Your visa number is printed on the visa stamp or sticker in your passport

The visa number is an eight-digit code that appears on the actual visa stamp or label glued into your passport. It sits near the top of the visa page, usually to the right of your photograph. If you have a valid US visa in your passport right now, open to that page and look for a series of numbers printed in the upper right corner — that is your visa number.

The visa number is different from your passport number. Your passport number appears on the biographical page at the front of your passport. The visa number is specific to that particular visa and appears only on the visa itself.

If you have had multiple US visas over the years, each one has its own number. Only the visa number from the visa you are currently using or referring to matters for your purpose.

Key Takeaways

  • Your visa number is an eight-digit code printed on the visa stamp or sticker in your passport, located in the upper right area of the visa page.
  • The visa number is separate from your passport number and appears only on the visa itself, not on the biographical page.
  • If you have held multiple US visas, each one has a different number — check the specific visa you need information about.
  • You can also find your visa number on your I-94 arrival record if you entered the United States, though the passport is the primary source.
  • If your visa has expired or been lost, the number may still appear in US immigration records, but you will need to contact USCIS or the State Department to retrieve it.

How to read the visa stamp layout

The visa stamp contains several pieces of information arranged in a specific pattern. At the very top, you will see the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the visa type (such as B-1/B-2 for business or tourism, F-1 for student, or H-1B for specialty occupation work). Below that is your photograph.

To the right of your photo, you will find a series of numbers and letters. The visa number is the eight-digit code that appears in this section. It is usually printed clearly and is distinct from other codes on the page. Below the visa number, you will see the issue date and expiration date of the visa.

The bottom of the visa contains your name, date of birth, and place of birth. If you are having trouble locating the visa number, start by finding your photograph on the visa page, then look directly to the right in the upper portion of the stamp.

Finding your visa number if your passport is at home

If you need your visa number but your passport is not with you, you have a few options. The fastest is to contact the US embassy or consulate where you received the visa — they have records of all visas they issued and can provide the number if you give them your name and approximate date of issuance.

You can also check your I-94 arrival record if you have entered the United States. The I-94 is the electronic arrival and departure record created when you pass through US immigration. You can retrieve your I-94 at the US Customs and Border Protection website by entering your passport number and date of birth. The I-94 will show your visa number in the visa field.

If you received your visa more than a few years ago and no longer have the passport it was issued in, contact USCIS or the State Department with your full name and approximate visa issue date. They can search their records and provide the number, though this may take several weeks.

What to do if your visa has expired

An expired visa still has a number, and that number remains valid for your records. You do not need a new visa number straightforward because the visa expired. The number printed on the expired visa in your old passport is the correct number to use if you are asked for it.

If you have renewed your visa and received a new one, you now have two different visa numbers — one on the expired visa and one on the current visa. Use the number from whichever visa is relevant to your situation. If you are entering the United States, use the number from your current, valid visa. If you are providing information about a past trip or status, use the number from the visa that was active at that time.

Visa number versus other identification codes

Several numbers appear in and around your visa, and it is straightforward to confuse them. Your passport number is on the biographical page at the front of your passport and is not part of the visa stamp. Your visa number is the eight-digit code on the visa itself. Your I-94 number is a separate code created when you arrive in the United States and appears on your arrival record, not on your visa.

If a form or official asks for your "visa number," they want the eight-digit code from the visa stamp. If they ask for your passport number, they want the number from the biographical page. If they ask for your I-94 number, they want the arrival record number. Reading the form carefully will tell you which one is needed.

Some forms may ask for all three numbers in different fields. In that case, provide each number in the field labeled for it. Do not substitute one number for another, as they serve different purposes in US immigration records.

What to do if you cannot locate the number on your visa

If your visa stamp is damaged, faded, or unclear, the number may be difficult to read. In this case, your best option is to contact the US embassy or consulate that issued the visa. Bring your passport and explain that the visa number is not legible. They can look up the visa in their system and provide you with the correct number.

If your passport was lost or stolen and the visa with it, you will need to report the loss to your country's passport authority and explore for a replacement passport. Once you have the replacement, you can contact the US embassy or consulate to request a copy of your visa number from their records. You may also be able to retrieve it from your I-94 record if you have entered the United States on that visa.

Do not guess or estimate a visa number. If you provide an incorrect number to immigration officials or on official forms, it can cause delays or complications with your case. It is always better to take the time to find the correct number or contact the appropriate agency to retrieve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the visa number the same as the passport number?

No. Your passport number is on the biographical page at the front of your passport. Your visa number is an eight-digit code on the visa stamp itself. They are two separate numbers used for different purposes in immigration records.

Can I find my visa number online?

You can retrieve your I-94 arrival record online through the US Customs and Border Protection website, which will show your visa number. However, there is no single online database where you can look up a visa number by name. The US embassy or consulate that issued your visa can provide the number if you contact them directly.

What if I have a digital or electronic visa instead of a stamp?

Some countries issue electronic travel authorizations instead of visa stamps. If you have an ESTA (for visa waiver countries) or another electronic authorization, the number may appear in your confirmation email or on the official government website where you registered. Check your email confirmation or log into the issuing website to find the authorization number.

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

You do not need to memorize or carry your visa number separately — the visa itself is in your passport, which you will present at the border. However, you may need the number for certain forms, employment verification, or when communicating with immigration officials about your case.

What if my visa number appears twice on the stamp?

The visa number may appear in more than one location on the stamp for redundancy and verification purposes. All instances of the number on your visa should be identical. Use any of them — they are the same number.