Your visa number appears in the upper right corner of your visa stamp
The visa number is an eight-digit code printed on your actual visa stamp inside your passport. It sits in the upper right area of the visa page itself, above the barcode. The number is unique to that specific visa and is different from your passport number — they are two separate identifiers that the US government uses to track your entry and status.
If you are looking at your passport and see the visa stamp (a colored, official-looking sticker with an eagle and text), the visa number will be clearly visible in that upper right section. It is printed in black ink and is relatively small compared to other text on the stamp.
Key Takeaways
- Your visa number is an eight-digit code located in the upper right corner of your visa stamp inside your passport.
- The visa number is different from your passport number and is specific to that individual visa.
- If you have an old visa that has expired, the number is still readable on the stamp even though the visa itself is no longer valid for travel.
- You will need your visa number when completing certain forms or when contacting US immigration offices about your visa status.
How to read the visa stamp layout
The visa stamp is organized in a specific way, and knowing where each piece of information sits makes it easier to locate your visa number quickly. At the very top of the stamp is the US Department of State seal. Below that are several rows of text and numbers that identify you, your visa type, and the conditions of your visa.
The upper right corner — the area to the right of the eagle and above the barcode at the bottom — is where the visa number always appears. It is printed as a single line of eight digits with no dashes or spaces between them. This placement is consistent across all US visa stamps, whether you have a tourist visa, work visa, student visa, or any other type.
Visa number versus passport number
Many people confuse the visa number with the passport number because both appear in your passport. Your passport number is located on the information page of your passport (the page with your photo and personal details) and identifies your passport document itself. Your visa number is on the visa stamp and identifies that specific visa grant.
When you renew your passport, your passport number changes, but if your visa is still valid, the visa number on your old passport remains the same. This is why immigration officials need both numbers — the passport number tells them which document you are traveling with, and the visa number tells them which visa permission you hold.
Finding your visa number on expired visas
If your visa has expired but you still have the passport with the stamp in it, your visa number is still readable and valid for reference purposes. You may need this number when explore for a new visa, when updating your immigration records, or when contacting US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about your previous visa status.
Keep your old passport with expired visas in a safe place. Even though you cannot travel on an expired visa, the visa number and the history it represents can be important for future visa applications or for proving your previous legal status in the United States.
When you will need your visa number
You will be asked for your visa number in several situations. If you are filing forms with USCIS, such as an adjustment of status process or a work authorization request, the form will have a field for your visa number. If you are contacting a US embassy or consulate about your visa, they will ask for it to look up your case.
Some employers also request your visa number when you are hired on a work visa, and it may appear on your employment authorization document (EAD) or I-94 arrival record. Having your visa number readily available speeds up these processes because it allows officials to locate your file quickly.
What to do if you cannot find your visa number
If your visa stamp is damaged, faded, or unclear, or if you have lost your passport, you can request a copy of your visa information from the US State Department. You will need to contact the National Passport Information Center or the embassy or consulate that issued your visa.
If you are in the United States and need your visa number for an immigration form, you can also check your I-94 arrival record, which is available through the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website at cbp.gov. Your I-94 record includes your visa number and other entry information. Alternatively, if you have filed any immigration forms with USCIS, those forms may contain your visa number in your case file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the visa number the same as the visa code?
No. The visa number is the eight-digit code in the upper right of your stamp. The visa code is a two-letter abbreviation (like B1, F1, H1B) that describes the type of visa you hold. Both appear on your visa stamp, but they serve different purposes.
Can I use my visa number instead of my passport number?
No. Your passport number and visa number are both required for different purposes. Your passport number identifies your travel document, while your visa number identifies your permission to enter the United States. Forms and officials will ask for both.
What if my visa number has a letter in it?
US visa numbers are always eight digits with no letters. If you see letters on your visa stamp, you are likely looking at a different field, such as the visa type code or a reference number. Double-check that you are reading the upper right corner of the stamp.
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, and that is all you need to present at the border. However, having the number available is helpful for filling out arrival forms or for reference if an officer asks for it.
Will my visa number change if I renew my visa?
Yes. Each time you receive a new visa stamp, you receive a new visa number. Your old visa number remains on your previous passport, but your new visa will have a different eight-digit number in the upper right corner of the new stamp.