Your visa number is printed on the front of your visa card, in the bottom right corner

The visa number is an eight-digit code that appears on the physical visa document itself. On a US visa, it sits in the lower right area of the front side, below your photograph. The number is printed in a sans-serif font and is separate from your passport number — they are two different identifiers that the government uses to track your entry and status.

You will need this number when you fill out arrival forms at US ports of entry, when you contact US immigration offices about your case, and sometimes when you book travel or register with employers. It is worth writing it down or taking a photo of your visa before you travel, since you may need to reference it without having the physical document in front of you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the bottom right corner of the front of your visa card.
  • The visa number is different from your passport number and different from your case number if you have a pending immigration matter.
  • You will need your visa number to complete the I-94 arrival form when you enter the United States.
  • If you cannot locate your visa number, you can contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa for confirmation.

How the visa number differs from your passport number

Your passport number and your visa number are separate identifiers issued by different systems. Your passport number appears in your passport itself and identifies you as a citizen or national of your country. Your visa number is issued by the US government and identifies the specific visa document that was granted to you.

When you arrive at a US airport or border crossing, immigration officers will ask for both numbers. The visa number tells them which visa you are using to enter; the passport number confirms your identity. If you are renewing your passport, your visa number stays the same even though your passport number changes, because the visa itself does not change.

Where to find it on different visa types

The location of the visa number is the same across all US visa types — tourist visas, work visas, student visas, and others. It always appears in the bottom right corner of the front of the visa page. The format is always eight digits with no letters.

Some visas are printed on a full page in your passport; others are printed on a separate visa foil that is affixed to your passport. Regardless of the format, the eight-digit number in the bottom right corner is your visa number. If you have multiple visas in your passport (for example, an old visa and a new one), each has its own separate number.

What to do if you cannot read or locate your visa number

If your visa is damaged, faded, or difficult to read, or if you cannot find the number in the bottom right corner, contact the US embassy or consulate that issued your visa. You will need to provide your passport number and full name. They can confirm your visa number from their records and provide it to you by email or phone.

If you have lost your visa or your passport was lost or stolen after the visa was issued, you will need to explore for a new visa. The old visa number will no longer be valid for entry to the United States. Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate to begin the process of obtaining a replacement.

Using your visa number on arrival forms

When you arrive in the United States by air, you will fill out the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record form. This form asks for your visa number in a specific field. You can fill it out on paper at the airport or online before you travel through the ESTA system (for visa waiver countries) or the CBP Border Wait Times website, depending on your visa type and port of entry.

Have your visa number ready when you approach the immigration officer at the port of entry. They will verify it against their system to confirm that your visa is valid and that you are authorized to enter. Providing an incorrect number can slow down your processing, so double-check it before you hand over your form.

Keeping your visa number safe and accessible

Write your visa number down in a separate place from your passport — for example, in a notes app on your phone, in an email to yourself, or in a small notebook. This way, if your passport is lost or stolen, you still have a record of the number and can provide it to immigration officials or to the embassy when you explore for a replacement.

Do not share your visa number with anyone except official US government representatives or your employer if they ask for it as part of your work authorization process. Scammers sometimes pose as immigration officials and ask for visa numbers to commit identity theft, so be cautious about unsolicited requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my visa number the same as my case number?

No. Your visa number is printed on your visa document. Your case number (also called an A-number or receipt number) is assigned if you have a pending immigration petition or process with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you are straightforward entering on a visa, you have a visa number but no case number unless you have filed a separate petition.

What if my visa number has a letter in it?

US visa numbers are always eight digits with no letters. If you see letters, you may be looking at a different field on your visa, such as the visa type code or the consulate code. Check the bottom right corner of the front of your visa again. If you are still unsure, contact the embassy or consulate that issued your visa.

Can I enter the US if I forgot my visa number?

Yes. Your visa number is one piece of information, but immigration officers can look up your visa using your passport number and name. However, having your visa number ready makes the process faster. If you are traveling soon and cannot locate it, write down your passport number and full name to provide at the port of entry.

Do I need my visa number to book a flight to the US?

Most airlines do not require your visa number when you book a flight. They ask for your passport number. However, some airlines may ask for it during check-in or when you fill out pre-arrival forms. It is helpful to have it available, but not having it at the time of booking will not prevent you from purchasing a ticket.