US Visa Number: Where to Find It and What It Means
— Key Takeaways A visa number (visa foil number) is the red number printed on the visa stamp in your passport. It is different from your receipt number, A-Number, case number, and travel document number. In the immigrant visa context, “visa number availability” refers to whether an immigrant visa is available for your category and country. The Visa Bulletin (published monthly by the Department of State) determines when visa numbers are available for preference categories. When visa numbers are unavailable, applicants must wait until their priority date becomes current. The term “visa number” comes up frequently in U.S. immigration, but it can refer to different things depending on the context. For some people, a visa number is the red number printed on their visa stamp. For others, it refers to the availability of immigrant visa numbers under annual caps set by Congress. Understanding these distinctions is essential for anyone navigating the U.S. immigration system. In this guide, we explain what a U.S. visa number is, where to find it on your documents, how it differs from other identification numbers, and how the visa number allocation system works for immigrants. Whether you are trying to fill out an immigration form or understand why your green card process is taking so long, this article has you covered. What Is a US Visa Number? A US visa number typically refers to the unique identification number printed on a U.S. visa stamp (also called a visa foil) placed in a foreign national’s passport by a U.S. embassy or consulate. This number identifies that specific visa issuance and is used for record-keeping and verification purposes. The visa number is assigned at the time the visa is issued and is unique to that particular visa. If you receive a new visa (for example, upon renewal or a new category), you will receive a new visa number. In a broader immigration context, the term “visa number” also refers to the immigrant visa numbers allocated by Congress each fiscal year for different categories of immigrants. This is a separate concept that relates to how many people can receive green cards in a given year. Where to Find the Visa Number on Your Visa Stamp If you have a U.S. visa stamp in your passport, the visa number is the red number printed on the lower right portion of the visa foil. It is typically an eight-digit number, though the format may vary slightly depending on when the visa was issued. Here is what you will typically see on a U.S. visa stamp: Visa type/class: The visa category (e.g., B1/B2, H-1B, L-1, F-1) Issue date: When the visa was issued Expiration date: When the visa expires (the last date you can use it to enter the U.S.) Entries: Single (S) or Multiple (M) Visa number: The red number, usually in the lower right area Control number: A separate number used for internal tracking Note that the visa expiration date is not the same as your authorized period of stay in the U.S. Your authorized stay is determined by your I-94 record. Visa Number vs. Other Immigration Numbers The U.S. immigration system uses many different numbers, and it is important to know which is which: Number Type What It Is Visa Number (Visa Foil Number) The red number on your visa stamp; identifies that specific visa issuance Alien Registration Number (A-Number) A 9-digit number (A-XXX-XXX-XXX) that identifies you across all immigration interactions Receipt Number A 13-character code on your I-797 receipt notice that tracks a specific application Case Number (Consular) The case number assigned by the National Visa Center (NVC) for immigrant visa processing Travel Document Number Your passport number or the number on a USCIS-issued travel document I-94 Number Your arrival/departure record number assigned at each U.S. entry SEVIS ID For F and M visa holders; your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System number When filling out immigration forms, read each field carefully to ensure you are entering the correct number. Entering a visa number where a receipt number is requested (or vice versa) can cause processing issues. Immigrant Visa Number Availability In the context of immigrant visas (green cards), “visa number availability” refers to whether the U.S. government has allocated an immigrant visa number for your specific category and country of birth. This concept is different from the visa foil number described above. Each fiscal year, Congress authorizes approximately 675,000 immigrant visas to be distributed across various categories (family-based, employment-based, and diversity). Within each category, there are per-country limits to prevent any single country from receiving a disproportionate share. How Visa Numbers Are Distributed Immigrant visa numbers are distributed as follows: Immediate relatives: Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens are not subject to annual caps. A visa number is always available for immediate relatives. Family preference categories (F1-F4): Subject to annual limits. Wait times depend on the category and country of birth. Employment-based categories (EB-1 through EB-5): Subject to annual limits. Some categories and countries face significant backlogs. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: Approximately 55,000 visas per year for nationals of countries with historically low immigration rates. How the Visa Bulletin Allocates Numbers The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. It provides the cutoff dates for each immigrant visa category and country, indicating which applicants can proceed with their immigrant visa or adjustment of status application. You can access the current Visa Bulletin at travel.state.gov. Key Visa Bulletin Concepts Priority date: The date your immigrant petition (e.g., I-130 or PERM/I-140) was filed. This date determines your place in the visa queue. Final Action Date: If your priority date is before this date, a visa number is available, and you can finalize your green card process. Dates for Filing: An earlier cutoff date that indicates when you can submit your I-485 or DS-260, even if a final visa number is not yet available. USCIS determines monthly whether applicants can use the Dates for Filing chart.
How to Find Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number): A Complete Guide
— Key Takeaways An alien registration number (A-Number) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by USCIS or other immigration agencies to noncitizens. You can find it on your green card, EAD, visa stamp, I-94, approval notices, and other immigration documents. The A-Number is not the same as your USCIS online account number or receipt number. If you cannot find your A-Number, you can file a FOIA request or consult an immigration attorney. Your A-Number is used on virtually every immigration form and stays with you throughout the immigration process. If you have ever applied for an immigration benefit, attended a visa interview, or received a green card, you have likely come across the term “alien registration number” or “A-Number.” This nine-digit number is a unique identifier assigned by the U.S. government to noncitizens, and it plays a critical role in virtually every immigration application and process. Despite its importance, many people do not know what their A-Number is, where to find it, or how it differs from other immigration numbers. This guide provides a complete explanation of the alien registration number—what it is, who gets one, where to locate it on your immigration documents, and why it matters. What Is an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)? An alien registration number, commonly referred to as an “A-Number”, is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to noncitizens by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It typically appears in the format A-XXX-XXX-XXX. Think of it as your personal immigration identification number. It is used to track your immigration history, applications, and benefits. Once assigned, your A-Number stays with you for life—it does not change if you file additional applications, change your immigration status, or even become a U.S. citizen. Who Gets an A-Number? Not every foreign national in the United States has an A-Number. An A-Number is typically assigned when a noncitizen: Becomes a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) Is placed in removal (deportation) proceedings Receives an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Is granted asylum or refugee status Files certain immigration applications, such as Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) Is issued a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. consulate (in some cases) Has been previously encountered by U.S. immigration authorities If you are a temporary visitor (such as a tourist or business visitor on B-1/B-2 status) who has never filed an immigration application, you may not have an A-Number. However, if you have ever been fingerprinted by USCIS or encountered by CBP or ICE, you may have been assigned one. Where to Find Your A-Number Your A-Number can appear on many different immigration documents. Here is where to look: Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) On your green card, the A-Number is printed on the front of the card. On current-generation green cards, it is labeled “USCIS#” and appears near your photograph and personal information. On older green card formats, it may be labeled differently but is still a nine-digit number starting with “A.” Employment Authorization Document (EAD) On your EAD card, the A-Number is listed under the “USCIS#” field on the front of the card. Visa Stamp in Your Passport If you have a U.S. visa stamp in your passport, your A-Number may appear on the visa foil. It is typically listed in the lower right portion of the visa stamp, though the exact location can vary by visa type and issuance date. Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) Your I-94 record may include your A-Number. You can retrieve your electronic I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Approval Notices (Form I-797) If you have received an approval notice for an immigration petition or application, the A-Number often appears on the I-797 notice, typically near the top of the document. Other Immigration Documents Your A-Number may also appear on: Immigration court documents (Notice to Appear) USCIS correspondence and decision notices Refugee or asylum documentation Prior immigration applications or receipts Format of the A-Number The A-Number is a nine-digit number preceded by the letter “A.” For example: A-123-456-789. Some older A-Numbers may have fewer than nine digits. If your A-Number has fewer than nine digits, you can add leading zeros to make it nine digits when entering it on forms (e.g., A-12345678 becomes A-012-345-678). When entering your A-Number on immigration forms, include all nine digits. Some forms ask you to omit the “A” prefix and enter only the numbers. A-Number vs. Other Immigration Numbers The immigration system uses several different identification numbers, and it is easy to confuse them. Here is how the A-Number differs from other common numbers: Number Type Description Alien Registration Number (A-Number) Your unique 9-digit number; identifies you across all immigration interactions USCIS Online Account Number A 12-digit number associated with your uscis.gov online account; not the same as your A-Number Receipt Number A 13-character code (3 letters + 10 numbers) on your I-797 notice that tracks a specific application or petition Visa Number (Visa Foil Number) The red number printed on your visa stamp in your passport; identifies that specific visa issuance I-94 Number Your arrival/departure record number; assigned each time you enter the U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) Issued by the Social Security Administration for tax and employment purposes; not an immigration number Why Your A-Number Is Important Your A-Number is used throughout the immigration process for several critical purposes: Tracking your immigration record: USCIS uses your A-Number to link all of your immigration applications, petitions, and history into a single file. Filing immigration forms: Most USCIS forms ask for your A-Number. Providing the correct number ensures your new application is linked to your existing record. Background and security checks: Your A-Number is used to verify your identity and conduct security screenings. Immigration court proceedings: If you are in removal proceedings, your A-Number identifies your case in immigration court. Employment verification: Employers may use your A-Number (as shown on your green card or EAD) for employment eligibility verification on Form I-9. What to Do If You Cannot Find Your A-Number If you cannot
I-140 Processing Time and Premium Processing: What Employers and Employees Should Know
— Key Takeaways Form I-140 is the immigrant petition filed by an employer (or self-petitioner) for an employment-based green card. Processing times vary by EB category: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and NIW each have different timelines. Premium processing is available for the I-140, guaranteeing an initial action within 15 business days for most categories. After approval, the I-140 establishes your priority date, which determines when you can file your I-485 or pursue consular processing. I-140 portability allows you to retain your priority date even if you change employers, under certain conditions. For foreign nationals seeking employment-based green cards, the Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, is a critical step in the process. Whether you are an exceptional researcher, a skilled professional, or a multinational executive, understanding the I-140 processing time—and the availability of premium processing—can help you plan your immigration timeline effectively. This guide covers what the I-140 is, who files it, current processing time expectations for each employment-based category, premium processing availability and fees, and what happens after your I-140 is approved. We also discuss important topics like I-140 portability and priority date retention. What Is Form I-140? Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, is the petition used by U.S. employers (and in some cases, self-petitioners) to sponsor a foreign national for an employment-based green card. The I-140 establishes that the beneficiary meets the qualifications for the requested employment-based category and that the employer has the ability to pay the offered wage (where applicable). The I-140 is typically filed after the completion of the PERM labor certification process (for EB-2 and EB-3 categories that require it). For EB-1 categories and National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions, no labor certification is required. Who Files the I-140? In most cases, the U.S. employer files the I-140 on behalf of the foreign national employee. However, there are exceptions: EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): The foreign national may self-petition—no employer sponsor is required. EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): The foreign national may self-petition, demonstrating that their work is in the national interest. EB-1B (Outstanding Researchers/Professors): The employer files on behalf of the researcher or professor. EB-1C (Multinational Managers/Executives): The U.S. employer files on behalf of the transferring manager or executive. EB-2 and EB-3 (with PERM): The employer files after obtaining an approved PERM labor certification. I-140 Processing Times by Category I-140 processing times vary depending on the employment-based category and the USCIS service center handling the petition. Below is a general overview. Always verify current times on the USCIS processing times tool. EB Category General Processing Range (Without Premium) EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) Several months; varies by service center EB-1B (Outstanding Researcher/Professor) Several months; varies by service center EB-1C (Multinational Manager/Executive) Several months; varies by service center EB-2 (with PERM) Several months; varies by service center EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) Often longer due to case complexity; may take a year or more EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals) Several months; varies by service center NIW petitions tend to take longer because they involve a more complex adjudication process. The petitioner must demonstrate that the proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, and that the petitioner is well positioned to advance the endeavor. Premium Processing: Availability, Fees, and Timeframes Premium processing (Form I-907) is available for I-140 petitions across most employment-based categories. This service provides an expedited adjudication timeframe. How Premium Processing Works When you file Form I-907 alongside your I-140, USCIS guarantees an initial action on your case within a specified period. The initial action can be: An approval A denial A Request for Evidence (RFE) A Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) If USCIS issues an RFE or NOID, the premium processing clock resets after you submit your response. Premium Processing Timeframes For most I-140 categories, the premium processing timeframe is 15 business days. However, USCIS has introduced different timeframes for certain categories: EB-1 and EB-2 (with PERM): Typically 15 business days EB-2 NIW: May have a longer adjudication window (check USCIS for current timeframes) EB-3: Typically 15 business days Premium Processing Fees The premium processing fee for the I-140 varies. USCIS periodically adjusts this fee. As of the most recent fee schedule, the fee depends on the petitioner classification and employer size. Always check the current fee on the USCIS website before filing, as fees are subject to change. The fee is paid in addition to the standard I-140 filing fee. How to Check Your I-140 Status You can check the status of your I-140 petition through: USCIS Case Status Online: Enter your receipt number at uscis.gov/casestatus. USCIS Online Account: Your employer or their attorney may be able to track the case through their USCIS account. Your immigration attorney: If the petition was filed through an attorney, they can check the case status and provide updates. Responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE) If USCIS issues an RFE on your I-140, it means the adjudicating officer needs additional documentation or information before making a decision. Common reasons for I-140 RFEs include: Insufficient evidence of the beneficiary’s qualifications Questions about the employer’s ability to pay the offered wage Incomplete documentation of the beneficiary’s work experience or education For EB-1A or NIW cases, insufficient evidence of extraordinary ability or national interest Responding thoroughly and on time is critical. A strong RFE response can mean the difference between approval and denial. Working with an experienced immigration attorney on your RFE response is strongly recommended. What Happens After I-140 Approval Once your I-140 is approved, the next steps depend on visa number availability: If a visa number is immediately available: You (or your attorney) can file Form I-485 to adjust status, or you can begin consular processing. If a visa number is not yet available: You must wait until your priority date becomes current on the Visa Bulletin before proceeding with the I-485 or consular processing. The I-140 approval also establishes your priority date—the date your underlying petition (PERM application or I-140, depending on the category) was filed. This date determines your place in the visa
I-130 Processing Time: How Long Family Petitions Take in 2026
— Key Takeaways Form I-130 is the immigrant petition used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor family members for green cards. Processing times vary by relationship: spouse and parent petitions for U.S. citizens are typically faster than sibling or married adult child petitions. Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21 of a U.S. citizen) have no annual visa cap, while preference categories face backlogs. You can concurrently file I-130 and I-485 if a visa number is immediately available. Filing a complete, error-free petition with strong supporting evidence is the best way to minimize delays. The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the foundation of the family-based immigration process in the United States. Whether you are petitioning for a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, the I-130 processing time is one of the first questions on every petitioner’s mind. Processing times can range from several months to several years depending on the relationship category and the service center handling your case. This guide explains what the I-130 is, breaks down processing times by relationship category, discusses the difference between immediate relatives and preference categories, and provides practical tips to avoid delays and common pitfalls. What Is Form I-130? Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the immigrant petition filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) to establish a qualifying family relationship with a foreign national. The I-130 is the first step in the family-based green card process. It does not grant immigration status by itself—it establishes that a valid family relationship exists and starts the process for the beneficiary to eventually apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status. The petitioner (the U.S. citizen or LPR) files the I-130 on behalf of the beneficiary (the foreign national relative). The petition must demonstrate the claimed relationship through documentary evidence such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other supporting documents. Form I-130A for Spouses If you are petitioning for your spouse, your spouse must also complete Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary. This form collects additional biographical and contact information about the spouse beneficiary and is submitted together with the I-130. I-130 Processing Times by Relationship Category I-130 processing times depend on the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary. Below is a general overview. Always check the USCIS processing times tool for current estimates. Relationship Petitioner Type General Processing Range Spouse U.S. Citizen Generally among the faster I-130 categories Parent U.S. Citizen (21+) Generally comparable to spouse petitions Unmarried Child (under 21) U.S. Citizen Generally comparable to immediate relative times Unmarried Son/Daughter (21+) U.S. Citizen Longer; subject to preference category backlogs Married Son/Daughter U.S. Citizen Longer; subject to significant backlogs Sibling U.S. Citizen Longest; preference category with substantial backlogs Spouse LPR Subject to preference category wait times Unmarried Son/Daughter LPR Subject to preference category wait times The processing times listed above refer to USCIS adjudication of the I-130 petition itself. For preference categories, there may be an additional wait for a visa number to become available, which can add years to the overall timeline. Immediate Relatives vs. Preference Categories U.S. immigration law distinguishes between immediate relatives and preference categories for family-based immigration. This distinction has a major impact on overall processing times. Immediate Relatives Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include: Spouses of U.S. citizens Unmarried children (under 21) of U.S. citizens Parents of U.S. citizens (petitioner must be 21 or older) Immediate relatives are not subject to annual visa number limits. This means that once the I-130 is approved (or even filed concurrently), the beneficiary can proceed with their green card application without waiting for a visa number. Preference Categories All other family relationships fall into preference categories, which are subject to annual numerical limits: F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of LPRs F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of LPRs F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens Because of annual caps, preference categories often have significant backlogs. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the Department of State, shows the priority dates currently being processed for each category and country. You can check the Visa Bulletin at travel.state.gov. How to Check Your I-130 Status There are several ways to check the status of your I-130 petition: USCIS Case Status Online: Enter your receipt number at uscis.gov/casestatus. USCIS Online Account: Create an account to track your case and receive notifications. USCIS Processing Times Tool: Compare your receipt date to posted processing times to understand where you are in the queue. USCIS Contact Center: Call 1-800-375-5283 for case inquiries. Service Center Differences for I-130 I-130 petitions are processed at different USCIS service centers depending on the relationship category and the petitioner’s location. The primary service centers handling I-130 petitions include the California Service Center, Nebraska Service Center, Texas Service Center, Vermont Service Center, and Potomac Service Center. Processing times can differ among these centers. When checking processing times, always select the correct service center from the dropdown. Your receipt notice (I-797) will indicate which center is handling your petition. Concurrent Filing With I-485 Concurrent filing allows eligible applicants to file Form I-130 and Form I-485 at the same time. This is available to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, because a visa number is always immediately available for this category. Concurrent filing can save significant time because you do not need to wait for the I-130 to be approved before filing your I-485. When you file concurrently, you can also file Form I-765 (for an Employment Authorization Document) and Form I-131 (for advance parole), giving you the ability to work and travel while your application is pending. For preference categories, concurrent filing is only possible when a visa number is immediately available based on your priority date and the current Visa Bulletin. What Happens After I-130 Approval Once your I-130 is approved, the next steps depend on where the beneficiary is located: Consular Processing If the beneficiary is outside