Your visa number is printed on the visa sticker in your passport

Your visa number is an eight-digit code printed on the actual visa sticker glued into your passport. It appears in the upper right corner of the sticker, above the word "Visa." The number is unique to that specific visa and is different from your passport number.

If you have a valid US visa in your passport, open to the page with the visa sticker and look for the eight digits in the top right. This is the number you need when filling out forms, scheduling appointments, or contacting US immigration offices about that particular visa.

Key Takeaways

  • Your visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of your visa sticker inside your passport.
  • The visa number is different from your passport number, and each visa you receive has its own unique number.
  • If your visa has expired, the number is still valid for reference purposes and appears on the expired sticker.
  • You can also find your visa number on your visa approval notice (Form I-797) if you have one, though the sticker in your passport is the official source.

How to locate it in your passport

Open your passport to the page containing your US visa sticker. The sticker is a colored label, usually about the size of a postage stamp, that shows your photo and visa information. Look at the top right corner of this sticker—the eight-digit number printed there is your visa number.

The layout of the visa sticker is standardized. Below the visa number you will see the visa type (such as B1/B2 for tourist/business, F1 for student, or H1B for specialty occupation worker). The number sits above all other text on the sticker, making it relatively straightforward to spot once you know where to look.

What to do if you cannot find it

If your visa sticker is damaged, faded, or difficult to read, check your visa approval notice. When you received your visa at a US embassy or consulate, you were given a receipt or approval document (often Form I-797 or a similar notice). This document also lists your visa number and can serve as backup documentation.

If you have lost both your passport and your approval notice, contact the US embassy or consulate where you received the visa. They maintain records of all visas issued and can provide your visa number if you give them your name, date of birth, and passport number. This process may take several weeks.

Visa numbers versus passport numbers

Your visa number and passport number are two separate things. Your passport number is printed on the information page of your passport (the page with your photo and personal details). Your visa number is printed only on the visa sticker itself. When a form asks for your visa number, do not enter your passport number—they are asking for the eight digits on the sticker.

Some forms ask for both numbers. In those cases, fill in each field with the correct number. Mixing them up can delay processing or cause your submission to be rejected.

When you need your visa number

You will need your visa number when scheduling a visa interview appointment, renewing or extending your visa, updating your immigration status, or filling out official forms related to your visa. You may also need it when contacting US immigration offices by phone or email to ask questions about your case.

Keep a photo or photocopy of your visa sticker in a safe place separate from your passport. This backup can save time if you need to reference the number and your passport is not with you.

If your visa has expired

An expired visa still has a valid visa number. The number does not change when the visa expires—it remains the same eight-digit code printed on the sticker. If you need to reference an old visa for any reason, the number is still correct and can be used for record-keeping or historical documentation.

However, an expired visa cannot be used for travel. If your visa has expired and you plan to return to the United States, you will need to obtain a new visa, which will have a different visa number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my visa number the same as my USCIS case number?

No. Your visa number is printed on your visa sticker in your passport. Your USCIS case number (if you have one) appears on immigration forms and notices related to applications you have filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services. They are separate numbers used for different purposes.

Can I use my visa number to check my visa status online?

The US State Department does not have a public online tool where you enter your visa number to check status. However, you can check your visa appointment status through the embassy or consulate website where you applied. Your visa number may be required as part of that process, but the lookup method varies by location.

What if the visa number on my sticker is hard to read?

If the number is faded or smudged, your visa approval notice or receipt from the embassy should have a clear copy. You can also contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa with your passport number and they can confirm the visa number for you.

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

No. When you arrive at a US port of entry, immigration officers scan your passport and verify your visa electronically. You do not need to recite or write down your visa number. However, you should have your passport with the visa sticker visible and ready to show.

Can my visa number change if I renew my visa?

Yes. Each time you receive a new visa, you get a new visa number. The old visa number remains on your expired sticker, but your new visa will have a different eight-digit number. Keep both for your records if you have multiple visas in your passport.