What Is the Control Number on a Visa?
Navigate your visa document with confidence. Understand the control number's meaning, location, and its key role in official tracking.
A visa serves as an official endorsement placed within a passport, granting permission to an individual to enter, transit through, or stay in a particular country for a specified period and purpose. These documents are issued by the country an individual intends to visit. Each visa contains various unique identifiers, which are crucial for its validity and for administrative tracking purposes.
Understanding the Visa Control Number
The visa control number is an internal tracking identifier used by the issuing authority, such as the U.S. Department of State, for administrative purposes. This number allows government agencies to manage and track individual visa applications and issued documents. It typically consists of a specific sequence of numbers, and sometimes letters, that helps categorize and locate records efficiently.
This control number differs from the main visa number, which is used for travel and entry. While the primary visa number is prominently displayed for border officials, the control number’s role is more behind-the-scenes. It serves as an internal reference for the consular section that processed the application, aiding in case management and record-keeping. Individuals may occasionally need this number when making specific inquiries about their visa application or status.
Where to Find the Control Number
Locating the control number on a physical visa document can vary slightly. On many U.S. visas, this number is often found on the lower right-hand side of the visa foil. It might be printed near the bottom edge of the document, separate from other larger, more prominent numbers.
The specific label for this identifier can also differ, but common designations include “Control No.,” “Control Number,” or a similar abbreviation. While the exact position and labeling might see minor variations between different types of visas, such as immigrant versus non-immigrant visas, its general area remains consistent.
The Role of the Control Number
The control number plays a significant role in the internal operations of the visa issuing authority. Its primary function is to facilitate the efficient tracking and management of visa applications throughout their lifecycle. This includes monitoring the application from submission, through processing, and ultimately to the issuance or denial of the visa. It links various documents and actions related to a single case, ensuring all information is cohesively organized.
Government agencies utilize this number for comprehensive record-keeping, allowing them to quickly retrieve specific case files and historical data. For instance, if an individual contacts an embassy or consulate regarding a past application, providing this control number can expedite the inquiry process.
Other Important Visa Identifiers
Beyond the control number, a visa document includes several other identifiers. The most prominent is the visa number itself, often labeled as the “Visa Foil Number” or “Sticker Number,” which is typically a larger, red number used for travel and entry into the destination country. This is the primary identification number recognized by border officials upon arrival.
Another key identifier is the passport number, which links the visa directly to the travel document it is affixed to. For immigrant visas, an “Immigrant Case Number” might also be present, which refers to the specific immigration petition file. These numbers are distinct from the control number, which remains primarily an internal administrative tool.