diff --git a/src/routes/settings.import.tsx b/src/routes/settings.import.tsx
index 62cf14a..04627f4 100644
--- a/src/routes/settings.import.tsx
+++ b/src/routes/settings.import.tsx
@@ -425,8 +425,9 @@ const IMPORTERS: ImporterConfig[] = [
       r.user_id = uid || ctx.userId;
       delete r._username;
 
-      // Invoice number is informational — we don't link it (would require invoice lookup).
-      delete r._invoice;
+      // Invoice number — keep as hint; async pre-insert step will look up or
+      // create an invoice with that number and link this row to it.
+      // (do NOT delete _invoice here)
 
       if (r.hours == null || r.hours <= 0) return null;
       if (!r.description) return null;