All You Need to Know About Visa Number - Significance & Usage

It is a universally known fact that any individual who seeks to visit and work abroad needs to apply for a visa. The Visa is the foremost document an immigrant requires to be able to work and stay abroad. Each and every visa is recognised by a unique set of digits known as the visa number or “visa foil number”.

In this article, you will learn in detail about the visa number and how the immigration authorities do the visa number check for any foreign visitor.

What is a Visa Number?

Visa number is an 8 digit number colored in red located in the lower right-hand corner. 

In the Visas issued prior to 2000, however, they are so rare, the visa number used to have 6 digits and was located next to the abbreviation for number in blue, at the top of the visa in the centre.

Who Requires a Visa Number?

Any individual who wishes to work or study abroad requires a visa number to do so. Although, temporary visitors or nonimmigrants to the U.S. don’t require to obtain a visa number if they are eligible for the visa-waiver programme. The US immigration authorities allow a foreign visitor to stay in the US without a visa unless they intend to but are not allowed to permanently work and stay there. 

When the Visa requires a Visa Number?

Generally, a foreign visitor needs to show the visa number whenever s/he has to commence a job or profession or pursue studies that require screening of his/her identity. Hence, you need to show your visa number before starting to work or joining a school or varsity in the U.S. It is also used to identify the reason the visitor is entering the U.S.

Besides, a visa number is also needed if you wish to apply for the permanent resident (PR) status. A visa alone won’t smoothly grant you access to a port of entry in the U.S.; you must also have a valid passport. If you have already been granted a US immigrant visa you need to apply for the PR visa to obtain a green card. Once you become a green card holder, you are privileged to permanently live and work in the U.S. 

Where is the Visa Number Shown?

The temporary nonimmigrants who are allowed to enter the U.S. without the visa are given a visa number, which is mentioned in the visa stamp affixed on their passport. So, every time you enter the USA, the immigration authorities will do the visa number check formality by examining the visa number on the passport. 

When is a Visa Number Not required?

It is important to know that all travellers don’t require a visa number to visit the U.S. The visitors who come from the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and wish to travel to the US for business or tourism, are allowed to visit the US for 90 days without a non-immigrant visa as per the VWP. The United States of America coordinates in the Visa Waiver Program and allows the foreign business visitors and tourists from the member nations to enter the U.S. for 90 days without a visa.

However, India is not a member nation of the Visa Waiver Program. Hence, Indian visitors are not allowed to enter the US without a visa.

In the case of Schengen Visa, Indians require only one Visa number to visit any European country in the Schengen region for a short duration. However, they compulsorily require the international travel insurance to become eligible for a Schengen Visa.

All You Need to Know About Visa Number - Significance & Usage All You Need to Know About Visa Number - Significance & Usage

Additional Details On Visa Other than the Visa Number

Along with the visa number, the US Visa will bear the following details of the traveller:

• Issuing Port Name: This is the name of the US Embassy from where the visa has been approved.
• First & Last Name: Traveller full name
• Sex of the migrant: Whether the person is a male (M) or female (F).
• Nationality: Country of Origin of the traveller
• Date of Birth
• Passport Number: Identification Number as mentioned on the passport
• Type of the Visa: This indicates the visa type the migrant has applied for— e.g. H-1B, B-1, K-1 visa, or a fiancé visa.
• Entries: Here it will be mentioned how many times the traveller is allowed to enter the United States or in letters. Here, the letter “S” signifies – single entry, which means you are allowed to enter the US once. Whereas, “M” implies – multiple entries, i.e. you are allowed to enter the US more than once.
• Date of Issuance: The date when the visa was issued.
• Validity: Date till the visa is valid.
• Annotations: Additional notes that the US Consular Officer writes related to the visa, e.g. the name of your university, employer, your fiancé(e), or your spouse.

The background of the visa is watermarked with images of the Lincoln Memorial and building of the U.S. Capitol.

What if I am Denied the Visa Number?

Well, visa rejection can be really an upsetting situation that can halt your immigration plans. However, you don’t need to worry if your visa has been rejected due to no fault or negligence of your own. You must now plan your journey to the US with a smart travel Insurance plan by Care Health Insurance. In case the immigration authorities deny your visa for no fault, you can get the reimbursement of the visa fee, provided that you have properly submitted all your relevant travel documents as directed by the nation's Embassy for which you had applied for the visa.

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.