What A number do you use for your I-485?

[nana.p]

I'm using the USCIS number on my previous EAD card that I got for OPT. Just wondering if that's the correct number because I have 2 EADs and the USCIS numbers on them are different while I think there should only be one A number for each person.
Thank you

[Cika. F]

I'm using the USCIS number on my previous EAD card that I got for OPT. Just wondering if that's the correct number because I have 2 EADs and the USCIS numbers on them are different while I think there should only be one A number for each person.
Thank you

Your A number is not the same as a USCIS number. From my experience, each time you apply for a benefit from USCIS they assign you a new A number. The A number I used on my I-485 was the one on my NOA that I recieved when I applied for my OPT. I haven't had any issues with using that on my application.

[ember]

I'm using the USCIS number on my previous EAD card that I got for OPT. Just wondering if that's the correct number because I have 2 EADs and the USCIS numbers on them are different while I think there should only be one A number for each person.
Thank you

No, that's not the correct number. That's what we put on the forms as well, and later found out it's wrong. It's a fairly small and very common mistake. You do not have an A number until you are given one for an immigration process. OPT is a non-immigration process. You can leave it blank, since you do not have an A number yet.

[nana.p]

No, that's not the correct number. That's what we put on the forms as well, and later found out it's wrong. It's a fairly small and very common mistake. You do not have an A number until you are given one for an immigration process. OPT is a non-immigration process. You can leave it blank, since you do not have an A number yet.

Were your documents sent back because of it?

[nana.p]

Your A number is not the same as a USCIS number. From my experience, each time you apply for a benefit from USCIS they assign you a new A number. The A number I used on my I-485 was the one on my NOA that I recieved when I applied for my OPT. I haven't had any issues with using that on my application.

I never got any NOA with my OPT, they just sent the card. Non of my documents (visa, I 94, EAD cards, etc) has A number on them, just USCIS number. Should I just leave it blank?

[ember]

Were your documents sent back because of it?

Nope! I only found out because my lawyer mentioned that a lot of people make that mistake. We filed without a lawyer (just had one for prep and interview) and they said that it only ever came up in the interview, and rarely at that, but even if it did, the officer would just cross it out, they've never had one sent back because of it. Doesn't mean they can't sent it back, but I guess they don't care that much.

Don't make the mistake if you can help it, is my advice but don't worry too much if you did.

- - - Updated - - -

I never got any NOA with my OPT, they just sent the card. Non of my documents (visa, I 94, EAD cards, etc) has A number on them, just USCIS number. Should I just leave it blank?

Yeah, leave it blank if you've never applied for immigration benefits

[nana.p]

Nope! I only found out because my lawyer mentioned that a lot of people make that mistake. We filed without a lawyer (just had one for prep and interview) and they said that it only ever came up in the interview, and rarely at that, but even if it did, the officer would just cross it out, they've never had one sent back because of it. Doesn't mean they can't sent it back, but I guess they don't care that much.

Don't make the mistake if you can help it, is my advice but don't worry too much if you did.

- - - Updated - - -



Yeah, leave it blank if you've never applied for immigration benefits

Thank you so much. It just looks super important since it's on every single page of the form