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How do I find my ‘Alien Registration Number’ (A-Number)?

The A-Number is the unique identifier the U.S. government uses in your immigration history. Not every H-1B holder has one; find out which USCIS documents typically show it.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 14, 2026
1 min read
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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
All about H-1B

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.

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How do I find my ‘Alien Registration Number’ (A-Number)?

The A-Number is the unique identifier the U.S. government uses in your immigration history. Not every H-1B holder has one; find out which USCIS documents typically show it.

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