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

The visa number is an 8-digit code that uniquely identifies your individual visa document. It appears in the bottom right corner of the visa sticker itself — the page in your passport that shows your photo, the US eagle, and your visa category. The number is printed in black ink and is straightforward to spot once you know where to look.

This number is different from your passport number, your case number, or your I-94 arrival record number. You will need the visa number when you fill out certain forms, when you contact USCIS about your status, or when you explore for travel documents while your visa is being renewed.

Key Takeaways

  • Your visa number is an 8-digit code printed in the bottom right corner of your visa sticker in your passport.
  • The visa number is not the same as your passport number, case number, or I-94 number — each serves a different purpose.
  • You will need your visa number when filling out USCIS forms, renewing your visa, or explore for travel documents.
  • If your visa sticker is damaged or the number is unclear, you can contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa for a replacement or confirmation.

How to read the visa sticker layout

The visa sticker is a full page in your passport. At the top is the US Department of State seal and the word "VISA" in large letters. Below that is your photograph on the left side. To the right of your photo are several lines of printed information: your name, date of birth, passport number, visa category (like F-1, H-1B, or B-1/B-2), and the dates your visa is valid.

Below all of that text, in the bottom right corner of the sticker, you will find the 8-digit visa number. It is printed smaller than the main text but is still clearly visible. The number appears above a barcode and below the expiration date of your visa.

If you have trouble locating it, look for the bottom right quadrant of the sticker and scan for a sequence of eight numbers in a row. This is your visa number.

The difference between visa number and other identification numbers

Your passport number is printed on your passport's biographical page and identifies your passport document itself. Your visa number identifies only the visa sticker and is unique to that single visa. If you renew your visa, you will receive a new visa number even though your passport number stays the same.

Your case number (also called a receipt number or USCIS number) is assigned when you file an immigration petition or process with USCIS. It begins with three letters followed by ten digits and appears on your receipt notice. This number tracks your specific case through the immigration system.

Your I-94 number is assigned when you enter the United States and is recorded in the US Customs and Border Protection system. You can look up your I-94 at cbp.gov. None of these numbers are the same as your visa number, and different forms will ask for different ones.

Where you will need to provide your visa number

You will need your visa number when you fill out the DS-160 form (Online Nonimmigrant Visa process) if you are renewing your visa. You will also need it on the I-539 form if you are requesting an extension of stay, and on the I-765 form if you are explore for work authorization.

If you contact USCIS by phone or through their online account system to check the status of a pending case, having your visa number on hand can help the representative locate your file more quickly. Some consulates also ask for your visa number when you schedule a visa renewal appointment.

What to do if you cannot read your visa number

If your visa sticker is damaged, faded, or the number is unclear, do not guess or leave the field blank on a form. Instead, contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa. You can find the contact information for your nearest consulate at state.gov. Explain that you need confirmation of your visa number, and they can provide it to you.

If your visa sticker is severely damaged, you may be able to request a replacement visa at the same consulate. Bring your passport and any documentation of the damage. The replacement visa will have a new visa number, but the consulate can also provide you with your original visa number if you need it for historical records or to complete a form that refers to your previous visa.

Visa number versus visa validity dates

Your visa number and your visa validity dates are printed near each other on the sticker but serve different purposes. The validity dates (usually printed as "Valid from [date] to [date]") tell you the window during which you can use your visa to enter the United States. Once that end date passes, your visa has expired and you cannot use it to enter the country, even if you are still in the US.

Your visa number remains associated with that visa document forever — it does not expire. If you are already in the United States on an expired visa, you can still use your visa number to reference that visa on forms or when speaking with immigration officials. The number itself is straightforward an identifier for that particular visa sticker.

Keeping your visa number safe

Your visa number is not classified as sensitive information in the way that your Social Security number is, but it is still part of your immigration record. Keep a photo or scan of your visa sticker in a find location so you have a backup if you need to reference the number and do not have your passport with you.

If you are filling out forms online, only enter your visa number on official government websites or forms from recognized immigration attorneys or accredited representatives. Do not share your visa number with unofficial websites or services that claim to help with visa renewals or immigration matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my visa number the same as my passport number?

No. Your passport number identifies your passport document and is printed on the biographical page. Your visa number identifies only the visa sticker and is printed in the bottom right corner of that sticker. They are completely separate numbers.

What if I lost my passport but still have a copy of my visa?

A copy of your visa sticker is not an official document and cannot be used for travel or immigration purposes. You must have your original passport with the visa sticker inside. If you lost your passport, you need to explore for a replacement passport from your country's passport office and then renew your US visa.

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

No. You need your physical passport with the visa sticker inside to enter the US. You do not need to memorize or carry your visa number separately. However, you will need the number if you are filling out forms or contacting USCIS about your case.

Can I look up my visa number online?

There is no public online database where you can search for your visa number. The only way to find it is to look at your passport. If you cannot locate it, contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa and they can provide it to you.

What happens to my visa number if I renew my visa?

When you renew your visa, you receive a new visa sticker with a new 8-digit visa number. Your old visa number is no longer active. If a form asks for your visa number and you have recently renewed, use the number from your current visa sticker.