What this term means
In U.S. immigration practice, this term generally refers to an identification number used in many immigration records. Exact use can vary by agency, form, and case posture.
Why this term matters
- this term can affect eligibility, deadlines, status, travel, work authorization, court strategy, or consular processing.
- Ask where this term appears: a USCIS notice, EOIR filing, visa refusal sheet, form instruction, or lawyer memo.
- Do not assume this term means the same thing in family, employment, humanitarian, and court contexts.
Do not confuse it with
An A-Number is not a USCIS receipt number. The identifiers serve different purposes and may appear together on the same file.