What Is a USCIS Account Number (A Number)
The USCIS account number, commonly called the A Number, is a unique identifier assigned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to track an applicant or immigrant throughout their case journey. It is distinct from other identifiers such as the receipt number and appears on many immigration records. Understanding where to locate it helps you reference the correct case in communications, online accounts, and when contacting USCIS customer service.
This guide explains how to find your A Number across common scenarios and documents, so you can quickly confirm the identifier linked to your immigration history without relying on time-sensitive information.
Where the USCIS Account Number Appears
USCIS assigns the account number at case creation, and it remains consistent across updates for most individuals. You may see it labeled explicitly as "USCIS Account Number" or simply as "A Number." It usually appears on the front or back of physical documents and in the first section of digital records. The table below summarizes where to find it and how it is labeled across common document types.
Document Type | Label / Location | Typical Format
| Document or Source | Where to Find the A Number | Typical Format |
|---|---|---|
| Green Card (Physical) | Back of card, usually below the barcode | One letter + seven or nine digits (e.g., A12345678) |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Front of card, beneath "USCIS#" | One letter + seven or nine digits (e.g., A12345679) |
| Notice of Action (Form I-797) | At top of the notice, labeled as "A Number" | One letter + seven or nine digits |
| Online USCIS Account | Account dashboard under "My Cases" | One letter + seven or nine digits |
| Immigration Court Documents | Header or case caption area | One letter + seven or nine digits |
How to Locate the A Number in Common Documents
When reviewing physical or digital records, focus on labeled fields and standard positions. On many cards, the A Number appears near the barcode or on the data strip. For notices like the I-797, check the top header where case numbers are printed. In online accounts, open your profile or case list to reveal the A Number next to the case title. If you are assisting someone else, confirm you are looking at the correct person’s document, since multiple A Numbers can exist within a single household.
- Check the back of a Green Card below the machine-readable zone.
- Look on the front of an EAD beneath "USCIS#" or "A Number" labels.
- Review the top header of any USCIS Notice of Action for "A Number."
- Open your USCIS online account and view the case dashboard.
- Inspect immigration court documents near the case title or header.
Distinguishing the A Number from Other Identifiers
Several identifiers appear on immigration documents, and it is easy to confuse them. The receipt number is tied to a specific submission and changes when a case is transferred. The case number may change with transfers or refiling. The A Number, once assigned, usually remains the same across updates for an individual, even if the case moves between offices. Recognizing this distinction helps you reference the correct identifier when contacting support or filling out forms.
Common Uses for Your USCIS Account Number
You will need your A Number in many immigration-related interactions. It helps customer service agents pull up your case quickly and ensures your records are correctly linked when you inquire about status or benefits. Government agencies and authorized organizations may also request it when verifying work eligibility, reviewing immigration history, or processing applications. Because it is a persistent identifier, it is useful across multiple stages of immigration processing.
What to Do If You Cannot Locate the A Number
If you cannot find the USCIS account number on a document, double-check standard locations and the exact field names. Some older documents may use slightly different labeling or omit the A Number entirely. In those cases, you can create an online USCIS account to view the number in your case list, or contact USCIS customer service with other identifying details, such as your name, date of birth, and receipt number. Avoid using incorrect identifiers, as they can cause delays when seeking assistance or official records.
Key Takeaways
- The USCIS account number (A Number) is a persistent case identifier assigned once per applicant or immigrant.
- It appears on Green Cards, EADs, Notices of Action, online accounts, and court documents.
- It is distinct from receipt numbers and case numbers that can change over time.
- Use the A Number when contacting USCIS or referencing your case in official interactions.
- If missing, verify document fields carefully or create an online account to retrieve it.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is the USCIS account number the same as the receipt number?
No, the receipt number is a temporary case stamp assigned when you file a form, while the USCIS account number (A Number) is a persistent identifier assigned to you as an applicant or immigrant. The receipt number changes with refiling or transfer, whereas the A Number typically remains the same.
Can I find the A Number without the physical document?
Yes. If you have an online USCIS account, you can view the A Number in your case dashboard. You can also request case details by phone or through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request if necessary.
Does the A Number ever change?
In most cases, the A Number does not change once assigned. If a case is refiled under a new category or combined in complex administrative scenarios, a new A Number may be issued, but this is uncommon for ongoing cases.
Is the A Number required for all immigration forms?
Not always. Some forms ask for it to streamline processing, but you should always provide it when available. If you do not have it, include other identifiers such as your full name, date of birth, and receipt number.
What should I do if I find two A Numbers on my documents?
This can happen if you have multiple cases or statuses (e.g., adjustment and separate employment authorization). Contact USCIS directly with both documents to clarify which A Number corresponds to the case you are inquiring about.