People from around the globe dream of visiting the United States. Some want to enter solely for tourism, while others want a bigger piece of the American experience. Whether you’re looking to apply for a visitor visa or permanent residency, you’ll need to digest a lot of information to ensure your application’s success. A part of the U.S. immigration puzzle is the USCIS account number. In this article, we’ll explain what one is, how to use it, and everything else you should know about a USCIS account number.
What is a USCIS Account Number?
A USCIS account number is a unique identifier assigned to anyone who creates an online account on the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) portal. This number helps applicants track their applications, communicate with USCIS, and manage their cases when using the USCIS portal. It typically contains 12 digits and is completely unique to any others created by USCIS.
Think of a USCIS account number the same way you’d think about your bank account number. When communicating with your financial institution or researching your bank transactions, your bank account number is associated solely with you, and the same goes for a USCIS account number.
How Do You Get a USCIS Account Number?
Anyone who submits an application or form through the USCIS website will be prompted to create a USCIS account. This process will include creating a unique username and password, just as you would with most online actions, such as those used by the online retailer Amazon or similar websites. The process is fairly straightforward. Here’s what to expect:
Go to the USCIS website.
- Type in the email address you want associated with your USCIS account and hit “Submit.”
- Next, you’ll receive a confirmation email sent to the address you provided. Open this email and tap on the confirmation link. You’ll be taken to the USCIS online account login page.
- Review the terms of use agreement and hit “I agree.”
- Now you’ll need to create a password for your USCIS online account. This password must have a minimum of eight characters, contain at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, and one unique character. Confirm your password and hit “Submit.”
- You’ll be taken to your personal USCIS online account.
You’ll see on your USCIS account that the system assigned you a USCIS account number. This unique identifier will be attached to your immigration applications, forms, and correspondence.
Common Issues and Key Information About USCIS Numbers
While obtaining and using your USCIS account number seems easy enough, some individuals encounter some difficulties and issues regarding its use. Here are some key takeaways to help you understand and potentially avoid any problems.
USCIS Account Number, Alien Registration Number (A-Number), and Receipt Number
You can easily become confused by the different types of numbers that USCIS will provide to you. Here’s a brief explanation of each:
- Account number: The account number is specific to a user’s online USCIS account.
- A-number: This identification number is used for individuals applying for long-term visas and green cards.
- Receipt number: Unique to each USCIS application and form, the receipt number is used to track the status of each separate application.
Multiple USCIS User Accounts
It is possible to create more than one USCIS online account accidentally. When this happens, the entire application process can become confusing and difficult to handle. If you’ve accidentally created more than one account, contact USCIS customer support to resolve the issue.
The Benefits of a USCIS Account Number
It’s not uncommon for an individual to have multiple applications concurrently with USCIS. Having a main account number allows for easier tracking of each application and aids in smoother communication with USCIS staff should you need to contact them for any potential issues you may encounter.
Everything You Need to Know About a USCIS Account Number: Final Words
A USCIS account number is an easy way to manage your online applications. This randomly generated unique number is associated with a user’s overall account, can be used to track applications, and helps improve communication. Much like a bank account number, it identifies a user in the USCIS portal.
Should you have any questions or concerns about filing an application with USCIS, it’s highly advisable to consult with a U.S. immigration service. Finding your way through the maze of the U.S. immigration process can be overwhelming. Don’t try to crack the code alone. Reach out to a professional for assistance.
