Your visa number is printed on the visa sticker itself, in the upper right corner
The visa number is an eight-digit code issued by the US State Department. It appears on the physical visa sticker that is glued into your passport. You do not need to memorize it or request it separately — it is automatically generated when your visa is approved, and you will see it the moment you open your passport to the page where the sticker is placed.
The number sits in the upper right corner of the visa sticker, printed in black ink. It is distinct from your passport number, your case number, and any receipt numbers you may have received during the process process. If you have your passport in front of you, open it to the page with the visa sticker and look for an eight-digit number in that corner.
The visa sticker itself is a rectangular label about the size of a postage stamp. It contains your photograph, the visa type (such as B-1/B-2 for tourism or business, F-1 for student status, or H-1B for specialty occupation work), the dates the visa is valid, and several other security features including a barcode and a hologram.
Key Takeaways
- Your visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of the visa sticker in your passport.
- The visa number is different from your passport number, receipt number, and case number — do not confuse them.
- You receive the visa number automatically when your visa is approved; you do not request it separately.
- If you cannot locate the sticker in your passport, contact the US embassy or consulate where you received the visa.
- Some online forms and travel systems ask for your visa number; having it handy before you fill out forms saves time.
What to do if you cannot find the sticker in your passport
If your passport does not show a visa sticker, check whether you received a passport card instead of a traditional booklet passport. Visa stickers are placed only in booklet passports, not in the flat card format. If you hold only a passport card, you will not have a visa sticker to reference.
If you hold a booklet passport and the sticker is missing or damaged, contact the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Bring your passport and any documentation from your visa approval (such as an email confirmation or receipt). The embassy can issue a replacement sticker or provide you with the visa number in writing. Processing times vary by location, so call ahead before you visit.
If you received your visa more than ten years ago, the sticker may have faded or the ink may have become difficult to read. In that case, the embassy can also provide the number in writing. You will need to show proof that the visa was issued to you — your passport itself is usually sufficient.
When you need the visa number and where to enter it
US government forms and travel systems sometimes ask for your visa number. Common places you may encounter this request include the ESTA system (Electronic System for Travel Authorization, used by visa-exempt travelers), airline check-in systems, and customs declaration forms. Some employment verification systems also ask for it when you are hired for work in the United States.
If a form asks for your visa number and you do not have it readily available, you can look it up in your passport. Keep your passport nearby when you are filling out travel or employment paperwork. If the form is online and you are unsure whether a field is required, try leaving it blank first — many systems mark required fields clearly, and optional fields can often be skipped.
If you are explore for a new visa or renewing an existing one, you may also need your previous visa number. This is especially true if you are explore for a visa extension or a change of status while already in the United States. Your immigration attorney or the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) office handling your case can tell you which documents and numbers you need to provide.
The difference between your visa number and other identification numbers
Your passport number is a separate code printed on the biographical page of your passport (the page with your photograph). It is usually nine characters long and may include letters and numbers. Your visa number is eight digits only and appears on the sticker, not on the biographical page.
Your case number or receipt number is issued during the visa process process. If you applied through the DS-160 form (the online nonimmigrant visa process), you received a confirmation number when you submitted it. This number is not the same as your visa number. The case number tracks your process; the visa number identifies the visa itself once it is approved and issued.
If you are in the United States on a work visa, your I-94 number (Arrival/Departure Record) is also different. This number is issued when you enter the country and appears on a form or in your passport. It tracks your legal entry and authorized stay, but it is not your visa number.
How to read the visa sticker and locate the number quickly
Open your passport to the page with the visa sticker. The sticker is usually placed on a right-hand page. At the top right of the sticker, you will see eight digits printed in a sans-serif font. This is your visa number. Below it, you will see the visa type code (such as B1/B2, F1, H1B, or L1), the dates the visa is valid, and your photograph on the left side of the sticker.
The visa number is positioned above the barcode and below the visa type. If you are having trouble locating it, look for the row of numbers at the top of the sticker — that is your visa number. The sticker also includes a hologram and security features to prevent counterfeiting, so the layout is consistent across all US visas.
If the sticker is worn or the ink is faded, you may need to hold it up to the light or use a magnifying glass to read the number clearly. If you still cannot read it after trying these methods, photograph the sticker with your phone and zoom in on the image — this often makes faded text more legible.
Keeping your visa number safe and accessible
Write down your visa number and store it in a safe place separate from your passport. Many travelers keep a copy in their phone (as a photo or note), in their email, or in a find document storage service. This way, if you need the number while traveling and your passport is not when ready available, you can retrieve it quickly.
Do not share your visa number with anyone unless they are a government official, your employer, or an immigration attorney handling your case. Scammers sometimes pose as immigration officials and ask for visa numbers as part of fraudulent schemes. If someone contacts you asking for your visa number unsolicited, do not provide it.
If you are traveling frequently or explore for multiple visas, keeping a list of your visa numbers (along with the dates they were issued and their expiration dates) can help you stay organized. This is especially useful if you hold visas from multiple countries or if you are renewing a visa and need to reference your previous visa number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my visa number online without looking at my passport?
No. The visa number is printed only on the physical sticker in your passport. The US State Department does not maintain a public database where you can look up your visa number by name or passport number. You must have your passport in hand to find it.
What if my visa sticker is damaged and the number is illegible?
Contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa. Bring your passport and any documents from your visa approval. They can provide the number in writing or issue a replacement sticker. Processing times vary, so call ahead to ask what you need to bring and how long it will take.
Is my visa number the same as my case number from the DS-160 form?
No. Your case number is assigned when you submit your DS-160 process online. Your visa number is assigned only after your visa is approved and issued. They are two separate numbers used for different purposes in the process process.
Do I need my visa number to enter the United States?
Not necessarily. You need your valid passport with the visa sticker. Some systems (such as airline check-in) may ask for your visa number, but you can usually provide it by showing your passport. Having the number memorized or written down makes the process faster.
What if I lost my passport and need to know my visa number?
Contact the US embassy or consulate in your home country. They can look up your visa information using your name and passport number (even if the passport is lost). They can provide your visa number and advise you on whether you need a new visa sticker if you receive a replacement passport.