Your visa number is printed on the visa stamp itself

Your nonimmigrant visa number appears on the physical visa stamp in your passport. It is an eight-digit number located in the lower right corner of the visa page. The number identifies that specific visa document and is different from your passport number — they are separate identifiers that the U.S. government tracks independently.

If you are looking at your visa stamp right now, scan the bottom right area. You will see a series of numbers; the visa number is typically the longest sequence on that side of the page. It may be printed in small type, so a magnifying glass or good lighting helps if the ink has faded.

Key Takeaways

  • Your nonimmigrant visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the lower right corner of your visa stamp in your passport.
  • This number is different from your passport number and is used by U.S. immigration officials to track your specific visa document.
  • If your passport is lost or stolen, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can look up your visa number using your name and passport number.
  • You will need your visa number when filling out forms like the I-94 arrival/departure record or when contacting immigration about your status.
  • If you cannot locate the number on your visa stamp, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued your visa for a replacement or verification.

What to do if you cannot read the number on your visa stamp

Visa stamps fade over time, especially if your passport has been in a bag or wallet for years. If the number is too faint to read, hold your passport under a bright light or near a window. Tilt the page at different angles — the embossed elements of the visa sometimes make the number easier to see when light hits them from the side.

If the number is still illegible after trying these steps, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued your visa. You will need your full name, date of birth, and passport number. They can confirm your visa number from their records and provide it to you in writing. This process typically takes a few business days.

Finding your visa number if your passport was lost or stolen

If your passport containing your visa is lost or stolen, you cannot read the visa number from the stamp. In this case, USCIS can retrieve your visa number using your name and your old passport number. Contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or visit the USCIS website to request this information.

You will also need to explore for a replacement passport through the State Department and may need to request a new visa stamp from the U.S. embassy or consulate. The embassy can cross-reference your records and provide your original visa number as part of that process, which helps establish continuity of your immigration status.

Where you will need to enter your visa number

Your nonimmigrant visa number is required on several standard immigration forms. The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, which you complete when entering the United States, asks for this number. If you are adjusting your status to permanent residence, the I-485 form also requests it.

You may also need your visa number when contacting USCIS about your case, when requesting a travel document, or when explore for a work permit extension. Having this number on hand before you fill out forms saves time and reduces the chance of errors that could delay processing.

The difference between your visa number and your passport number

Your passport number identifies the passport document itself and is issued by your home country. Your visa number identifies the U.S. visa stamp and is issued by the U.S. State Department. Both numbers appear in your passport, but they serve different purposes in the immigration system.

When you renew your passport, your passport number changes, but your visa number does not — it stays the same because the visa stamp remains in your old passport. If you need to travel and your passport is expired, you may carry both your old passport (with the visa) and your new passport together for entry to the United States.

Requesting official documentation of your visa number

If you need written proof of your visa number for an employer, school, or government agency, you can request a certified copy from the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued your visa. This document is sometimes called a visa verification letter or visa record printout.

To request this, contact the consular section of the embassy or consulate by phone or email. Provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, and the approximate date your visa was issued. Processing times vary by location but typically range from one to three weeks. Some consulates charge a small fee for this service.

What to do if the visa number on your stamp does not match your records

If you have written documentation of your visa number from USCIS or the State Department, and it does not match the number printed on your visa stamp, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate when ready. This is rare but can happen if the stamp was printed incorrectly or if there was a data entry error.

Do not assume the number on your stamp is wrong — verify first by calling the consulate. They can confirm which number is correct in their system. If there is a discrepancy, they will issue you a corrected document or explain which number to use on official forms. This prevents problems later when you file immigration paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my visa number the same as my case number?

No. Your visa number identifies the visa stamp itself. Your case number, if you have one, is assigned by USCIS when you file a petition or process with them. These are separate tracking numbers used by different agencies.

Can I look up my visa number online?

USCIS does not have a public online portal where you can search for your visa number. You must contact USCIS by phone at 1-800-375-5283 or visit a local USCIS office in person. The U.S. embassy or consulate that issued your visa can also look it up if you provide your name and passport number.

What if my visa number has been partially worn away?

Try to read what remains under bright light. If you can make out most of the eight digits, that is usually enough to identify your visa. If more than a few digits are illegible, contact the issuing embassy or consulate with your passport number and they can confirm the complete number for you.

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 stamp in your passport is what immigration officers check at the border. However, you will need the number when filling out the I-94 form online before or upon arrival, so having it written down beforehand is helpful.