Applying for an immigrant visa is a big step. It means you are planning to live in another country, possibly for a long time. But along the way, you will come across many forms, documents, and numbers. One of the most important is the immigrant visa case number.
This number is like your tracking code. It helps you follow your case from start to finish. But many people don’t know where to find it or what it looks like. If you are one of them, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll explain everything about the immigrant visa case number. You’ll learn where to find it, what it looks like, and why it’s so important. We’ll also talk about what to do if you lose it or can’t find it. Let’s begin.
What Is an Immigrant Visa Case Number?
Before you know where to find your case number, you need to understand what it is. When you apply for an immigrant visa, your case is recorded in the system. The U.S. government or the embassy handling your case gives it a special number.
This number is known as the immigrant visa case number. It is usually a combination of letters and numbers. It is different from your receipt number or application ID. Each case number is unique.
For example, a case number might look like this: MNL2023768001.
Let’s break that down:
MNL is the code for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is processing your case.
2023 is the year the case was opened.
768001 is your unique case number.
Why Do You Need the Case Number?
You need the case number to:
Check your case status online.
Log in to the National Visa Center (NVC) portal.
Pay visa fees.
Submit documents.
Schedule a visa interview.
Communicate with the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Track progress if delays happen.
It’s a key part of your immigration journey. Without it, it becomes harder to get updates or move forward.
Where Can You Find Your Immigrant Visa Case Number?
Now, let’s talk about where to find it. The place where your case number is listed depends on how your visa application was submitted and what stage it is at.
Here are the most common places to look:
1. On the Welcome Letter from the NVC
The most reliable place to find your case number is the Welcome Letter from the National Visa Center (NVC). This letter is usually sent by email or postal mail after your immigrant petition is approved.
In this letter, you will see:
Your full name.
Your petitioner’s name (usually a family member or employer).
Your case number.
Your invoice ID number (used to pay fees).
The case number is written clearly. It may be near the top or in a section called “Case Information.” If you received this letter, check it first.
2. On Emails from the NVC or USCIS
Sometimes, if the Welcome Letter doesn’t arrive, you might still receive emails from the NVC or USCIS. These emails often contain your case number. It might be in the subject line or in the body of the message.
If you’re not sure which email it was, search your inbox with keywords like “case number,” “NVC,” or “immigrant visa.” Be sure to check your spam folder too.
3. On the CEAC Website After Logging In
Once you have your case number, you can use it to log into the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) website: https://ceac.state.gov.
But if you forgot where you found it the first time, and you’re already logged in, you can usually see your case number in the account dashboard or in your profile information.
Note: You need your case number to log in, so this method only works if you already wrote it down or saved it somewhere before.
4. On Form I-797 (Notice of Action)
If your visa is based on a family or employment petition, you might have received a Form I-797 from USCIS. This form shows that your petition has been approved. Although it mainly shows the receipt number, sometimes the bottom or attached documents include the NVC case number if the case has already been forwarded.
5. From Your Attorney or Sponsor
If someone helped you apply for your visa, like a lawyer or family sponsor, they might have your case number. You can ask them for a copy of any letters or emails they received on your behalf.
They may have it saved in their system or email.
6. By Calling the NVC
If you’ve checked everywhere and still can’t find your case number, you can call the National Visa Center.
The phone number is: (603) 334-0700
This line is open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to midnight (Eastern Time). Be ready to give them your full name, the petitioner’s name, and your USCIS receipt number.
With that information, they may be able to tell you your case number.
What If You Lost Your Case Number?
Losing your case number can feel scary, but it’s not the end of the world. There are steps you can take to recover it.
Here’s what you can do:
Check Your Email Again: Search for old emails from the NVC or USCIS. Try different search terms.
Look Through Documents: Check your printed letters, forms, or any files you may have saved.
Ask Your Petitioner: If someone filed the petition for you, ask them if they have any documents or emails.
Contact the NVC: Call them or send a message online. Explain your situation. Provide your name, date of birth, and other details to help them identify your case.
Use Your USCIS Receipt Number: If you have your USCIS I-797 form, you can use the receipt number to follow up with USCIS or NVC and request your case number.
What If Your Case Is at the Embassy?
Once your case has moved from the NVC to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country, the case number usually stays the same. But sometimes, the embassy will send you a separate email or letter confirming the transfer.
That letter should also include the case number. Be sure to keep it safe.
How Long Should You Keep Your Case Number?
Keep your case number safe for the entire immigration process. Even after your visa is approved, don’t throw away any documents with your case number. Sometimes you may need it for follow-up questions, medical records, or future immigration steps like applying for a green card.
It’s best to save a digital copy and a printed one, just in case.
What Does the Case Number Tell You?
Your case number is more than just a random code. It gives important clues about your case.
Let’s look again at a sample case number: MNL2023768001
MNL tells you your case is being handled by the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines.
2023 tells you the year the case was created.
768001 is your unique number.
So if you have the case number, you can guess how long it’s been in the system and where it’s being handled.
Common Problems with Case Numbers
Sometimes people run into problems with their case numbers. Here are a few common issues:
1. Typing Errors
Case numbers are long and often include both letters and numbers. If you type it wrong on the CEAC site, you won’t be able to log in or check your status.
Always double-check your spelling. Copy and paste if you can.
2. Wrong Embassy Code
Some people confuse embassy codes. For example, MNL is for Manila, CDJ is for Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), and BMB is for Mumbai.
If you’re not sure about the code, look at your NVC letter or ask the embassy directly.
3. Delayed Case Creation
Sometimes after USCIS approves your petition, it may take weeks before the NVC assigns a case number. If you don’t see one right away, give it some time.
You can check your status with your USCIS receipt number while waiting.
Final Tips
Save your case number in multiple places: phone, email, notebook.
Never share it with people you don’t trust.
Don’t confuse it with the USCIS receipt number.
If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help from NVC or your immigration lawyer.
Conclusion
Your immigrant visa case number is a key part of your journey. It connects your personal story to the immigration system. Finding it is not always hard, but you have to know where to look.
Whether it’s in a welcome letter, an email, or a form from USCIS, keep it safe and use it carefully. It will help you track your visa process and stay informed at every step.
If you ever lose it, don’t panic. There are ways to recover it and keep your case on track. The most important thing is to stay organized and calm. Immigration can be stressful, but with the right steps, you’ll be one step closer to your new life.
If you have questions about your case, don’t hesitate to reach out to the NVC or the embassy. Help is always available.
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