B1/B2 Visa Foil Number: What It Is, Where to Find It, and Why It Matters
If you’ve been issued a U.S. B1/B2 visitor visa and later asked for your B1/B2 visa foil number, it can feel confusing. Many travelers don’t remember seeing anything called a “foil number” during their visa process. Others mistake it for the DS-160 confirmation number, visa number, or passport number.
This guide clears that confusion completely. By the end, you’ll know exactly what a B1/B2 visa foil number is, where to find it on your visa, how it’s used, and what to do if you can’t locate it.
What Is a B1/B2 Visa Foil Number?
A B1/B2 visa foil number is a unique identifier printed on your U.S. visa sticker (also called a visa foil) inside your passport. It is assigned by the U.S. Department of State when your visa is issued.
This number helps U.S. immigration systems identify your specific visa record. It is not random and it is not interchangeable with other visa-related numbers.
In simple terms, it is the official tracking number for your physical visa.
Why the Visa Is Called a “Foil”
The term “foil” comes from the secure, tamper-resistant visa sticker placed in your passport. Historically, these were printed on special foil-backed materials, and the name stuck.
So when someone asks for your visa foil number, they are asking for a number printed directly on that visa sticker.
Also, explore What Is Visa Provisioning Service?
Where to Find the B1/B2 Visa Foil Number
Location on the Visa Sticker
The B1/B2 visa foil number is usually found:
- On the bottom right or lower portion of the visa sticker
- Printed in red ink
- Made up of 8 digits (sometimes with a letter prefix in older formats)
It is clearly separate from your visa type (B1/B2), your name, passport number, and expiration date.
What It Looks Like
Most modern B1/B2 visas show the foil number as a red numeric code. It stands out visually compared to other black text on the visa.
If you see a red number that doesn’t match your passport number or application ID, that is almost certainly the foil number.
B1/B2 Visa Foil Number vs Other Common Numbers
Many travelers confuse the foil number with other identifiers. Here’s how they differ.
Visa Foil Number vs Visa Number
On U.S. visas, the visa number and foil number usually refer to the same thing. Some forms use the term “visa number,” while others specifically say “foil number.”
If a form asks for either, the red number on the visa sticker is what they want.
Visa Foil Number vs DS-160 Confirmation Number
These are completely different.
- DS-160 number starts with “AA” and is used only during the application process
- Foil number is issued after approval and printed on the visa
Never enter your DS-160 number when a foil number is requested.
Visa Foil Number vs Passport Number
Your passport number identifies your passport. Your foil number identifies your visa.
They serve different purposes and cannot be substituted.
When You Are Asked for a B1/B2 Visa Foil Number
You may be asked for your foil number in situations such as:
- Completing U.S. immigration or travel-related forms
- Filing extensions or changes of status
- Employer or legal verification requests
- Airline or travel documentation checks
- U.S. government or embassy correspondence
If a form specifically says “visa foil number” or “visa number,” they are referring to the same printed code.
What If You Cannot Find Your Foil Number?
Check Carefully First
Before assuming it’s missing:
- Look for red-colored numbers
- Ignore barcodes and machine-readable zones
- Compare with sample U.S. visa images if needed
Most people find it once they know what to look for.
If Your Visa Is Damaged or Faded
If the visa sticker is damaged and unreadable:
- Do not guess the number
- Use official copies or records if available
- Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued the visa
If Your Passport Was Lost or Replaced
If your passport containing the visa was lost:
- The foil number cannot be retrieved from a new passport
- You may need to reference old scans or records
- In some cases, reapplication is required
U.S. authorities do not reissue foil numbers independently of visas.
Does the Foil Number Affect Entry into the U.S.?
The foil number itself does not guarantee entry. It simply identifies your visa.
At the U.S. port of entry:
- Customs officers verify your visa and passport
- Admission length and conditions are determined separately
- Your I-94 record controls your authorized stay
However, entering the correct foil number on forms helps avoid delays and errors.
Common Misconceptions About B1/B2 Visa Foil Numbers
“I don’t have a foil number on my visa”
All issued U.S. visas have a visa number. The confusion usually comes from not recognizing which number it is.
“The foil number changes every time I travel”
It does not. The foil number stays the same for the entire validity of that visa.
“The foil number controls how long I can stay”
It doesn’t. Your permitted stay is determined by the immigration officer and recorded in your I-94, not by the foil number.
FAQs About B1/B2 Visa Foil Number
Is the B1/B2 visa foil number the same as the visa number?
Yes. On most forms, “visa number” and “foil number” mean the same red number on the visa.
How many digits is a B1/B2 visa foil number?
Most modern visas have an 8-digit numeric foil number.
Can I travel without knowing my foil number?
Yes. You do not need to memorize it. It’s mainly required for forms and records.
Can the foil number be reused on a new visa?
No. Each visa issuance has a unique foil number.
Is the foil number needed for ESTA or I-94?
No. ESTA is for visa waiver travelers, and I-94 records are generated separately.
Final Thoughts
The B1/B2 visa foil number is a simple but important detail that many travelers overlook until they’re asked for it. Once you know where to find it and what it’s used for, the confusion disappears.
Remember: it’s the red number on your visa sticker, it identifies your specific visa, and it stays the same for the life of that visa. If you ever need it, you’ll know exactly where to look and how to use it correctly.
