The ‘Alien Registration Number’ (A-Number) is a unique identifier the U.S. government uses to track a person’s immigration history. It is not exclusive to H-1B holders: many H-1B visa holders never receive an A-Number at all.
This number is typically assigned to those who enter processes related to permanent residence (Green Card) or adjustment of status. If you have gone through such a process, your A-Number is most likely found on official documents issued by USCIS, such as:
- The permanent resident card (Green Card).
- The Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Any notices of action (Notice of Action) received throughout the process.
On those documents, look for a numeric sequence usually preceded by the letter “A”. If you cannot find it, review your copies of USCIS correspondence or log in to your profile on the official government platform.
When in doubt, always consult the guidance on the USCIS website and be cautious of intermediaries who promise shortcuts. A trusted immigration professional can help you locate and confirm your number.
Learn more about H-1B
- Initial validity
- 3 years
- Extension
- Up to 6 years total
- Annual cap
- 85,000 visas
- Processing
- 6-12 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.