What Is the Visa Number on a US Visa and Where Can You Find It?

A US visa contains several numbers, codes, dates and abbreviations. Each identifies a different part of your visa or travel record, so knowing which one a form is asking for matters.

If you are searching what is US visa number, it refers to the unique number assigned to the visa issued by a US embassy or consulate. On most modern US visa foils, you can find it printed in red toward the lower-right section of the visa.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) identifies this red number as the US visa number in its guidance for travellers completing certain I-94 procedures.

The visa number differs from your passport number, DS-160 Application ID, USCIS petition receipt number and I-94 number. Here is how to identify it and when you may need it.

What Is a US Visa Number?

A US visa number is an identifying number assigned to an individual visa after the US government issues it.

You will usually find the visa itself printed as a visa foil inside your passport. The visa number identifies that particular visa document. If you later receive another visa, the newly issued visa will have its own identifying number.

You may also see the visa number referred to as the visa foil number.

The number does not determine how long you can remain in the United States. Your visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request admission. US Customs and Border Protection determines your admission and authorised period of stay after you arrive.

Where Is the Visa Number Located on a US Visa?

For most modern US visa foils, finding the number takes only a few seconds once you know where to look.

Open your passport to the page containing the visa and check the lower-right area. Look for the number printed in red. CBP's official sample visa identifies this red field as the US Visa Number.

If you searched what is visa number in US visa, the colour provides one of the easiest clues. Several other numbers may appear on the visa, but the visa number usually stands out because it is printed in red.

Visa layouts can vary, particularly on older documents. Follow the instructions provided on any official form if you are using an older visa.

What Does a US Visa Number Look Like?

On many modern US visas, the visa number appears as a short series of characters printed in red.

It may look something like:

12345678

This is only an example.

Do not identify the visa number based solely on length. The position and red printing provide more useful indicators because visa formats can vary.

You may also notice other information on the visa, including:

• Your full name
• Passport number
• Visa class
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Visa issue date
• Expiration date
• Number of permitted entries
• Control number

Each field serves its own purpose.

Is the Visa Number the Same as the Passport Number?

No. Your passport number and US visa number identify separate documents.

The passport number identifies the passport issued by your country's passport authority. You can usually find it on the biographical information page of your passport.

The visa number identifies the US visa issued to you and appears on the visa foil.

The distinction becomes important when completing applications. The Department of State instructs DS-160 applicants to enter the passport or travel document number they will use to travel when the form asks for passport information.

If a form specifically asks for a US visa number, use the number printed on the visa rather than your passport number.

What Is the Difference Between a Visa Number and a Visa Application Number?

The visa number and visa application number belong to different stages of the visa process.

When you start a DS-160, the system assigns an Application ID. You use this ID to retrieve an unfinished DS-160 and access your application information.

After submitting the DS-160, you receive a confirmation page containing your Application ID and barcode. The Department of State requires applicants to keep this confirmation page for the visa application process.

Your visa number appears only on the visa after it has been issued.

Several identifiers can therefore appear during the US visa and immigration process:

For petition-based visa applications, the Department of State states that a USCIS application receipt or petition number generally contains 13 characters and begins with three letters.

US immigration paperwork has no shortage of numbers. Reading the field label before entering one saves considerable trouble later.

How to Find the Visa Number on Different Types of US Visas

The location generally remains similar across common machine-readable US nonimmigrant visas.

B1/B2 Visitor Visa

For a B1/B2 visitor visa, check the lower-right area of the visa foil for the red visa number.

Do not enter “B1/B2” when asked for a visa number. B1/B2 identifies the visa class.

F1 Student Visa

An F1 student visa also carries a visa number on the visa foil.

Students may also have a SEVIS ID printed on Form I-20. The Department of State specifically asks F, J and M visa applicants to provide their SEVIS ID when completing relevant parts of the DS-160.

Your SEVIS ID and visa number serve separate purposes.

H1B Visa

H1B visa holders may have a visa number and a USCIS petition receipt number associated with the same immigration journey.

Use the red number from the visa when a form asks for the visa number. Use the petition information only where the form specifically requests it.

J1 Exchange Visitor Visa

J1 visa holders should also look for the visa number on the visa foil.

The SEVIS ID and information on Form DS-2019 belong to the exchange programme record and should not replace the visa number.

Why Do You Need Your US Visa Number?

Government agencies may request your visa number when they need details about a specific US visa issued to you.

For example, CBP asks certain travellers applying for a provisional I-94 to provide their US visa number along with other visa information.

You may also need the number when providing information about previous visas or completing immigration-related documentation.

Keeping a secure copy of your visa can make these processes easier. The Department of State recommends making copies of important travel documents, including the passport biographical page and US visa.

When Might You Be Asked for Your US Visa Number?

You could be asked for the number when:

• Providing information about a previously issued US visa
• Completing certain US immigration forms
• Applying for another visa
• Completing some CBP travel procedures
• Providing details about previous US travel
• Responding to requests from immigration authorities

Always check exactly what the form requests.

Terms such as visa number, passport number, application number, receipt number and I-94 number refer to different records.

Can You Find Your US Visa Number Online?

There is no standard public US government lookup service designed to retrieve your visa number simply by entering your name or passport details.

Your physical visa remains the primary source.

If you do not currently have your passport with you, check whether you have securely stored:

• A scan of your visa
• A photograph of the visa page
• A photocopy of your passport and visa
• Previous documentation where you accurately recorded the visa information

Your DS-160 Application ID cannot substitute for your issued visa number. The Department of State assigns the DS-160 Application ID while you complete the application, before visa issuance.

If an official process asks for your visa number and you cannot retrieve it, follow that agency's instructions rather than guessing.

What Should You Do If Your US Visa Number Is Damaged or Unreadable?

First, check whether you have a clear scan, photograph or photocopy showing the number. Avoid guessing any unreadable characters when completing official forms.

If the actual visa has suffered damage, the issue requires more attention.

The US Department of State states that travellers whose visas have been damaged in any way need to apply for a new visa at a US embassy or consulate abroad.

A lost or stolen visa follows a separate procedure. The Department of State advises travellers to report a lost or stolen visa to the US embassy or consulate that issued it. Lost or stolen visas cannot simply be replaced inside the United States; travellers generally need to apply for a replacement visa abroad.

Common Mistakes When Entering a US Visa Number

Understanding what is US visa number can help you avoid several common errors.

Entering Your Passport Number

Passport and visa numbers belong to separate documents. Check the field wording before entering either one.

Using the Control Number

The control number shown on a visa serves a different administrative purpose. Use the red visa number when the form specifically asks for your visa number.

Entering Your DS-160 Application ID

Your DS-160 ID identifies your application. It does not become your visa number after approval.

Using a USCIS Petition Number

H1B and other petition-based visa applicants may have a USCIS receipt or petition number. Enter it only where the form asks for petition information.

Entering an I-94 Number

The I-94 relates to admission into the United States. It serves a separate function from your visa.

Using a Previous Visa Number

Travellers who have held several US visas should check which visa the form requests. Each issued visa can have its own number.

Guessing an Unreadable Character

If part of the number is unclear, refer to a secure copy of the visa rather than making an assumption.

Does the Visa Number Tell You How Long You Can Stay in the US?

No. Your visa number simply identifies the issued visa.

Your authorised period of stay in the United States depends on your admission by CBP. The expiration date printed on a visa also does not automatically determine how long you may remain after entering the country.

Travellers should refer to their admission record, including Form I-94 where applicable, for information about their authorised stay.

Final Thoughts

If you are still checking what is US visa number, open the passport containing your visa and look for the red number toward the lower-right section of the visa foil.

Keep it separate from your passport number, DS-160 Application ID, USCIS petition number and I-94 number. Each serves a different function in US travel and immigration records.

Copy the number directly from your visa whenever an application requests it, and check each character before submitting the form. Immigration paperwork already has enough boxes without giving the wrong number one of them.

FAQ

Where can I find the visa number on my US visa?

On most modern US visa foils, you can find the visa number toward the lower-right section. CBP identifies it as the red number on its sample US visa.

What does a US visa number look like?

It appears as a short identifying number or series of characters printed in red on the visa foil. Check the lower-right section of the visa rather than relying only on the number's length.

Is the US visa number the same as the passport number?

No. Your passport number identifies your passport, while your US visa number identifies the visa issued by the US government.

Why do I need my US visa number?

You may need the number when providing details of a previous visa, completing immigration documentation or using certain CBP procedures.

Can I find my US visa number online if I don't have my visa with me?

There is no general public US government tool specifically designed to retrieve a visa number using your name or passport information. Check a secure scan, photograph or copy of your visa. If you cannot locate the number and an official process requires it, follow the instructions from the relevant government agency.