Your A-Number is an 8 or 9 digit number (for example, A23456789; it will usually start with the number 2) that you get when you arrive in the United States. This is normal – every immigrant who enters the US receives their own unique A-Number (no two people have the same number).
Your A-Number is important because:
- It is used to identify you during your immigration process to different US government agencies like USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) when you need to get fingerprints or apply for employment authorization (so you can work legally in the US).
- It helps keep track of the different immigration forms and petitions that you may file.
- You use it to check when you need to go to court (see our EOIR hotline infographic for more information on how to check the status of your case).
🔎📄 Where can I find my A-number?
You can find your A Number on one of these documents:
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Verification of Release (VOR) Form: This document has your picture on it. It is given to you when leave the shelter with your sponsor. The picture below is an example of what a VOR form looks like.
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Notice to Appear (NTA, or Form I-862): This document tells you that you need to go to immigration court (before a judge) to try to stay in the US (and not be deported back to your home country). The picture below is an example of what an NTA looks like. |
If you lost these documents and/or cannot find your A-Number, you can contact your caseworker to see which shelter you were in before being released to your sponsor. This shelter should have all your documents on file and can send you copies of your documents. If you can’t remember the exact name or location of your shelter, reach out to us and we will try to help you find it!
⚠️ Remember: This article only provides general legal information and is not legal advice. You and your sponsor should talk to an attorney about your specific case to better understand what forms of immigration relief you are eligible for.