nelsona
Registered Users (C)
Your A# number is absolutely NOT a 'visa number'. It is an 'account' number with USCIS, as a way of grouping all your cases by one number.
A 'visa number' is one that is provided to USCIS by the the Dept of State, as a way of controlling quota. When a case is to be approved, or a consular interview appointment to be given, DOS gives them a number (a control token if you will) which alllows them to move forward with the case. No token, no move forward.
Additionally, when no tokens are available, USCIS is not permitted to accept any new I-485s, as a means of controlling backlog.
So, while a 'number' is used at the time a Green card is issued, there is no visa number used up at the time an I-485 petition is accepted. An A# is written on the case merely to be able to tie together the I-485, any i-140/I-765/I-131 etc that may be needed, and then that A# will be used as your GC number, if you ever get it.
A 'visa number' is one that is provided to USCIS by the the Dept of State, as a way of controlling quota. When a case is to be approved, or a consular interview appointment to be given, DOS gives them a number (a control token if you will) which alllows them to move forward with the case. No token, no move forward.
Additionally, when no tokens are available, USCIS is not permitted to accept any new I-485s, as a means of controlling backlog.
So, while a 'number' is used at the time a Green card is issued, there is no visa number used up at the time an I-485 petition is accepted. An A# is written on the case merely to be able to tie together the I-485, any i-140/I-765/I-131 etc that may be needed, and then that A# will be used as your GC number, if you ever get it.