act Request). Provide your name, date of birth, and A-number (if you have one), and USCIS will send you copies of your file, including your visa number.

Contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa

The embassy or consulate where you received your visa has a record of your visa number in their system. You can contact them by phone, email, or in person to request this information. Look up the contact details for the specific embassy or consulate on the State Department website at state.gov — search for the country where you received your visa, then find the consular section phone number.

When you call or email, have your passport number and full name ready. The consulate staff can look up your visa number in their records and provide it to you over the phone or by email. Response times vary by location, but most consulates can provide this information within a few business days.

Understand what your visa number is used for

Your visa number is required when you renew your visa, extend your stay in the US, or change your visa category. It is also needed if you are explore for certain US benefits, updating your immigration status, or contacting the State Department about your case. Some employers and schools may also ask for your visa number when you are hired or enrolled.

Do not confuse your visa number with your I-94 arrival number (the number on your entry record), your A-number (your USCIS case number), or your passport number. Each of these is a separate identifier used for different purposes in the immigration system. Your visa number specifically refers to the visa itself and is printed only on the sticker in your passport.

What to do if your visa sticker is damaged or illegible

If your visa sticker is torn, water-damaged, or the number is too faded to read, you can request a replacement visa from the US embassy or consulate that issued it. You will need to submit your passport and a written request explaining the damage. The consulate will issue a new visa sticker with a new visa number, and the old number will no longer be valid.

In the meantime, you can use the other methods above — your approval notice, USCIS records, or a direct call to the consulate — to find your original visa number. Keep a record of both numbers if you receive a replacement, as some documents may reference the original number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my visa number the same as my passport number?

No. Your passport number is printed on the first page of your passport and identifies the passport itself. Your visa number is an eight-digit code on the visa sticker and identifies that specific visa. They are separate numbers used for different purposes.

Can I find my visa number online without contacting the embassy?

If you filed an immigration case with USCIS, you can view your visa number through your USCIS online account. If you have not filed a case in the US, you will need to check your approval notice, your passport sticker, or contact the embassy directly.

What if I lost my passport and need my visa number?

Contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa with your name and date of birth. They can look up your visa number in their records. You will also need to report your lost passport to your home country's passport office and obtain a replacement.

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

No. You need your valid passport and visa sticker to enter the US. The visa number is used for administrative purposes, renewals, and case management — not for entry itself.

Will my visa number change if I renew my visa?

Yes. When you renew your visa, you receive a new visa sticker with a new eight-digit number. The old number is no longer valid, though your records may still reference it.