If you fill out any immigration applications, you may need to enter your USCIS number. You may need to see your green card number to find it. However, there are some numbers or codes on the green card, such as “A-Number,” “Class of Admission,” etc.
Most people think that USCIS numbers are the numbers that begin with three letters, e.g., “EAD,” “LIN,” “MSC,” etc. Actually, that’s not a USCIS number—it’s instead a green card number. So, where can I find USCIS numbers, and what are USCIS numbers on a green card? Let’s dive into our post to find the information!
What is a USCIS Number on a Green Card?
USCIS numbers are also known as the “A-Number,” or “Alien Registration Number,” which consists of a seven- to nine-digit number. USCIS numbers are identification numbers that the U.S. government issues to track immigrants who apply to live permanently in the United States.
USCIS numbers are an important piece of information that USCIS uses when preparing new forms to request immigrant benefits. Not everyone can have a USCIS number; USCIS only issues USCIS numbers to permanent residents—they do not issue the number to non-immigrant visitors. In fact, many U.S.-born citizens also do not have alien registration numbers.
You will need an A-Number or USCIS number if you’re an immigrant who wants to get additional immigration benefits. If you find your USCIS numbers are fewer than nine digits, you can insert a zero after the “A” and before the first digit to create a nine-digit number, e.g., “12345678” would be “A012345678.”
It’s important to note that an A-Number or USCIS Number is not the same as a Social Security Number (SSN) used by the IRS and the Social Security Administration to track U.S. workers’ income, benefits, and taxes. Instead, you can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) along with a work permit as part of requirements when applying for a green card.
Where to Find USCIS Number on Green Card?
It’s pretty simple to find your USCIS number on your green card.
- If your green card was issued by USCIS after May 10, 2010, you can find the USCIS number or A-number underneath the USCIS#. The example USCIS number on the latest green card would be “000-001-001.”
- If your green card was issued between 2004 and May 10, 2010, you can find your USCIS number or A-Number above your birthdate and it will begin with “A#,” e.g., “A# 000-000-000.”
In addition to finding your USCIS number on your green card, you can also find it on all of the documents that USCIS sends you, such as the I-140 approval notice, the H1-B receipt notice, and forms that can usually be found near the top of the first page.
If you hold an immigrant visa, you can find your A-number or USCIS number on a stamp in your passport that is called “Registration Number.”
On the EAD (Employment Authorization Card), you can find your USCIS number underneath USCIS#, the same as what you find on your green card. In addition, a USCIS# is issued for all types of EADs, including EADs for CPT, OPT, or H-4 or L-2 visas.
How if you lost your A-Number or USCIS Number on all of the documents? If you experience unwanted events such as theft that cause you to lose all important documents, it will be hard to find your A-Number or USCIS number. But you shouldn’t worry since there’s still an alternative you can do.
To get it back, you can try to use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) system to gain a copy of your immigration file that will include your A-Number or USCIS number. You can also make an appointment at your local USCIS office and ask for help. However, this option may not be available to everyone since self-scheduled appointments are being phased out.
What Is the Difference Between the USCIS Number and the USCIS Case Number?
Not only the USCIS number, or A-number, you will find on your receipt notices, but the USCIS case number will also be available. Since it is similar, many people get confused to distinguish USCIS number and USCIS case number—whereas they’re absolutely different.
Here are the differences:
- The USCIS number acts as an identification number, while the USCIS case number is usually used to check your application status online. The USCIS number is assigned to you, while the USCIS case number is assigned to your application.
- If you apply for a green card and then apply for U.S. citizenship in the future, you will have a different USCIS case number, but your USCIS number will remain the same.
- The USCIS number will always be a 7, 8, or 9-digit number. The USCIS case number is a 13-character code that begins with 3 letters such as “MSC” or “EAC” and is then followed by 10 numbers.
Okay, these are the differences between a USCIS number and a USCIS case number that you should know.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
