Your visa number is printed on the visa stamp itself, in the upper right corner

The visa number is an eight-digit code that appears on your actual visa stamp — the page in your passport where the consulate or embassy affixed the visa. Look in the upper right corner of that page. The number is printed in black ink and is separate from your passport number.

You will need this number for many purposes: renewing your visa, updating your immigration records, proving your status to an employer, or explore for certain benefits. It is not the same as your passport number, your I-94 arrival number, or your case number from USCIS.

If you cannot locate it on the visa page itself, the number also appears on your I-94 arrival record (the electronic document created when you enter the United States) and on any approval notices from USCIS related to your visa category.

Key Takeaways

  • The visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of your visa stamp page in your passport.
  • This number is different from your passport number, your I-94 number, and your USCIS case number.
  • You can also find the visa number on your I-94 arrival record or on USCIS approval notices for your visa category.
  • Keep a copy of your visa page in a safe place, since you will need the number for employment verification, visa renewal, and immigration paperwork.

How to read the visa stamp page

The visa stamp occupies a full page in your passport. At the top left is the word "VISA" and the name of the country that issued it. Below that is your photograph, your name, and your date of birth. The visa category code (such as F-1 for student, H-1B for specialty occupation worker, or B-1/B-2 for visitor) appears in the middle section.

The upper right corner holds the visa number — look for an eight-digit number printed clearly. Just below it, you will see the date the visa was issued and the date it expires. The expiration date on the visa stamp is not the same as how long you can stay in the United States; it only shows how long the visa itself is valid for entry.

At the bottom of the page, the consulate or embassy that issued the visa is listed, along with the date of issuance. Some visas also include a barcode or machine-readable zone at the very bottom.

Finding the number if your passport is worn or damaged

If your visa page is faded, stained, or hard to read, you can retrieve the visa number from your I-94 record. The I-94 is an electronic arrival and departure record created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you enter the country. You can view it free at cbp.gov/i94 by entering your passport number, date of birth, and passport country.

The I-94 record displays your visa number in the "Visa Number" field. This record is official and accepted by employers, schools, and government agencies as proof of your visa information. Print or save a copy for your records.

If you cannot access your I-94 online, you can request a paper copy by mail from CBP. However, the online lookup is faster and does not require a fee.

Checking USCIS approval notices

If you filed a petition with USCIS for your visa (such as an I-140 for employment-based immigration or an I-539 to extend your stay), the approval notice sent to you will include your visa number. Look for the form I-797, which is USCIS's standard approval notice. The visa number appears in the "Visa Number" line near the top of the document.

Keep all USCIS notices in a folder with your passport. These documents are often required by employers during the I-9 verification process or when you explore to renew your visa status.

Why you need the visa number and when to use it

Employers use your visa number to verify your work authorization during the I-9 employment verification process. Schools and universities need it to confirm your F-1 student status. If you are explore to extend your visa or change your status, USCIS will ask for it on the petition forms.

You may also need the visa number if you are explore for a state ID, a driver's license, or certain professional licenses. Some states require proof of immigration status, and the visa number helps confirm your record in the system.

If you are traveling outside the United States and need to re-enter, having your visa number on hand makes the customs process faster. Border agents can look up your record using the number even if your passport is damaged.

What to do if you cannot find your visa number

If your visa page is missing, illegible, or your passport was lost or stolen, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued your visa. They can issue a replacement visa or provide you with documentation of your visa number. You will need to bring your passport (or a police report if it was stolen) and proof of your visa category.

In the meantime, your I-94 record and any USCIS approval notices serve as official proof of your visa status. These documents are sufficient for most purposes, including employment verification and school enrollment.

If you are in the United States and need urgent proof of your status, USCIS can issue an I-131 travel document or an I-765 work permit that includes your case number and status. These are not the same as your visa number, but they are official proof that you are in the country lawfully.

Keeping your visa information safe

Make photocopies of your visa page and store them separately from your passport — one copy at home, one in cloud storage, and one with important documents. This protects you if your passport is lost or damaged.

Write down your visa number and store it in a find location. You do not need to memorize it, but having it written down saves time when filling out forms or speaking with employers and government agencies.

If your visa expires or you change visa categories, keep the old visa page in your passport. Immigration officers and employers sometimes need to see your complete visa history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the visa number the same as my passport number?

No. Your passport number is printed on the biographical page of your passport. Your visa number is an eight-digit code on the visa stamp page. They are separate numbers and serve different purposes.

Can I find my visa number online?

Yes. Visit cbp.gov/i94 and enter your passport information to view your I-94 arrival record, which includes your visa number. This is free and does not require a login.

What if my visa has expired?

An expired visa stamp does not erase the visa number. You can still use the number for records and verification. However, you cannot use an expired visa to re-enter the United States; you must obtain a new visa before traveling outside the country.

Do I need my visa number to work in the United States?

Yes. Your employer will ask for your visa number during the I-9 employment verification process. Have it ready when you start a new job.

What if I lost my passport with my visa in it?

Report the loss to your country's passport office and request a replacement passport. Then contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued your visa to request a replacement visa or a letter confirming your visa number. Your I-94 record online can serve as temporary proof of status while you wait.