Where Is the US Visa Number Located?

Finding your US visa number is simpler than navigating the Kafkaesque bureaucracy that sometimes feels inherent in the process. It’s a critical piece of information needed for various online applications and verifications related to your immigration status. The US visa number, also known as a foil number or a visa foil number, is an eight-digit red numerical code typically found on your US visa. It’s printed, not embossed, and is usually located in the lower right-hand corner of your visa.

Understanding the US Visa

Before delving further into the specifics of the visa number’s location, it’s essential to understand what a US visa represents. A US visa is a document, typically glued into your passport, that allows a foreign citizen to travel to a US port of entry and request permission to enter the United States. It’s not a guarantee of entry; that decision rests with the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The visa specifies the type of visa (e.g., tourist, student, work), the validity period, and the number of entries permitted.

Identifying the Visa Number on Different Visa Types

While the location is generally consistent, understanding how to identify the visa number on different types of visas can prevent confusion.

Immigrant Visas

For immigrant visas, which allow you to live permanently in the United States, the visa number follows the same principle: an eight-digit red number. It will still be situated in the lower right-hand corner of the visa foil affixed to your passport. The “Immigrant” designation will be prominently displayed on the visa.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas are for temporary stays in the US for purposes such as tourism, study, or work. Again, look for the eight-digit red number on the lower right-hand corner. The visa category (e.g., B1/B2 for tourists, F1 for students, H1B for specialty occupation workers) will clearly indicate the type of visa.

Troubleshooting: What if I Can’t Find My Visa Number?

Occasionally, individuals might face difficulty locating their visa number. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Check the Entire Visa Foil

Thoroughly examine the entire visa. While it’s usually in the lower right-hand corner, lighting conditions or printing imperfections might make it less obvious. Look closely for a red numerical sequence.

Review Old Passports

If your visa is in an expired passport, retrieve that passport and check the visa foil within. The visa number remains valid even if the passport has expired, as long as the visa itself hasn’t expired and you carry both the old and new passports.

Contact the Issuing US Embassy or Consulate

If, after a diligent search, you still cannot locate your visa number, contact the US embassy or consulate that issued the visa. Provide them with any identifying information you have (passport number, date of birth, visa issue date, etc.). They may be able to provide the number, although they might require further documentation or verification.

Potential Errors or Omissions

Although rare, there’s a possibility of a printing error on the visa. If you suspect this, contact the issuing embassy or consulate immediately to rectify the situation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing the visa number with the passport number: These are distinct numbers. Your passport number is on your passport’s identification page, usually printed in a different format.
• Assuming the visa number is the application case number: While you may need your application case number for various stages of the visa process, it’s not the same as the visa number printed on the visa itself.
• Disregarding expired visas: Even if a visa is expired, the visa number might still be required for certain historical records or applications.

Importance of Safeguarding Your Visa Information

Treat your visa number as you would any sensitive personal information. Avoid sharing it unnecessarily. Keep a secure copy of your visa, either physical or digital, in case of loss or theft.

US Visa Number FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about the US visa number to provide further clarity.

1. Is the visa number the same as the alien registration number (A-Number)?

No, the visa number and the A-Number are different. The visa number is found on your visa foil. The A-Number, or Alien Registration Number, is assigned to immigrants and some non-immigrants and is used by the US government to identify a foreign national. It typically appears on your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) or other immigration documents.

2. Do I need my visa number for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)?

No, you do not need your visa number to apply for ESTA. ESTA is for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries traveling to the US for tourism, transit, or business for stays of 90 days or less. Since these travelers are visa-exempt, they will not have a visa number. ESTA requires your passport information and other biographical details.

3. Where can I use my US visa number?

Your US visa number might be required for:

• Online applications with US government agencies (e.g., USCIS).
• Updating your SEVIS record (for students).
• Checking your travel history with CBP.
• Specific employment-related verifications.

4. Can I look up my visa number online if I’ve lost my visa?

Generally, you cannot directly look up your visa number online if you’ve lost your visa. You need to contact the issuing US embassy or consulate and provide them with information so that they can locate it on your behalf.

5. What do I do if my visa is lost or stolen?

Report the loss or theft to the local police and then notify the US embassy or consulate that issued the visa as soon as possible. They will advise you on the steps to take, which may include applying for a replacement visa.

6. Does the visa number change if I renew my visa?

Yes, the visa number will change when you renew your visa. Each new visa issued will have a unique visa number.

7. Is the visa number the same as the control number printed on the visa?

No, the visa number is different from the control number. The control number is another sequence of numbers and letters printed on the visa, often near the upper portion of the visa foil. It is used for internal tracking purposes by the Department of State.

8. My visa has a stamp over it. Can I still use the visa number?

If the visa is stamped “canceled” or “revoked,” it is no longer valid for travel, even if the visa number is still legible. The act of cancellation voids the visa.

9. What if my visa number is faded or illegible?

If your visa number is faded or illegible, contact the issuing US embassy or consulate immediately. They can advise on the best course of action, which might involve applying for a new visa.

10. Can I travel to the US with an expired visa if I have a valid visa number?

No, you cannot travel to the US with an expired visa, regardless of whether you have the visa number. The visa must be valid at the time you seek entry into the United States. The visa number is mainly for record-keeping and identification purposes, not for authorizing travel on its own.

11. Is my visa number confidential?

While not as sensitive as your Social Security number, your visa number should be treated as personal information. Avoid sharing it unnecessarily, as it could potentially be used in fraudulent activities.

12. How long is a US visa number valid?

The visa number itself is valid for as long as the visa is valid. Once the visa expires, the visa number remains associated with that particular visa record but cannot be used for travel.