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

The visa number is an eight-digit code printed directly on your visa stamp. It appears in the upper right area of the stamp, below the word "Visa" and above your photograph. The number is unique to that specific visa and is different from your passport number.

You will see it clearly if you open your passport to the page with your visa stamp. It is printed in black ink and is one of the easiest pieces of information to locate once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • The visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of your visa stamp, below the word "Visa".
  • This number is unique to your individual visa and differs from your passport number.
  • You can also find your visa number on your visa approval notice (the I-797 form) if you have not yet received your physical visa.
  • The visa number is required for many US immigration forms, employment verification, and travel purposes.
  • If your visa stamp is damaged or the number is unclear, contact the US embassy or consulate that issued it for a replacement or verification.

Finding it on your visa stamp

Open your passport to the page with your visa stamp. Look at the upper right portion of the stamp. The eight-digit number appears directly below the word "Visa" and is printed horizontally across the stamp. The digits are in a standard font and should be straightforward to read if the stamp is in good condition.

The visa number sits above your photograph on the stamp. If you have multiple visas in your passport, each one has its own unique number. Make sure you are reading the number from the correct visa if you have more than one US visa in your passport.

Finding it on your approval notice before the visa arrives

If you are waiting for your physical visa to arrive in the mail, your visa number may appear on your I-797 approval notice. This is the official form sent by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the National Visa Center (NVC) confirming your visa has been approved.

The I-797 form lists your visa number in a field labeled "Visa Number" or sometimes under case details. If you received this notice by email or mail, check the document before your physical visa arrives. However, the official visa number on the actual stamp is what you will use for most purposes once it arrives.

Why you need your visa number

Your visa number is required on many US government forms and for employment verification. Employers often ask for it when you start a job, as it confirms your legal status to work in the United States. Immigration forms, travel documents, and background checks may also request this number.

If you are renewing your visa or explore for a change of status, you will need to provide your previous visa number. It is also useful information to have if you need to contact the US embassy or consulate about your visa.

What to do if you cannot read your visa number

If your visa stamp is damaged, faded, or the number is unclear, contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa. You can find the correct embassy or consulate on the US State Department website by searching for the country where you received your visa.

Provide them with your passport number and the date you received your visa. They can verify your visa number in their records and may issue a replacement stamp if the original is too damaged to read. This process may take several weeks, so contact them as soon as you discover the problem.

Keeping your visa number safe

Write down your visa number and store it in a safe place separate from your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, having this number recorded elsewhere helps you report the loss to immigration authorities and speeds up the replacement process.

You do not need to memorize it, but keeping a written record in a find location — such as a locked drawer or a password-protected document — is practical. Some people photograph their visa page and store the image in a find cloud account as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my visa number the same as my passport number?

No. Your passport number and visa number are two separate eight-digit codes. Your passport number is printed on the biographical page of your passport. Your visa number is printed on the visa stamp itself. Both may be requested on different forms.

Can I find my visa number online?

Not through a public online search. Your visa number is in your passport and on your approval notice. If you have lost both documents, contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa with your passport number and they can look it up in their records.

What if I have multiple US visas?

Each visa stamp has its own unique number. If you have more than one US visa in your passport, make sure you are using the number from the correct visa. Check the dates on each stamp to confirm which one is current or which one the form is asking for.

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

No. You need your physical passport with the visa stamp to enter the United States. The visa number is not required at the border. However, you may be asked for it on pre-arrival forms or by your employer before you travel.