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

The visa number is an eight-digit code printed directly on the physical visa sticker that appears in your passport. It sits in the upper right area of the sticker, below the visa category (like F-1, H-1B, or B-1/B-2) and above the issue date. The number is black text on the tan or beige background of the sticker.

This number is unique to your visa and is different from your passport number. You will need it when you enter the United States, when you explore for extensions or changes of status, and when you contact the US Department of State about your visa. It is also the number you use if you need to replace a lost or damaged visa.

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 separate from your passport number and your case number.
  • You will need your visa number to enter the United States, explore for status changes, and contact the State Department about your visa.
  • If you cannot find the number on your sticker, contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa for a replacement.

How to read the visa sticker layout

The visa sticker contains several pieces of information arranged in a specific order. At the top left is the visa category code (the two letters and numbers that describe your visa type). The visa number appears in the upper right, and directly below it is the issue date. Your name, date of birth, and passport number are printed in the middle section of the sticker.

The sticker also shows the expiration date of the visa itself — this is the date by which you must enter the United States. This is different from your passport expiration date. Some visas are valid for ten years or longer, while others expire in one or two years depending on your visa category and your country of citizenship.

Visa number versus other identification numbers

Your visa number, passport number, and case number are three separate things, and it is straightforward to confuse them. Your passport number is printed on the data page of your passport and is used for travel and identification. Your case number (also called a receipt number or USCIS number) is assigned if you have filed an immigration petition or process with US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and it appears on your receipt notice.

When a government office or your employer asks for your visa number, they want the eight-digit code on the sticker itself, not your passport number. If you are unsure which number to provide, ask the person requesting it to clarify whether they need your visa number, passport number, or case number.

What to do if your visa sticker is damaged or faded

If the visa number is no longer readable because the sticker is worn, faded, or damaged, you can request a replacement visa from the US embassy or consulate that issued your original visa. You will need to contact that embassy or consulate directly — the location depends on which country you were in when you received the visa.

You can find the correct embassy or consulate by visiting the State Department website and searching by country. When you contact them, have your passport and any documents related to your original visa process ready. Some posts may be able to issue a replacement in person or by mail, depending on their procedures and your location.

Finding your visa number if you cannot access your passport

If your passport is lost, stolen, or being held by an employer or school, you can still find your visa number by contacting the US embassy or consulate that issued the visa. They can look up your visa record using your name, date of birth, and passport number (the one from the passport that held the visa). They will provide you with the visa number over the phone or in writing.

If your passport was lost or stolen, you will also need to report this to your home country's passport office and obtain a replacement passport. Once you have a new passport, you may need to explore for a new visa as well, depending on your visa category and how much time has passed since your original visa was issued.

Using your visa number for travel and status changes

When you arrive at a US port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport), the Customs and Border Protection officer will scan your passport and see your visa number in their system. You do not need to recite it or write it down separately — the officer will pull up your information automatically.

If you are explore to change your immigration status while in the United States (for example, changing from a student visa to a work visa), you will need to provide your visa number on the process form. Similarly, if you are explore for an extension of your current status or if you need to contact the State Department about your visa, having your visa number on hand will speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my visa number the same as my passport number?

No. Your passport number is printed on the data page of your passport, while your visa number is the eight-digit code on the visa sticker. They are separate numbers used for different purposes. Always provide the correct number when asked.

Can I enter the United States if I have lost my visa sticker but still have my passport?

It depends on your visa category and how long ago it was issued. Some visa types allow entry with a passport and receipt notice even if the sticker is missing. Contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa, or call the State Department's visa line, to find out whether you can travel with your current documentation.

What if I have multiple visas in my passport?

Each visa sticker has its own eight-digit number. If you have more than one visa in your passport, make sure you are using the number for the correct visa — the one that matches your current travel or status purpose. Check the visa category and dates to confirm you are looking at the right sticker.

Do I need to memorize my visa number?

You do not need to memorize it, but it is helpful to write it down and keep it in a safe place separate from your passport. If your passport is lost or damaged, you will be able to provide the number to the embassy or consulate without having to access the sticker itself.