An A-Number is a 7-9 digit number that the USCIS uses to identify immigrants who apply to live in the United States permanently, as well as certain student immigrants. If you are such an immigrant and are applying for additional immigration benefits, you will probably need your A-Number to submit the required forms and to track your application. This article explains how A-Numbers work, and where you can find yours when you need it.


How A-Numbers Work:

Certain government agencies, such as the USCIS, use A-Numbers to assign unique identification numbers to people who apply for immigration benefits. Your A-Number shows up on various documents related to your immigration case, and it will also allow you or your representatives access to information about your case online. If you are assigned a nine-digit number that starts with the first digit being one, it means that you were approved for employment authorization. This type of A-Number can be used to fill out your Employment Authorization Card (EAD).


Types of A Number:

The A-Number is, for all practical purposes, the social security number of the foreign national. It is used to track information about the foreign national and is one of the first pieces of information a consular or DHS officer will ask for when applying for a visa.

There are four different varieties of A-Numbers:

• Eight-digit A-Numbers are digitally signed at a local USCIS office. If you are assigned one of these numbers, treat the number as if an additional zero was placed after the A.

• Nine-digit A-Numbers that start with the number one are used for employment authorization cards.

• Nine-digit A-Numbers that begin with the digit three are used for fingerprint tracking of V visa applicants. (The V visa allows families to stay together while waiting for the processing of immigrant visas.)

• All other nine-digit A-Numbers are permanent and will remain with the foreign national for the rest of their life.


How do I get my A-Number?

Your A number is a 10-digit number that USCIS assigns to all individuals who have been approved for immigration benefits. If you are a permanent resident, your A number will be on your "green card." If you have applied for naturalization and have not received it yet, your A number will appear in your receipt notice or on the final decision letter from USCIS if you are approved.

You can find your A-Number on any of the documents that USCIS issued to you when they approved your application:

If you're not sure which document contains your A-Number, then try calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 or visiting an office in person. You can also check Check Status Online if you have your receipt number.



If you apply for immigration benefits, you may need to provide your A-Number. For example, if you're filing Form I-765 to request an extension of your stay in the United States, then you'll need to include your A-Number on Part 1 of the form. If you're filing Form I-131, then Part 2 requires the same type of information.


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