What Is a Visa Control Number?

A Visa Control Number, or sometimes referred to as a Case Number, is a unique identifier assigned by the National Visa Center (NVC) to immigrant visa cases that have been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Think of it as your visa application’s tracking number as it journeys through the bureaucratic labyrinth towards potential approval. It’s a crucial piece of information needed to track your case, communicate with the NVC, and eventually, schedule your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. This number is absolutely essential for moving forward with your immigration process.

Understanding the Significance of the Visa Control Number

The Visa Control Number isn’t just a random string of digits and letters. It’s a structured code that contains critical information about your case and is tied to your beneficiary, petitioner, and the specific USCIS petition approved on your behalf. It’s the key that unlocks access to your case information within the NVC’s systems. Without it, contacting the NVC or scheduling an interview becomes significantly more challenging, if not impossible.

Deciphering the Code: What Does it Tell You?

While the exact format can vary slightly depending on the type of visa and the NVC processing location, a typical Visa Control Number generally follows a pattern. The number usually contains indicators of the fiscal year the petition was approved, the service center that initially approved the petition, and a unique sequential number assigned to that specific case. This structure allows the NVC to quickly identify and manage cases within their vast database.

How the Visa Control Number Relates to Other Case Numbers

It’s important to differentiate the Visa Control Number from other numbers you may encounter during the immigration process. For example, the USCIS Receipt Number tracks your petition while it’s being processed by USCIS. The Visa Control Number, on the other hand, comes into play after USCIS approves the petition and sends it to the NVC for further processing. These numbers represent different stages and jurisdictions within the immigration process. They all relate to the same application, but they each serve a different purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Visa Control Numbers

Here are some of the most common questions asked about Visa Control Numbers, designed to provide clarity and guidance throughout the immigrant visa application process.

FAQ 1: Where Can I Find My Visa Control Number?

Your Visa Control Number is typically located on the welcome letter or email you receive from the National Visa Center (NVC) after your petition has been approved by USCIS and forwarded to them for processing. It will also appear on any subsequent correspondence from the NVC regarding your case. Carefully check all documents you receive from the NVC.

FAQ 2: What if I Lost My Visa Control Number?

If you’ve lost your Visa Control Number, you can attempt to retrieve it by contacting the NVC directly. Be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible, such as the petitioner’s name, beneficiary’s name, date of birth, and USCIS receipt number. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for the NVC to locate your case.

FAQ 3: How is the Visa Control Number Different from the USCIS Receipt Number?

The USCIS Receipt Number tracks your petition while it’s being processed by USCIS. It is usually a 13-character alphanumeric code that begins with three letters (such as “EAC,” “WAC,” “MSC,” or “IOE”) followed by 10 numbers. The Visa Control Number is assigned after USCIS approves the petition and sends it to the NVC. These are distinctly different numbers for tracking at different stages of the application process.

FAQ 4: Is the Visa Control Number the Same as the Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?

No, the Visa Control Number is not the same as the Alien Registration Number (A-Number). The A-Number is a unique identifier assigned to non-citizens by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), often upon their first interaction with immigration authorities. The A-Number remains with an individual throughout their immigration history in the United States, while the Visa Control Number is specific to a particular immigrant visa application.

FAQ 5: How Do I Use My Visa Control Number to Check My Case Status?

You can use your Visa Control Number to check your case status online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. You will also need to input the location where the interview is scheduled (i.e., the U.S. Embassy/Consulate) and then click the “Submit” button. This will provide you with the current status of your visa application.

FAQ 6: What Happens After I Receive a Visa Control Number?

After receiving your Visa Control Number, the NVC will instruct you to pay the necessary visa fees and submit required documents, such as the Affidavit of Support and civil documents, through the CEAC system. Carefully follow all instructions provided by the NVC to avoid delays in processing your case.

FAQ 7: How Long Does It Take to Get an Interview After Receiving a Visa Control Number?

The time it takes to get an interview scheduled after receiving a Visa Control Number varies depending on several factors, including the visa category, the country of origin, and the workload of the U.S. embassy or consulate processing your case. It can range from a few weeks to several months. Check the embassy or consulate website for estimated wait times.

FAQ 8: Can I Expedite My Visa Application Using My Visa Control Number?

While having a Visa Control Number doesn’t guarantee expedited processing, you may be able to request an expedite under certain circumstances, such as urgent medical needs or other compelling humanitarian reasons. You would need to contact the NVC or the relevant embassy or consulate directly and provide supporting documentation to justify your request.

FAQ 9: What If My Visa Control Number Starts with a Letter Other Than “NVC”?

While many Visa Control Numbers start with “NVC,” some may begin with other letters depending on the processing location or specific visa category. The key is to ensure you are using the correct format provided by the NVC in their communications to you. Always refer to the official documents you received.

FAQ 10: Is the Visa Control Number Required for All Visa Applications?

The Visa Control Number is primarily used for immigrant visa applications, which are for individuals seeking to live permanently in the United States. Non-immigrant visa applications, such as tourist visas or student visas, generally do not utilize a Visa Control Number in the same way.

FAQ 11: What Should I Do If I Encounter Problems Using My Visa Control Number?

If you encounter problems using your Visa Control Number to access your case information or experience any other issues, contact the NVC directly for assistance. Provide them with as much detail as possible about the problem you are experiencing. Keep a record of all communications with the NVC.

FAQ 12: Does My Visa Control Number Expire?

While the Visa Control Number itself doesn’t technically “expire,” the underlying visa petition can be affected by time. If there are significant delays in processing your case after receiving the Visa Control Number, or if the petitioner’s or beneficiary’s circumstances change significantly, it’s best to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that your petition remains valid and that you are taking the appropriate steps to maintain eligibility. The validity of the petition is the key here.