You can find the visa number, often referred to as the visa foil number, printed in red on the bottom right corner of your visa document. It will probably be an 8-digit number starting with a letter.
The visa numbers are randomly generated and need not be in any order. Ask your USA visa consultant, and they will tell you that it has no relevance to the type of visa; therefore, the K-1 visa number and the H-1B visa number may have a similar format. All visa numbers are generated randomly, you can’t detect any specific patterns.
How to locate the number in your Visa
As mentioned above, the location and color of the visa number are consistent regardless of whether it is an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. The screenshot of a U.S. visa shown below has the information in black ink, except for the visa number, which is in red.
Almost everyone (except those covered by the visa waiver program (VWP) traveling to the U.S. must have a valid visa and passport. You must submit your visa number to the Customs and Border Protection Officers who will verify if you are authorized to enter the country.
In addition to the visa number, here’s what you’ll find in a U.S. visa:
- Name of the Issuing port – indicating the U.S. Embassy that issued the visa
- Applicant’s Last Name
- Applicant’s First Name
- Sex – indicates the gender, male (M) or female (F)
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Passport Number
- Visa type – e.g., K-1, H1-B, etc.
- Entries – indicates the number of times a person is allowed to enter the U.S. S (single entry) M (Multiple Entries)
- Issuing date – indicates the date the visa was issued
- Expiration Date – Indicates the date of expiry after which the holder is not allowed to enter the U.S.
- Annotations – indicates the notes left by the U.S. Embassy officers, including the name of spouse, fiancé, or employer.
How do you get your Visa Number?
You can get your visa number only when a U.S. visa is issued in your name. Getting the visa number involves going through the process of applying for a U.S. visa. The procedures may vary depending on the type of visa you seek. Check travel.state.gov for more specific information.
If the consular officer grants your visa, he will take your passport, and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will print the visa in your passport. The issued visa will have a unique number, which is valid for a specific period for nonimmigrant visas and permanent if you are a Green Card holder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can quickly locate your visa number in your U.S. visa because it is a straightforward process involving careful scrutiny of the visa document. Irrespective of whether the purpose is travel, work, or study, it is crucial to understand this identifying number as it ensures easy and accurate navigation of all your visa-related inquiries and transactions.
(This blog post was written by Yvette Bansal, a former consular officer, and Ramesh Vittal Rao, a Senior Content Writer.)
DISCLAIMER:
This blog does not endorse or advocate for any illegal activities. All content presented here is intended for educational purposes only. The viewpoints expressed do not constitute legal advice and are solely based on the writer’s opinions and experiences. Please use the information provided responsibly. Any advice given is of a general nature and should be applied to your specific circumstances with caution and consideration.
Yvette Bansal is a former U.S. visa officer (U.S. Diplomat). She has served at Embassy New Delhi and Consulate General Mumbai and has adjudicated over forty thousand visas. She met and married her husband in India and is currently happily settled in Chicago, United States.
