Your visa number is printed in the bottom right corner of the visa page, next to your photograph
The visa number is a unique identifier assigned to your specific visa document. On a US visa, it appears as an eight-digit number located in the bottom right section of the visa page, directly below or beside your photograph. This number is separate from your passport number and your case number — each serves a different purpose in immigration records.
You will need this number when you contact US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), when you explore for travel documents, or when you need to verify your visa status with the State Department. Having it readily available saves time during phone calls or when filling out forms that request it.
Key Takeaways
- The visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the bottom right corner of your visa page, below your photograph.
- This number is different from your passport number and your USCIS case number, and each one serves a separate purpose.
- You will need your visa number when contacting immigration agencies, explore for travel documents, or checking your visa status.
- The visa number remains the same throughout the validity of that particular visa document.
How the visa number differs from your passport number
Your passport number identifies you as a person and appears on your passport's biographical page. Your visa number identifies the specific visa stamp or document that was issued to you. If you renew your passport, your passport number changes, but if your visa is still valid, the visa number on that visa does not change — it stays with the physical visa document.
When an immigration officer asks for your visa number, they are looking up that specific visa issuance, not your identity. This distinction matters because you may have held multiple visas over time, each with its own number. The visa number tells the government exactly which visa you are referring to.
Where exactly to look on the visa page
Open your visa to the page that shows your photograph and personal information. Look at the bottom right corner of that page. The visa number appears as eight digits, usually printed in a smaller font than your name or passport number. It is positioned below the photograph or to the right of it, depending on the visa type.
Some visas also print the number near the expiration date or validity dates. If you are having trouble locating it, check the area around the dates listed on the visa — the number is always in the lower right quadrant of the visa page. The number is printed in black ink and is not handwritten.
Why you need your visa number for different tasks
When you call USCIS to check the status of a pending case, the representative will ask for your visa number to pull up your file quickly. If you are explore for a travel document such as an advance parole or re-entry permit, the form will request this number. If you need to verify that your visa is still valid or check whether it has been revoked, the State Department uses the visa number to locate your record.
Having the number ready before you make a call or submit a form prevents delays and reduces the chance of the agency looking up the wrong record. It is one of the fastest ways to confirm you are talking about the correct visa document, especially if you have held more than one US visa in your lifetime.
What happens if you cannot find your visa number
If your visa document is damaged, faded, or the number is not clearly visible, you can still contact USCIS or the State Department with your passport number and date of birth. They can look up your visa record and provide the number to you. You do not need the number to travel or to enter the United States if your visa is valid — the visa itself is the document that matters.
If you have lost your visa document entirely, you will need to explore for a replacement at a US embassy or consulate. Bring your passport and explain that your visa was lost or damaged. The consulate can issue a new visa with a new visa number, though the process may take several weeks depending on your visa type and the location of the consulate.
Keeping your visa number in a safe place
Write down your visa number and store it separately from your passport — in your phone, in a find note, or in a document you keep at home. This way, if you need it for a phone call or form and your passport is not with you, you can still provide it. Many people photograph their visa page and save it in a find location for this reason.
Do not share your visa number publicly or with anyone who contacts you claiming to be from immigration. Legitimate government agencies will never ask you to provide sensitive information via email or unsolicited phone calls. If someone asks for your visa number unexpectedly, verify their identity through the official USCIS or State Department website before responding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the visa number the same as my case number?
No. Your case number is assigned by USCIS when you file an immigration petition or process. Your visa number is assigned by the State Department when your visa is issued. They are two separate numbers used by two different agencies for different purposes.
What if my visa number is smudged or hard to read?
Contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa, or call USCIS with your passport number and date of birth. They can confirm your visa number from their records. You do not need a perfectly readable visa number to travel — the visa document itself is what matters at the border.
Do I need my visa number to enter the United States?
No. You need your valid visa document and your passport. The visa number is useful for administrative tasks like checking status or explore for travel documents, but border agents will scan your passport and visa, not ask you to recite the number.
Will my visa number change if I renew my passport?
No. Your visa number stays the same because it is tied to the visa document, not your passport. However, if you get a new passport, you should carry both your old passport (with the visa) and your new passport when you travel, or transfer the visa to your new passport at a US embassy or consulate.
Where do I find my visa number if I applied online?
If you received a physical visa document in your passport, the number is in the bottom right corner of that page. If you have only a digital record or confirmation email from your visa process, that email may include a case number or reference number, but not the visa number — the visa number only appears on the actual visa document once it is issued and placed in your passport.