Your visa number appears in the top right corner of your visa stamp or sticker
The visa number is an eight-digit code printed on your actual visa — the stamp or sticker in your passport. It sits in the top right corner of that stamp, above the barcode. The number is unique to that specific visa and is different from your passport number.
If you are looking at your passport and see a full-page visa sticker (common for US tourist, work, and student visas), the number is in the upper right area of that sticker. It is printed in a smaller font than the visa type itself. On older or less common visa formats, the number may appear slightly lower, but it is always on the right side of the stamp.
You will need this number if you are renewing your visa, checking your visa status online, or filling out forms that ask for your visa number specifically. It is not the same as your case number (which relates to your visa process) or your passport number.
Key Takeaways
- Your visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the top right corner of your visa stamp or sticker in your passport.
- The visa number is different from your passport number and your case number, and each visa you receive has its own unique number.
- You can also find your visa number on your visa approval notice (Form I-797) if you have not yet received your physical visa.
- If your visa stamp is damaged or the number is unclear, you can contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa for a replacement or verification.
Finding the number on your visa approval notice
Before you receive your physical visa in the mail, you will get a Form I-797 (Notice of Action) from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form includes your visa number, usually listed as "Visa Number" or "Visa Class Code" in the middle or lower section of the document.
The Form I-797 is your proof that your visa has been approved. You can use the visa number from this form while you wait for your passport with the physical visa to arrive. Keep this form with you when you travel, as some airlines or border officials may ask to see it alongside your passport.
What to do if you cannot read your visa number
If your visa stamp is faded, smudged, or damaged and you cannot read the number clearly, do not guess or leave it blank on forms. Contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa and request verification of your visa number. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and passport number.
You can also check the USCIS website if your visa is recent. Log into your USCIS account (if you created one during your process) and look for your approval notice, which will show the visa number. Some visa categories allow you to check your status through the State Department's Consular Electronic process Center (CEAC) as well, though this varies by visa type.
Visa number versus other identification numbers
It is straightforward to confuse your visa number with other numbers on your documents. Your passport number is printed on the information page of your passport and is what identifies you as a citizen. Your case number (also called an A-number or receipt number) relates to your immigration process and appears on your USCIS paperwork. Your visa number is specific to the visa itself and appears only on the visa stamp.
Forms will usually specify which number they need. If a form asks for your "visa number," look at your visa stamp. If it asks for your "case number" or "receipt number," check your USCIS paperwork. If it asks for your "passport number," use the number from your passport's information page. Using the wrong number can delay processing or cause your form to be rejected.
Using your visa number for online status checks
Some visa categories allow you to check your process status online using your visa number. The State Department's CEAC website lets you track certain visa applications by entering your case number and passport number, though the visa number itself is not always required for this search.
If you are checking your status through USCIS (for work visas, green card applications, or other immigration benefits), you will typically use your receipt number (A-number) rather than your visa number. Always check the specific website or form to see which number it is asking for before you enter information.
Keeping your visa number safe and accessible
Write down your visa number and store it somewhere safe — a photo on your phone, a note in your email, or a document on your computer. If your passport is lost or stolen, having this number written down will help you when you contact the embassy to report the loss and request a replacement visa.
When you travel, you do not need to memorize your visa number, but it is useful to have it available. Some countries ask for it when you enter, and airlines occasionally request it during check-in. Keeping a photo of your visa page (the page with the stamp) on your phone is a practical backup if your passport is inaccessible for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my visa number the same as my passport number?
No. Your passport number identifies you as a citizen and appears on your passport's information page. Your visa number is specific to the visa stamp and appears in the top right corner of that stamp. They are two separate numbers.
Where do I find my visa number if I have not received my physical visa yet?
Check your Form I-797 (Notice of Action) from USCIS. Your visa number is listed on this form. You can use this number while you wait for your passport with the physical visa to arrive in the mail.
Can I use my visa number to check my process status?
It depends on your visa type. Some visa categories let you check status through the State Department's CEAC website, though you usually need your case number and passport number rather than your visa number. Check the specific website for which numbers it requires.
What should I do if my visa number is not visible or is smudged?
Contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa with your name, date of birth, and passport number. They can verify your visa number for you. You can also check your Form I-797 or your USCIS account if you have one.
Do I need to memorize my visa number?
No, but it is helpful to have it written down or photographed. Some countries ask for it at entry, and airlines occasionally request it during check-in. Keeping a copy accessible is more practical than memorizing it.