Key Takeaways:

  • A visa number is an eight-digit red number found on U.S. visas.
  • U.S. visas are categorized as nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent residence).
  • The visa number is distinct from the visa control number and is used for identifying visa holders.
  • Only certain foreign citizens are exempt from requiring a visa under the Visa Waiver Program or other agreements.
  • Immigrant visa numbers are limited annually and are distributed based on preference categories.
  • A visa alone does not guarantee entry into the U.S.; border officials make the final determination.

What Is a Visa Number?

A visa number is the unique eight-digit letter and number code found printed in red on a person's United States visa. 

A U.S. visa is a travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State to citizens of foreign countries who want to enter the U.S. There are multiple types of visas, such as an immigrant visa and a nonimmigrant visa.

A visa number is also sometimes referred to as a visa foil number. For an immigrant visa, the visa number is the number granted after the application for an immigrant visa is approved. The time between the approval of an immigrant visa and the receipt of the visa number can be years.

Importance of the Visa Number

The visa number plays a crucial role in identifying the visa holder and their specific authorization to enter the U.S. It is required for activities such as work authorization, educational enrollment, or when adjusting immigration status. The visa number ensures that the individual complies with U.S. immigration laws and facilitates tracking for visa-related processes.

What Is a U.S. Visa?

A U.S. visa is a stamp inside a nonimmigrant visitor's passport. An immigrant visa is the granting of permission to reside permanently within the U.S. Approval for an immigrant visa is different from receiving a U.S. immigrant visa number.

Where Is the U.S. Visa Located?

The visa stamp covers an entire passport page, and the stamp usually sits adjacent to the page that has the first U.S. entry stamp received after obtaining the visa.

Where Is the Visa Number Located on a Visa?

Turn the passport to be able to read the visa stamp top to bottom and left to right. The red visa number is typically located near the lower right corner of the visa document and is likely comprised of eight letters and numbers.

The visa stamp is written in English and also includes some biographical information. This includes the visa type, visa holder's nationality, and visa issuance information. The visa control number is printed at the top and is a complicated string of letters and numbers. This control number isn't the visa number.

The visa number is the only thing printed in red on the visa stamp. Older visas may have the visa number printed at the top, in the center. The visa number on older visas is still printed in red and has eight digits.

Who Needs a Visa Number?

Anyone who needs a visa needs a visa number. All temporary visitors to the U.S. are considered nonimmigrants. This means that they don't intend to and are not allowed to permanently stay in the U.S. All nonimmigrants to the U.S. are given a visa number found in the visa stamp on their passport.

When a Visa Number is Needed

A visa number will be needed if the visitor to the U.S. wants to begin work or school. It is also used to identify the reason the visitor is entering the U.S.

A visa isn't enough to gain entry to the U.S.; a visitor must also have a valid passport. Someone who is granted an immigrant visa for the U.S. can then apply for permanent resident status to become a green card holder. This gives the person the privilege to live and work permanently in the U.S.

When a Visa is Unnecessary

Not all visitors to the U.S. require a visa to enter. The United States participates in the Visa Waiver Program. This means that certain foreign citizens are allowed to enter the U.S. for a restricted amount of time without a visa.

Visa-free travel into the U.S. should be for vacation or medical treatment. It doesn't allow for permanent residence.

The list below indicates the countries from which visitors do NOT need a visa to enter the U.S. They do still require a passport.

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brunei
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • New Zealand
  • The Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom

To prove that their visit is temporary, foreign citizens from the countries on this list are required to show that they have a return ticket that is no more than 90 days away from their arrival date.

These citizens must still receive permission to enter the U.S.; they just don't require a visa. Permission to enter the U.S. is through the United States' Department of Homeland Security's Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

Though not part of the Visa Waiver Program, citizens of Canada and Bermuda do NOT need visas to enter the U.S. If studying or permanently relocating, these citizens do need them.

What Information Is Included on a Nonimmigrant Visa?

A U.S. non-immigrant visa will include the following information.

  • Issuing post name: The name of the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued the visa.
  • Surname: This is the last name or family name of the individual.
  • Given name: This is the first name of the individual.
  • Passport number: The visa holder's passport number will be listed here.
  • Entries: This will be listed as either "M" or "S." The notation of "S" means that the visa holder can enter the U.S. a single time until the expiration of the visa. An "M" means that the visa holder can enter the U.S. multiple times.
  • Annotation: This is the space where the consulate can add any important notes. This space might include the visa holder's employer's name, petitioner name, or any restrictions or special circumstances.
  • Control number: This is the number that's used to track visas.
  • Visa type or class: This lists the type of nonimmigrant visa.
  • Sex: This is listed as "M" for male and "F" for female.
  • Birth date: This is the date of birth of the visa holder.
  • Nationality: Country of citizenship for the visa holder.
  • Issue date: The date on which the visa was issued. This is written as DD/MM/YYYY
  • Expiration date: The date until which a visa holder can apply for entry into the U.S. The actual duration of allowed stay in the U.S. is determined by the port of entry and the date stamped on the I-94 form.
  • Red number: This is the visa number.
  • Stars below the photo: The purpose of the stars isn't known. Sometimes there are no stars or one or two stars. The number of stars definitely doesn't correspond to the number of times people have applied for a visa.
  • Information at the bottom: Machine-readable and computer-generated material about the visa and visa holder. This is nothing to concern the visa holder.

The background of the visa is typically images of the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol building.

Common Issues with Visa Numbers

Visa holders may encounter issues such as difficulty locating their visa number, confusion between the visa number and the control number, or discrepancies in their records. These issues can lead to delays in immigration processes or denial of services. It's essential to double-check the accuracy of the information on the visa and seek assistance if inconsistencies are identified.

Difference Between Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Number

There is no difference between the visa number on an immigrant visa and that on a nonimmigrant visa. Each visa has a unique visa number.

An immigrant visa is for someone who would like to immigrate to the U.S. This means they would like to become a permanent resident of the U.S. A nonimmigrant visa is for someone who would like to temporarily visit the U.S.

There are also other types of visas that denote specific reasons for being in the U.S. Some examples are visas for students, for temporary workers, or for exchange programs.

Immigrant Visa Number

An immigrant is a person who is not a U.S. citizen and has been granted permission to permanently live and work in the United States.

Process to Receive an Immigrant Visa Number

To receive an immigrant visa and a visa number, it requires a multi-step process.

  1. Submit an immigrant visa application to USCIS.
  2. USCIS will approve or deny.
  3. If approved, the Department of State's National Visa Center will issue an immigrant visa number once available.
  4. To adjust to permanent resident status once the immigrant visa is granted, you must either be present in the U.S. or apply through the nearest U.S. consulate.

U.S. laws limit how many immigrant visa numbers are available each year. So, even if approved for an immigrant visa, an immigrant visa number may not be available. The time between visa approval and receiving the visa number can be years.

U.S. law also limits the number of visas available to each country. If a country has a high immigration rate to the U.S., this could extend the wait time for the visa number.

Most often, an immigrant doesn't personally request an immigrant visa number. Instead, a relative or employer requests and petitions USCIS for the visa.

The person notified of approval is the person who applied. This might be the family or employer of the person granted the visa. The family or employer of the applicant will also be notified when the visa number is available.

There's no need to contact the National Visa Center unless there's been a change of address or there is a change in the personal relationship between the petitioner and the applicant.

Who Is Eligible for an Immigrant Visa Number?

There is a preference system for who is first granted U.S. visa numbers.

There's an exception. Parents, spouses, and unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens who apply for an immigrant visa are automatically granted a visa number upon approval of the immigrant visa application.

If someone doesn't fit into those categories, they are rewarded visa numbers in the following preference order:

  • First Preference

Unmarried, adult (21 and older) children of U.S. citizens.

  • Second Preference

Spouses of lawful permanent residents and unmarried children (no age requirement) of lawful permanent residents and their children.

  • Third Preference

Married children of U.S. citizens, their spouses, and their minor children.

  • Fourth Preference

Siblings of adult U.S. citizens, the sibling's spouse, and minor children.

For anyone who wants to become an immigrant based on employment, there's a different waiting preference for immigrant visa numbers:

  • First Preference

Aliens with extraordinary abilities, outstanding researchers and professors, and multinational executives.

  • Second Preference

Professionals holding advanced degrees or people with exceptional ability.

  • Third Preference

Skilled workers, professional workers, or qualified workers.

  • Fourth Preference

Special immigrants (this might include people in religious vocations).

  • Fifth Preference

Immigrants who are part of employment creation.

Tips for Getting a Visa Number

It's helpful to check the State Department website for current wait times. They post a bulletin with the current month and year they're working on for visa petitions by country and preference category.

Compare the priority date and date listed on the bulletin to get an idea of when the approval or denial might be available.

Digital Resources for Visa Information

Online tools, such as the U.S. Department of State's Visa Bulletin and USCIS case tracking systems, offer real-time updates on visa statuses and priority dates. Platforms like Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) streamline applications for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Consulting these resources can reduce delays and improve understanding of visa processes.

FAQ Section:

  1. What is the difference between a visa number and a control number?
    The visa number is a unique identifier printed in red, while the control number is a tracking number used internally by immigration authorities.
  2. How do I check the status of my immigrant visa number?
    You can check the status through the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin by comparing your priority date with the current processing dates.
  3. What happens if there is an error in my visa number?
    Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued the visa immediately to rectify the error. Any discrepancy may delay your immigration process.
  4. Can I change my visa type if my purpose for visiting the U.S. changes?
    Yes, but you must apply for a change of status through USCIS while still in the U.S. The visa number on your original visa will not apply to the new visa type.
  5. Is the visa number needed after entering the U.S.?
    Yes, it is essential for various processes, including applying for a Social Security number, opening a bank account, or verifying immigration status.

If you're considering applying for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa number, you might consider posting a job for an immigration lawyer. UpCounsel's attorneys come from highly reputable schools such as Harvard and Yale and are available to answer any questions you have. You can also post on the UpCounsel marketplace with questions.