The document number on a Permanent Resident Card (green card) is the 13-digit number on the back, usually starting with three letters followed by ten digits.
Is the USCIS number the document number?
The USCIS number isn’t the same as the document number. The USCIS number—also called the Alien Registration Number (A-Number)—is a nine-digit number that shows up on work permits and some green cards. The document number is a 13-digit identifier found on the back of a green card.
USCIS uses the A-Number to track immigration cases and employment authorization. The document number, though, uniquely identifies the green card itself. For instance, an A-Number like A12345678 would appear on an EAD card, while a document number like LIN1234567890123 would appear on a green card.
What is an immigration document number?
An immigration document number is a unique identifier printed on visas, green cards, and work permits. On U.S. visas, it’s often called the visa number or travel document number.
On a U.S. visa, you’ll usually find this number in red on the bottom right corner. On a Canadian study permit, it appears as a letter followed by nine digits (for example, F123456789). Immigration authorities rely on this number to match documents to individuals during processing.
Where is the document number on I-551?
The document number on Form I-551 (green card) is printed on the back, usually on the first line of a 90-character string. Some older green cards may have it on the front.
Modern green cards—issued after 2010—display a 13-digit document number starting with three letters (like LIN, WAC, or SRC) followed by ten digits. This number helps verify identity and track immigration status.
What type of document is a permanent resident card?
A permanent resident card is Form I-551, issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to foreign nationals granted lawful permanent resident status.
This card proves your right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. It’s commonly called a green card because earlier versions were green. A valid green card typically lasts ten years before you need to renew it.
What is a permanent resident card number?
A permanent resident card number is a 13-digit identifier printed on every green card, usually starting with three letters (like LIN, WAC, or SRC) followed by ten digits.
USCIS uses this number—also called the receipt number or file number—to track your immigration case. It appears on both the front and back of modern green cards, so keep it secure. You’ll need it to verify your status.
Is I-551 the same as a green card?
Yes, Form I-551 is the green card. The term “green card” comes from the color of earlier versions.
Form I-551 is the official USCIS form used to issue permanent resident cards. These cards let foreign nationals live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, though they must be renewed every ten years.
Is the document number the same as the visa number?
The document number is the same as the visa number. On U.S. visas, the visa number is printed in red on the bottom right corner.
This number acts as a unique identifier for the visa itself. It’s different from your passport number or alien registration number. Immigration officials use it to match the visa to your identity when you enter the U.S.
Is the document number the same as the application number?
The document number isn’t the same as the application number. The document number is tied to the physical document (like a green card or visa), while the application number tracks your case with USCIS.
For example, if you applied for a green card using Form I-485, your receipt notice (Form I-797) would have an application number like MSC1234567890. That number changes with each new application, but your document number stays the same for your green card.
Is the USCIS number the same as the green card number?
The USCIS number (A-Number) isn’t the same as the green card document number. The A-Number is a nine-digit number starting with “A” (for example, A12345678), while the green card document number is 13 digits.
On green cards issued after May 10, 2010, the A-Number may appear on the back, but it’s not the same as the document number. The A-Number tracks your immigration history, while the document number identifies the card itself.
What is the document number on a Certificate of Naturalization?
The document number on a Certificate of Naturalization is an eight-digit alphanumeric number, usually printed in red in the top right section.
This number—also called a C-file number—uniquely identifies your naturalization record. It’s been used on all naturalization certificates since September 27, 1906, and is required if you need to correct or reissue your certificate.
What is the receipt number on a green card?
The receipt number on a green card application is a 13-character unique identifier assigned by USCIS to track your case. It appears on your receipt notice (Form I-797) when your application is accepted.
This number consists of three letters (like EAC, WAC, or LIN) followed by ten digits. For example, it might look like MSC2190450010. You can use this number to check your case status online at the USCIS Case Status page.
What is an immigration document?
An immigration document is an official record issued by a government to verify someone’s legal status. Common examples include green cards, visas, and work permits.
You might need these documents for employment, travel, or getting a driver’s license. According to U.S. state DMVs, acceptable immigration documents include Permanent Resident Cards, employment authorization cards, and foreign passports with valid I-94 records. If you’re applying for a job, you may also need to prepare additional documents.
What is the SEVIS ID number on a green card?
The SEVIS ID number doesn’t appear on a green card. SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) IDs show up on I-20 or DS-2019 forms for students or exchange visitors, not on green cards.
If you’re a student or exchange visitor, your SEVIS ID is an 11-digit number starting with “N” (for example, N0001234567). It tracks your status in the U.S. education system and has nothing to do with your green card document number.
How do you read a Permanent Resident Card?
A Permanent Resident Card contains machine-readable and human-readable information, including your document number, alien registration number (A-Number), and expiration date.
The front of the card shows your photo, name, and card expiration date. The back has a 90-character string with your document number, A-Number, and other details. For the full breakdown, check the USCIS Green Card FAQs.
What does 551 mean?
551 refers to Form I-551, the official USCIS form used to issue green cards to lawful permanent residents.
This form designation dates back to when green cards were green. Getting Form I-551 means you’ve been granted permanent resident status in the U.S. The card itself is still called a green card, no matter its current color.
What is the document number?
The document number is a unique identifier assigned to an official document, like a visa, green card, or ID. It helps authorities verify the document’s authenticity and match it to the person.
For example, a U.S. visa’s document number is printed in red on the bottom right corner. A green card’s document number is 13 digits long and appears on the back. Keep this number secure and share it only when necessary for official purposes. If you’re dealing with official paperwork, you might also want to organize your documents efficiently.
Is the VAF number the visa number?
The VAF number is the same as the visa number for UK entry clearance. VAF stands for Visa Application Form, and the number is your reference for tracking your visa application.
This number is issued when you apply for a UK visa and is placed in your passport. UK immigration officials use it to verify your visa status during travel. The VAF number has nothing to do with U.S. immigration document numbers.
What is the document number on a New York State ID?
The document number on a New York State ID is an eight or ten-digit number printed in the lower right corner of the card.
This number is unique to your ID and helps the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) verify your identity. It’s different from your green card document number, so don’t mix them up.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
