An online account number (OAN) is a unique 12-digit code assigned to individuals who create a digital account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS uses this number to track and manage your immigration applications and petitions within its electronic system.
You can usually find your OAN after signing in to your myUSCIS profile or on certain official notices sent by mail.
Only individuals who create a USCIS online account are assigned this number. If you filed entirely by mail or your filings are not yet in the digital system, you may not receive an OAN immediately.
Key points about the USCIS online account number:
- It is a unique 12-digit number that identifies your personal USCIS account.
- You receive it when you create an online USCIS account.
- Although optional, USCIS suggests including this number on newer paper forms if you have an online account.
What is the USCIS online account number?
The online account number is a code that USCIS uses to link individuals to their myUSCIS digital profile. It is a unique 12-digit code assigned to each applicant.
Unlike other immigration numbers, this identifier is not tied to a single application. It belongs to your online user account. USCIS uses this number to link all your online activity and filings submitted through that account.
Do not confuse it with other identification numbers, such as:
- An A-Number (Alien Registration Number): This is your immigration ID if you apply for a visa or immigration benefit in the United States.
- Receipt Number (for example, IOE, MSC, or EAC): This number is specific to each application or petition and is used to track the status of a filing.
- Social Security Number: This is a different federal identifier, not issued by USCIS, for case tracking.
- Online Access Code: This is a separate code that USCIS may send to link paper-filed cases to your online account.
Not everyone receives this code automatically. Especially if you filed your case entirely by mail or if your attorney controls the account linked to your case. Likewise, you may not have one yet if USCIS has not added your filing to its digital system.
Where to find your USCIS online account number
There are two main ways to find your USCIS online account number: on an official USCIS notice issued when your account was created, or inside your USCIS online account, within stored documents.
USCIS Official Notice when you create your account
When you open an online account, USCIS usually sends a confirmation letter. This document, called the USCIS Online Account Access Notice, may arrive by mail or email.
On that notice, USCIS confirms your account number. Typically, you will find it near the top of the page. It is clearly labeled “USCIS Online Account Number,” so it is easy to spot.
In your myUSCIS profile
- First, sign in to your USCIS account.
- Next, go to the main menu and select “Profile.”
- Then, review any confirmation notices or correspondence you received from USCIS.
- Your USCIS online account number should appear on one of those documents.
Another option that may work is to check cases with an IOE receipt number.
- Go to Profile.
- Select a case with an IOE receipt number.
- Finally, view the case details. Your OAN appears there.
To avoid searching for this number every time, it’s smart to write it down in an easily accessible place, especially if you plan to file paper forms.
Keep it in your planner, a folder, or with your other important documents so you can easily find it when needed.
What is the USCIS online account number used for?
The USCIS online account number identifies a person within the agency’s digital system. Its main purpose is to enable USCIS to manage the immigration applications that you file, both now and in the future.
In other words, this number connects all your forms and filings to a single digital profile, rather than keeping them as separate paper cases. This makes it easier to maintain records and check the status of your applications in one place.
This is why some newer USCIS forms ask for the OAN. If you have one, you should include it, even when filing by mail.
This helps USCIS link new applications to your existing digital profile and process your case more efficiently.
Is the OAN required to file a form?
No, it is not required at this time. However, if you have one, you should include it on your forms.
When you create a USCIS online account, they will assign you an OAN, which will be tied to your filings. If you submit your case online, the number will already be in the system.
Of course, if you have never created a myUSCIS online account, then you will not have this number.
So, what should you enter if a form asks for a USCIS online account number?
In that case, leave the field blank. USCIS will not penalize you or delay your case for failing to list an OAN.
Do not enter another number, such as your receipt number or A-number. Do not guess or type random digits. Doing so could cause problems in the processing of your case.
If you do not have an OAN, simply leave the field blank.
Is it necessary to have a USCIS online account?
Having a USCIS online account is helpful. Through it, you can file many immigration applications electronically. You can avoid mailing costs and submit your forms and supporting documents with a single click.
But even if you prefer to send paper forms by mail, an online account can still work in your favor. From your account, you can:
- Track and manage pending immigration applications or petitions
- Communicate with USCIS
- Access USCIS services, such as the virtual assistant
- Check your case status.
- Pay fees
- Respond to requests for evidence (RFEs).
- Organize multiple cases.
- Review your case history.
- Schedule or reschedule biometrics or InfoPass appointments.
- Request immigration records or your A-file.
- Update personal information, such as an address change.
How to create a myUSCIS online account
- Go to my.uscis.gov.
- In the top right corner, select Sign In, then choose Create an Account.
- Enter your name, email address, and other required personal details.
- Create a strong password that meets USCIS security requirements.
- Review and accept the terms and conditions.
- Select whether you would like to receive one-time login codes via email or text message.
- If you enable two-step verification, USCIS will send a second code for security. Save it in a safe place.
- Set up security questions and answers in case you need to recover your account.
Once you have finished this process, you will have access to your USCIS online account.
FAQs:
How can I find my USCIS online account number?
You can find your USCIS online account number on the USCIS Online Account Access Notice mailed or emailed to you or in your myUSCIS account after signing in.
Is the USCIS online account number the same as a receipt number?
No, a receipt number tracks one specific case. The USCIS online account number links your online profile within the electronic system.
What if I lose my OAN and cannot recover it?
If you lose your OAN and cannot access your profile, you can try to recover your account by following these steps:
- Go to the USCIS website and click the “Sign In” button at the top of the page.
- On the login page, select the “Forgot your username?” link.
- Enter the email address linked to your account and click Submit.
- USCIS will send an email with instructions for recovering your username.
- Follow the directions in the email to regain access to your account.