USCIS Online Account Number Explained for Indians
The USCIS online account number is a unique ID created when you register on myUSCIS — separate from your A-Number and receipt number.
In a nutshell
Your USCIS online account number is a unique number assigned when you create a myUSCIS account at my.uscis.gov. It is separate from your A-Number (alien registration number) and from your I-797 receipt number. You will need it if a petitioner or preparer wants to link your case to their own myUSCIS account.
What is the USCIS online account number?
When you create an account on my.uscis.gov, USCIS assigns you a unique online account number — sometimes called a "USCIS account number." It appears in your myUSCIS profile and on some notices.
Three USCIS numbers to keep separate
- A-Number (Alien Registration Number): Your permanent immigration ID — starts with "A" followed by 8 or 9 digits. Appears on your green card, EAD, and most immigration documents.
- Receipt number: The 13-character case tracking number from your I-797 notice (e.g., EAC2390001234). One per filed petition.
- USCIS online account number: Created when you register on my.uscis.gov. Used to link yourself to a case filed on paper by an employer or attorney.
Where to find your online account number
Log in to my.uscis.gov, go to your profile (click your name at the top right), and look for "USCIS online account number" or "Account number." It is typically a long numeric string.
When is the online account number used?
- Your employer's attorney files a paper I-129 H1B on your behalf (you are the beneficiary)
- The attorney enters your online account number on the petition so the case appears in your myUSCIS account
- USCIS mails you a notice with an online access code as an alternative linking method
- You are responding to an RFE online through myUSCIS for a paper-filed case
Online account number vs A-Number
Avoid
- A-Number: Assigned by USCIS when you have an immigration record. Appears on physical immigration documents. Required for biometrics, passport applications, and background checks.
Do this
- Online account number: Created by you when you register on my.uscis.gov. Used only on the myUSCIS platform to link cases. Not a legal immigration document identifier.
Who needs to share their online account number?
If your employer or attorney filed a paper petition on your behalf and wants to link the case to your myUSCIS account so you can track it online, they will ask for your USCIS online account number. You provide this number directly to your attorney — do not post it publicly.
Privacy note
- Your USCIS online account number is not a secret in the same way your A-Number is, but it should still be shared only with your authorized attorney or representative. Do not share it with unauthorized third parties or "case status checking" services.
Frequently asked questions
I do not have a myUSCIS account. Do I need one?
You do not need a myUSCIS account to check basic case status (you can use egov.uscis.gov). However, if you want to track paper-filed cases, receive online notifications, or respond to RFEs electronically, a myUSCIS account is useful. Creating one is free at my.uscis.gov.
Can I change my online account number?
No. The USCIS online account number is assigned by the system when you create your account and cannot be changed or chosen.
My attorney asked for my "USCIS account number" — is that the same as online account number?
Yes. "USCIS account number," "USCIS online account number," and "online account number" all refer to the same identifier from your myUSCIS profile.
Learn how to add a paper-filed case to your account
Once you have your online account number, adding your paper petition to myUSCIS takes a few steps.
Not sure what a USCIS notice means?
Use the USCIS Notice Decoder — select your notice type and form for plain-English guidance.
Try the Notice Decoder →