what is INS "A" number?

Dear Experts,
What is menat by INS "A" number on DV2004 application form next to visa type? IS it a departure number on I-94?
Thanks

Dear Experts,
What is menat by INS "A" number on DV2004 application form next to visa type? IS it a departure number on I-94?
Thanks

I have heard that when Immigration detains you at the airport they give you an A#.

I just came to know "A" number is INS assigned number and you'll get that only after you apply for I-485. I could be wrong, but at least that is what I came to know so far.

its your alien registratopn number it should be handwritten on the back of your I94, It will look like this

xx-xxx-xxx or axx-xxx-xxx

not all immigrents receieve this. If you don't have one write none in the space provided.

Good luck

[Umesh Passi]

'A' Number is Alien number consisting of 9 digits. Whenever somebody applies for Immigration benefits and that person's file is opened with Immigration Department, the person is alloted a particular number which is called Alien Number. All future correspondences, change of status or petitions etc. are checked and verified from that Alien Number. This is a permanent file number. Even if a person becomes a USC still all his information can be pulled from his Alien number.
Good luck.

"A" number means *** number.

what is *** number then?? the same as "A"??

UMESH:

I filed petitions to INS but never received any "A" number!!!

Alien Number is Alien Case registration No. which was assign to alien when he files for Immigration benifits, It is not necessary that A# should be given to alien at the port of entry or written at the back of I-94.
Alien Number was given to the aliens who arrive at the port of entry and detained or put into deportation proceedings/claim Political asylum/enter or trying to enter without proper documentation/ regardless of release if detained/ expidite removed or self deported.

Thanks to you all for your input. However, it has been confirmed that it is not a number on I-94 and it does start with A ( an alien number to be more specific).
Thanks

It does start with an "A", dummy!

Main Entry: 1ass
Pronunciation: 'as
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English assa, probably from Old Irish asan, from Latin asinus
Date: before 12th century
1 : any of several hardy gregarious African or Asian perissodactyl mammals (genus Equus) smaller than the horse and having long ears; especially : an African mammal (E. asinus) that is the ancestor of the donkey
2 often vulgar : a stupid, obstinate, or perverse person -- often compounded with a preceding adjective <don't be a smart-***>

Main Entry: 2ass
Pronunciation: 'as
Variant(s): or arse /'as, 'ärs/
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ars, ers, from Old English ærs, ears; akin to Old High German & Old Norse ars buttocks, Greek orrhos buttocks, oura tail
Date: before 12th century
1 a often vulgar : BUTTOCKS -- often used in emphatic reference to a specific person <get your *** over here> <saved my ***> b often vulgar : ANUS
2 usually vulgar : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

A# means A-merican number.

Actually No. It does neither mean "***#' nor "American#".