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 physical visa stamp. It sits in the upper right area of the stamp, above the expiration date. If you are holding your passport open to the visa page, you will see it when ready — it looks like a straightforward sequence of numbers, nothing fancy.

This number is unique to your visa and stays the same for the life of that visa. You will need it for certain forms, when you are scheduling appointments, or when you are contacting USCIS about your case. It is not the same as your passport number, your case number, or your I-94 arrival number — those are three separate things.

Key Takeaways

  • Your visa number is an eight-digit code printed in the upper right corner of your visa stamp in your passport.
  • The visa number is different from your passport number, your I-94 number, and your USCIS case number — do not mix them up when filling out forms.
  • If your visa stamp is damaged or faded and you cannot read the number, you can request a replacement visa from the US embassy or consulate that issued it.
  • You may also find your visa number on your visa approval notice (Form I-797) if you received one before traveling to the US.

Check your visa approval notice if you have not yet received your stamp

If you are still waiting for your visa stamp to arrive in the mail, or if you received a visa approval before traveling, look at your Form I-797 (Notice of Action). This is the official letter from USCIS or the State Department that came with your visa paperwork. The visa number may be listed on this form, though the exact location depends on the visa type and when it was issued.

Keep this form in a safe place. You will need it along with your passport when you travel, and it serves as proof of your visa status if your passport is lost or stolen before you can use the visa.

What to do if your visa stamp is damaged or unreadable

If the visa number is smudged, faded, or otherwise impossible to read, you will need a replacement visa. Contact the US embassy or consulate that originally issued your visa — not USCIS, but the State Department post where you had your interview. You can find the correct embassy or consulate on the State Department website by searching for your country.

Explain that your visa is damaged and you need a replacement. They will tell you whether you can mail your passport in or whether you need to return in person. The process and timeline vary by location, so call or email the specific post rather than trying to guess.

Do not confuse your visa number with other identification numbers

Your visa number is straightforward to mix up with other numbers in your immigration file. Your passport number is different — it is printed on your passport's biographical page and is issued by your home country. Your I-94 number is a separate arrival record created when you enter the United States; you can look it up on the CBP website if you need it. Your USCIS case number (also called an A-number) is assigned if you file for a green card or other benefit — it is not on your visa at all.

When you are filling out a form, read the instructions carefully to see which number is actually being asked for. If a form asks for your visa number and you give your passport number instead, the form will be rejected or delayed.

Where to find your visa number on different visa types

The location of the visa number is the same across all visa types — upper right corner of the stamp. However, the appearance of the stamp itself varies. A tourist visa (B-1/B-2) looks different from a work visa (H-1B) or a student visa (F-1), but the number placement is consistent. If you are unsure whether you are looking at the right spot, the visa number will always be a straightforward eight-digit sequence with no letters.

Some older visas or visas issued many years ago may have slightly different formatting, but the number is still present and readable on the stamp itself. If your visa is very old and the stamp has faded significantly, a replacement from the issuing embassy is your best option.

Keep a record of your visa number in a safe place

Write down your visa number and store it separately from your passport — in a find email, a password manager, or a locked drawer at home. If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need this number to prove you had a valid visa when you contact the embassy about a replacement.

You should also photograph both sides of your visa page as a backup. Keep the photo in cloud storage or email it to yourself so you can access it from anywhere if you need to reference the number while traveling or dealing with immigration paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the visa number the same as the case number on my I-797?

No. Your visa number is on the stamp itself. Your case number (also called an A-number) appears on your I-797 form if you filed for a green card or other benefit. They are separate numbers for different purposes. When a form asks for one, use only that one.

What if I cannot find the visa number on my stamp?

Check that you are looking at the correct page — the visa stamp is always on a full page by itself in your passport. The number is in the upper right area. If the stamp is too faded to read, contact the embassy or consulate that issued it and request a replacement visa.

Can I use my passport number instead of my visa number on a form?

No. Forms that ask for your visa number specifically need that eight-digit code from the stamp. Using your passport number will cause the form to be rejected. If you are unsure which number to use, contact the organization asking for it and ask them to clarify.

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

You need your physical passport with the visa stamp, but you do not need to memorize or write down the visa number just to travel. However, it is helpful to have it written down in case your passport is lost or damaged during your trip.