diffrence between application number and file number?

[kourts]

I'm ordering my GCMS notes and it asks for the visa file number but in the email i got it only gives me an application number... so whats the difference and how can i get my file number?

 

[ddobro2]

It's the same thing.

 

[kourts]

hmm but on the first page of the request form it says most file numbers have 7 digits and is preceded by a b v w or s. i have 9 digits and its preceded by a f.

 

[ddobro2]

Right, I saw that, but I can tell you that everyone going through Buffalo has a file number starting with B and/or F and followed by nine digits. F is for the electronic file, B for the physical one. I used my #Fxxxxxxxxx file number on my GCMS request without any problem, and the notes came back with that number on each page. What that sentence is about, I have no idea. It's possible that it's a relic from the previous iteration of the Privacy Act Request form which was around when visa offices were using another system, including another format for numbering files.

 

[Borntowin]

hmm but on the first page of the request form it says most file numbers have 7 digits and is preceded by a b v w or s. i have 9 digits and its preceded by a f.

Yeah ! CAIPS/GCMS notes have seven digits, preceded by a B, V, W or S but now a days 9 to 10 digits !

If your confused or If you do not know the number of the file than you can mention the same with request and it will be processed accordingly !

 

[kourts]

alright, thanks for the help.

 

[suva]

F is for application no. and B is the actual file no. your VO will provide u the File no.