what is a number uscis
An “A-number” with USCIS is your Alien Registration Number — a unique ID number that the U.S. government gives to many non‑U.S. citizens to track their immigration history over time.
Quick Scoop: What is a USCIS A-Number?
Think of the A-number as your permanent immigration ID in the US system. It is:
- A 7–9 digit number, often written like A123456789 (sometimes shown as “A#”).
- Assigned by USCIS (and related agencies) to certain noncitizens such as green card applicants, some visa holders, people in removal proceedings, etc.
- Used across multiple government systems (USCIS, ICE, CBP, immigration courts) to pull up your full immigration file.
On many modern documents, the A-number may appear under the label “USCIS#” , so people casually call it a “USCIS number.”
Where you usually see your A-number
You will commonly find the A-number on:
- Green card (Permanent Resident Card)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD / work permit)
- Some approval notices from USCIS
- Immigrant visa in your passport
- Certain paperwork from a U.S. consulate or immigration court
If your A-number has fewer than 9 digits, official instructions usually say to add leading zeros (for example, 1234567 → A001234567).
A-number vs “USCIS case number” vs “USCIS online account number”
A lot of forum confusion comes from mixing up three different numbers. Here’s the clean breakdown:
| Type of number | What it identifies | What it looks like | Stays the same or changes? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-number (USCIS number) | You as a noncitizen in the immigration system. | [3][5][1]7–9 digits, often shown as A######### or under “USCIS#”. | [5][1][3]Generally stays the same for life, even if you file many cases. | [1][3][5]
| USCIS case/receipt number | A specific application or petition you filed (like an I‑130, I‑485, etc.). | [7][3]13 characters: 3 letters + 10 digits (e.g., EAC2190123456). | [7][3]Different for every filing or case. | [3][7]
| USCIS online account number | Your login/account profile for the USCIS online portal (if you use it). | [6]Numeric account ID shown in your online profile or certain notices. | [6]Linked to your online account; separate from A-number and case numbers. | [6]
The A-number is you , the case number is your application , and the online account number is your USCIS web account.
Why the USCIS A-number matters
Your A-number is important because it is used to:
- File immigration forms
- Many forms (like I‑130, I‑485, N‑400) ask for your A-number if you have one.
- Track your history and status
- Government officers pull up your past entries, prior applications, and decisions using this number.
- Communicate with USCIS or immigration court
- If you call USCIS or deal with immigration court (EOIR), they may ask for your A-number to locate your file.
- Check records or request files
- It is used to request your immigration record (for example, through a FOIA request).
For many immigrants, this number stays linked to them even after naturalization.
Mini FAQ based on common forum questions
Do all immigrants have an A-number?
Not every visa holder gets one right away, but many people do once they apply for a green card, certain benefits, or go through certain enforcement or court processes.
Is my A-number the same as my Social Security Number?
No. A-number is immigration-related; Social Security Number is for work, taxes, and benefits.
Is the A-number the same as a USCIS case/receipt number?
No. The case/receipt number tracks one specific application, while the A-number identifies you across all applications.
What if I can’t find my A-number?
People usually check their green card, EAD, past USCIS notices, or immigrant visa; if still unsure, they often contact USCIS, an attorney, or request records.
TL;DR: When people say “USCIS A-number” or “USCIS number,” they are almost always talking about the Alien Registration Number , a 7–9 digit ID that identifies you in the U.S. immigration system long term.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.