If you’ve ever had a U.S. visa stamped in your passport—or you’re planning to apply for one—you’ve probably come across a small red number in the corner of your visa. That’s your U.S. visa number, and while it might not seem like a big deal at first glance, it’s a key piece of information for travelers, immigrants, and visa holders alike.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what the U.S. visa number is, where to find it, why it matters, and when you’ll need to use it.
What Is a U.S. Visa Number?
Your U.S. visa number, also known as a visa foil number, is a unique identifier assigned to your visa. It’s used by the U.S. government to track your visa and its status in their system. Think of it like a serial number for your visa.
The visa number is:
– Usually a red 8-digit number
– Found on the bottom-right corner of your visa stamp
– Sometimes starts with a letter (especially older visas), but mostly just digits now
Every U.S. visa issued gets its own number, so no two visas have the same one, even if they’re for the same person at different times.
Where Can You Find Your Visa Number?
If you’re holding a U.S. visa in your passport, open it to the visa page and look at the bottom right-hand corner. You’ll see a number in red ink, usually 8 digits long. That’s your visa number.
It’s not the control number (which is longer and at the top), and it’s not your passport number. People often confuse the visa number with:
– The control number (top right)
– The visa type or category (like B1/B2, F1, etc.)
– The visa issue number, which is not the same thing
👉 If you’re unsure, just remember: visa number = red 8-digit number near the bottom right corner of the visa stamp.
Why Is the U.S. Visa Number Important?
So, what’s the big deal about this number? You’ll need it more often than you think. Here’s why it matters:
✅ 1. Tracking Your Immigration History
The U.S. government uses your visa number to track your immigration activity—entries, exits, and any status changes. If you apply for future visas, green cards, or even naturalization, the system can link back to your prior visas using this number.
It’s a reference point for:
– Past travel
– Overstays or violations
– Visa renewals or rejections
✅ 2. Filing Immigration Forms
You’ll be asked for your visa number on several immigration forms. For example:
– Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
– Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
– Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
– Form I-130 or I-140 if referencing prior visa history
Leaving this blank or entering it incorrectly could slow down your case or confuse.
✅ 3. Interview Appointments and Visa Applications
If you’re applying for another visa or attending an interview, your previous visa number might be requested by the consular officer or required on the application. It helps them pull up your file quickly and check your background.
✅ 4. Maintaining Your Status
For students, workers, and other nonimmigrant visa holders, the visa number can be used to verify:
– When your visa was issued
– How long are you allowed to stay
– Which employer or school was your visa tied to
For example, if you’re on an F-1 student visa, your SEVIS record may be linked to your visa number.
✅ 5. Green Card or Citizenship Applications
When applying for a green card or U.S. citizenship, the government wants to see a complete picture of your immigration journey. They’ll ask for all prior visas, dates, and numbers.
If you’ve had multiple visas over the years, keeping track of each visa number can help avoid confusion during:
– I-485 Adjustment of Status
– N-400 Naturalization
– I-131 Travel Document applications
Does the Visa Number Ever Change?
Yes, it changes every time you get a new visa. Even if you’re applying for the same type of visa (say, a renewal of a B1/B2), your new visa will come with a new visa number.
Your visa number is tied to that specific visa document, not to you as a person. So if you’ve had three U.S. visas in your life, you’ve had three different visa numbers.
Common Situations Where You’ll Need Your Visa Number
If you’re wondering, “Will I ever need this number?” Here are some real-life examples where it comes in handy:
✈️ Applying for ESTA or Another Visa
If you’ve previously had a U.S. visa, the system may ask for the number to verify your eligibility for ESTA or another type of visa.
📄 Filing USCIS Forms
When adjusting status, renewing your visa, or applying for a work permit, you’ll need to reference your current or previous visa number.
🗂️ Interview at the Embassy
If you’ve been issued a visa before, the consular officer may ask for your old visa number to verify your immigration history.
🛂 Entry at the Border
CBP officers can use the visa number to pull your records during inspection, especially if they’re verifying past travel or checking visa conditions.
What Happens If You Lose Your Visa or Forget the Number?
If you no longer have the visa stamp or passport it was in, you might still be able to retrieve the number:
1. Check any scanned copies or emails you saved during the visa application process.
2. If you’ve entered the U.S. before, your I-94 travel record (available online at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov) may include details about your visa entry.
3. In some cases, you may need to request a copy of your visa record from the U.S. government using a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request.
Visa Number vs. Other Numbers: Don’t Get Confused
It’s easy to mix up your visa number with other numbers on your visa or immigration forms. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Knowing which number is which can save you a lot of time (and headaches).
Pro Tips for Keeping Your Visa Number Handy
Here’s how to avoid future stress:
✅ Take a photo or scan of your visa page before your passport gets lost or expires
✅ Label each visa (B1, F1, H1B, etc.) in a document with the corresponding visa number and dates
✅ Keep a digital folder with your immigration records—visa stamps, I-20s, DS-2019s, USCIS notices, etc.
✅ Use a secure cloud storage app so you can access it while traveling
You never know when you’ll be asked for your old visa number—sometimes even years later.
FAQs About U.S. Visa Numbers
Q: Is the visa number the same as the control number?
No. The visa number is typically an 8-digit red number at the bottom right. The control number is a longer black number at the top right, used internally by the Department of State.
Q: Do green card holders have visa numbers?
No. Once you become a permanent resident, you have an A-number (Alien Registration Number), not a visa number.
Q: Does my visa number expire?
The number itself doesn’t expire, but the visa it’s tied to does. Once the visa is no longer valid, the number is more of a historical reference.
Q: Is the visa number private?
It’s not as sensitive as a Social Security number, but you should still treat it as personal immigration data.
Final Thoughts
Your U.S. visa number may be small and easy to overlook, but it plays a big role in your immigration story. It links your visa to your travel and application history, and you’ll likely need it for forms, future applications, and immigration records.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a long-time visa holder, it’s smart to know where to find it, how to use it, and why it matters.
