A USCIS A Number is a unique identifier assigned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to track applicants and petitioners in immigration records. You will commonly see it on forms, notices, and case files, and it is used to link related records, verify status, and locate case information. If you are filing or checking a visa, green card, or other immigration application, knowing where to find and how to report an A Number helps ensure accurate and efficient processing.
What Is a USCIS A Number
The USCIS A Number is a seven- to nine-digit identifier issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to individuals in immigration records. It functions as a primary key in USCIS databases, linking applications, identity documents, and case histories to a single person or petitioner entity. While not the same as a receipt number, which tracks a specific application, the A Number stays with a person across multiple filings and is used on forms and correspondence to ensure records are matched correctly. You can typically locate it on approval notices, biometrics appointment letters, and certain identity documents.
Who Receives a USCIS A Number
USCIS assigns A Numbers to applicants and beneficiaries when they engage with the immigration system. Not every U.S. citizen or national has one, but many immigrants and some family-based petitioners will see it on their documents. Typical recipients include applicants for family-sponsored or employment-based visas, asylum seekers, certain adjustment of status applicants, and individuals recorded in the Arrival and Departure System. The presence of an A Number indicates that USCIS has created or associated an immigration record with that person.
Individuals Likely to Have an A Number
- Employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visa applicants
- Asylum and withholding of removal applicants
- Adjustment of status applicants already in the United States
- Some petitioners and derivative beneficiaries
- Individuals with past or pending applications using USCIS online accounts
Where to Find Your USCIS A Number
You can find an A Number on many USCIS documents and online accounts. On paper, it is often printed in the top or bottom sections of official correspondence. In many USCIS online accounts, it appears on case dashboards, appointment confirmations, and printable receipts. Recognizing the format helps distinguish it from other identifiers, such as case receipt numbers or employment authorization document numbers.
Common Document Sources
| Document or Source | Where the A Number Appears | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-797, Notice of Action | Top or right margin, labeled as “A Number” | Links the case to the beneficiary across USCIS systems |
| Biometrics Appointment Letter | Center or right side, often under “A Number” | Tracks identity when fingerprints are collected |
| Approval Notice (I-797/I-485/I-90) | Recipient information section or case summary | Confirms identity in the approved petition or application |
| USCIS Online Account Dashboard | Case list, profile header, or appointment confirmation | Reference for electronic filings and status checks |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Green Card | Sometimes printed under “USCIS Number” or “A Number” | Identifies the holder across benefit programs |
How to Read and Enter a USCIS A Number
An A Number is a series of digits, usually seven to nine characters, with no letters. When you enter it on forms, type it exactly as shown on the source document, including any leading zeros. On Form I-864, visa applications, and fingerprint cards, USCIS asks for the A Number to connect case data with identity records. Providing the correct A Number reduces processing delays and prevents mismatched or duplicate files. If you are helping a family member or employee, confirm their A Number before submitting supporting paperwork.
Tips for Entering an A Number
- Copy the number directly from the issuing document to avoid typos
- Include leading zeros if they appear on the source document
- Double-check the field label, since some forms also ask for receipt numbers or document numbers
- Use the same format used in your USCIS online account, if available
USCIS A Number vs Other USCIS Identifiers
USCIS uses several identifiers for different purposes. The A Number is the persistent ID tied to a person or petitioner across cases, whereas a receipt number tracks a single application; an immigrant visa file number follows a case through processing abroad; and a document number appears on physical cards like green cards. Understanding these distinctions helps you provide the right identifier on forms and when communicating with customer service or agents.
Identifier Comparison at a Glance
| Identifier | Format | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS A Number | 7–9 digits | Link all cases and records for a person or petitioner |
| Receipt Number | 3 letters + 10–13 digits | Track a single application or petition |
| Visa File Number | 2 letters + 6–9 digits or 2 letters + 7–10 digits | Track immigrant visa processing overseas |
| Case Number | 3 letters + 6–10 digits | Identify a specific case in court or agency records |
Common Uses of a USCIS A Number
You will use an A Number in several immigration-related situations. It is required on many benefit applications and support forms to ensure that USCIS links your new filing to your existing records. It appears on appointment confirmations and is used by customer support agents to locate your case quickly. When you check case status online or correspond by mail, providing your A Number helps reduce response times and improves accuracy.
Typical Scenarios for Providing an A Number
- Filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Submitting Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, for certain family-based petitions
- Scheduling and attending biometric services or interviews
- Contacting USCIS customer service or checking case details online
- Requesting immigration records or filing certain appeals and motions
What to Do If You Cannot Locate Your A Number
If you cannot find your A Number on a document or in your account, first double-check each source listed above and review older correspondence. If it is absent and you believe it should exist, contact USCIS customer support or check your case status online, where the A Number may be displayed in case details. When speaking with an agent, be ready with your full name, date of birth, and other identifying information so they can locate your record and provide the correct number.
When the A Number May Change or Be Reassigned
In most cases, an A Number remains the same for an individual across USCIS cases. However, certain situations, such as conversion of status from a nonimmigrant to a lawful permanent resident or correction of an earlier error, may result in a new A Number being issued. If your A Number changes, USCIS will issue updated documentation that reflects the new identifier; you should use the most current number on future filings and share it with any agency or attorney handling your case.
Key Takeaways
- The USCIS A Number is a unique, permanent identifier used to link immigration records to an individual or petitioner.
- Not all U.S. citizens have one, but many immigrants and family-based petitioners will see it on notices and forms.
- You can locate your A Number on approval notices, appointment letters, and USCIS online account dashboards.
- Provide the A Number exactly as shown, including leading zeros, on applications and support documents.
- Use the A Number when filing forms, checking case status, or contacting USCIS to speed up processing and reduce errors.