Home » Visas » USA » Green Card » Green Card Category Codes:Meaning, Full list of LPR Codes
As you are going through the process of getting a Green Card or Lawful Permanent Residency, you often encounter Green Card Codes like E11, F41, IR1, etc. that are used in visa wait times. Also, you would even see this code on the Green Card that is issued to you after the process is complete. In this article, we will review what is the Green Card or Lawful Permanent Resident(LPR) Category code and review the complete list of the same with details around them.
Article Contents hide
1. What is Green Card Category Code? LPR Category Code?
2. Green Card Category Codes List grouped by paths to green Card
3. Immediate relatives of US Citizens – Green Card Category Codes
4. Family Based Green Card Category Codes List
5. Employment Based Green Card Category Codes List
6. Refugees and Asylees Green Card Category Codes List
7. Diversity Visa Green Card Category Codes
8. Green Card Category Codes for Others based on Special Legislation
9. Common FAQs
What is Green Card Category Code? LPR Category Code?
The Green Card Category code describes the category under which a person would be issued Green Card or Lawful Permanent Resident(LPR) card. It starts with an Alphabet followed by a number like C26, E11, F21, etc. After you go through the process and get the physical green card, the LPR category code also appears on it under the label ‘Category’.
See the below screenshot to understand where the Green Card code appears and how it looks. In the below screenshot, the letters ‘IR1’ under the ‘Category’, represent the green card category code
Also, the category code indicates, if the green card was given as a normal permanent resident or a conditional permanent resident. Normal green cards are issued with a validity period of 10 years. But, conditional green cards are given with a 2 years validity. The conditional green cardholders should remove conditions before the expiration of the card.
Some of the Green Card Category codes look pretty similar or the same as the USCIS EAD Category Codes, but they are completely different things. The EAD category codes are related Employment Authorization Document(EAD) Category code. For example, the C26 code under the EAD Category code means EAD given for H4 visa holders. Unlike, the code ‘C26’ in the Green Card category codes is given to spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents, who are subject to country limits and get green cards using the adjustment of status option.
Green Card Category Codes List grouped by paths to green Card
You can get Green Card by various paths like family sponsorship, employment, asylum, etc. There are over 100 green card categories. We have outlined below various green card category codes by your path to getting a green card. Each of the paths also has sub-sections for easy review.
Below is a summary of the legend and additional information on what some terms mean.
- If something says “new arrival”, it means they entered America on an Immigrant Visa from outside of the US
- If something says “adjustment of status”, it means that they were already in America and converted/adjusted their previous status to get a green card.
- If something says “conditional green card”, they were not issued a regular 10-year green card, but rather a 2-year conditional green card.
- If something says “self-petitioned”, it means that the application or petition for the green card category for filed by themselves without anyone else doing it on their behalf.
The majority of the green cards that are issued in any year are under the immediate relatives of US Citizens’ path for their spouses, children, and parents. Below listed green card categories are for immediate relatives of US Citizens such as Children, Spouses, or Parents.
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| AR1 | Children of US Citizen – Amerasian, issued for new arrivals |
| AR6 | Children of US Citizen – Amerasian, issued for adjustment of status |
| CF1 | Spouse of US Citizen, who entered America as a fiance(e) – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| CF2 | Children of CF1 category – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| CR1 | Spouse of US Citizen – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| CR2 | Children of US Citizen – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| CR6 | Spouse of US Citizen – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| CR7 | Children of US Citizen – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| IB0 | Parents of US Citizens, who were battered or abused – issued for adjustment of status and self-petitioned |
| IB1 | Spouse of US Citizen – issued for new arrivals, self-petitioned |
| IB2 | Children of US Citizen – issued for new arrivals, self-petitioned |
| IB3 | Children of US Citizen – of IB1 or IB6issued for new arrivals |
| IB5 | Parents of US Citizens, who were battered or abused – issued for new arrivals, self-petitioned |
| IB6 | Spouse of US Citizen – issued for adjustment of status, self-petitioned |
| IB7 | Children of US Citizen – issued for adjustment of status, self-petitioned |
| IB8 | Children of IB1 or IB6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| IF1 | Spouse of US Citizen, who entered America as fiance(e) – issued for adjustment of status |
| IF2 | Children of IF1 – issued for adjustment of status |
| IH3 | Children of US Citizen adopted abroad under the Hague Convention – issued for new arrivals |
| IH4 | Children of US Citizen to be adopted under the Hague Convention – issued for new arrivals |
| IH8 | Children of US Citizen adopted abroad under the Hague Convention – issued for adjustment of status |
| IH9 | Children of US Citizen to be adopted under the Hague Convention – issued for adjustment of status |
| IR0 | Parents of adult US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| IR1 | Spouse of US Citizen – issued for new arrivals |
| IR2 | Children of US Citizen – issued for new arrivals |
| IR3 | Orphans adopted abroad by US Citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| IR4 | Orphans to be adopted by US Citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| IR5 | Parents of adult US Citizen – issued for new arrivals |
| IR6 | Spouse of US Citizen – issued for adjustment of status |
| IR7 | Children of US Citizen – issued for adjustment of status |
| IR8 | Orphans adopted abroad by US Citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| IR9 | Orphans to be adopted by US Citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| IW1 | Spouse of US Citizen, who are widows or widowers – issued for new arrivals |
| IW2 | Children of IW1 or IW6 – issued for new arrivals |
| IW6 | Spouse of US Citizen, who are widows or widowers, issued for adjustment of status |
| IW7 | Children of IW1 or IW6 – issued for adjustment of status |
Family Based Green Card Category Codes List
Family Based green cards are issued based on family relationships with US Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents. There are many sub-categories under the family-based green cards path. There are defined as First Preference(F1), Second Preference(F2A, F2B), Third Preference(F3), and Fourth Preference(F4). We have divided the family-based green card category codes based on these into sections for easy review.
Family Based – First Preference Category
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| A11 | Unmarried Amerasian sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| A12 | Children of A11 or A16 – issued for new arrivals |
| A16 | Unmarried Amerasian sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| A17 | Children of A11 or A16 – issued for adjustment of status |
| B11 | Unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals, self-petitioned |
| B12 | Children of B11 or B16 – issued for new arrivals |
| B16 | Unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status, self-petitioned |
| B17 | Children of B11 or B16 – issued for adjustment of status |
| F11 | Unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| F12 | Children of F11 or F16 – issued for new arrivals |
| F16 | Unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| F17 | Children of F11 or F16 – issued for adjustment of status |
Family Based – Second Preference Category
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| B20 | Children of B24 or B29, who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| B21 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals , self-petitioned |
| B22 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals , self-petitioned |
| B23 | Children of B21, B22, B26, or B27, who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| B24 | Unmarried sons/daughters of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals , self-petitioned |
| B25 | Children of B24 or B29, who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| B26 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status , self-petitioned |
| B27 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status , self-petitioned |
| B28 | Children of B21, B22, B26, or B27, who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| B29 | Unmarried sons/daughters of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status , self-petitioned |
| BX1 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for new arrivals , self-petitioned |
| BX2 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for new arrivals , self-petitioned |
| BX3 | Children of BX1, BX2, BX6, or BX7, who are exempt from country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| BX6 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for adjustment of status , self-petitioned |
| BX7 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for adjustment of status , self-petitioned |
| BX8 | Children of BX1, BX2, BX6, or BX7, who are exempt from country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| C20 | Children of C24 or C29, who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status , conditional green card |
| C21 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals , conditional green card |
| C22 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals , conditional green card |
| C23 | Children of C21, C22, C26, or C27, who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals , conditional green card |
| C24 | Unmarried children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals , conditional green card |
| C25 | Children of C24 or C29, who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals , conditional green card |
| C26 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status , conditional green card |
| C27 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status , conditional green card |
| C28 | Children of C21, C22, C26, or C27, who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status , conditional green card |
| C29 | Unmarried children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status , conditional green card |
| CX1 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for new arrivals , conditional green card |
| CX2 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for new arrivals , conditional green card |
| CX3 | Children of CX2 or CX7, who are exempt from country limits – issued for new arrivals , conditional green card |
| CX6 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for adjustment of status , conditional green card |
| CX7 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for adjustment of status , conditional green card |
| CX8 | Children of CX2 or CX7, who are exempt from country limits – issued for adjustment of status , conditional green card |
| F20 | Children of F24 or F29, who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| F21 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| F22 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| F23 | Children of F21, F22, F26, or F27, who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| F24 | Unmarried sons/daughters of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| F25 | Children of F24 or F29, who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| F26 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| F27 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| F28 | Children of F21, F22, F26, or F27, who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| F29 | Unmarried sons/daughters of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| FX1 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| FX2 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| FX3 | Children of FX1, FX2, FX7, or FX8, who are exempt from country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| FX6 | Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| FX7 | Children of Lawful Permanent Residents(Green Card holders), who are exempt from country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| FX8 | Children of FX1, FX2, FX7, or FX8, who are exempt from country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
Family Based – Third Preference Category
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| A31 | Married Amerasian sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| A32 | Spouses of A31 or A36 – issued for new arrivals |
| A33 | Children of A31 or A36, who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| A36 | Married Amerasian sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| A37 | Spouses of A31 or A36 – issued for adjustment of status |
| A38 | Children of A31 or A36, who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| B31 | Married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals, self-petitioned |
| B32 | Spouses of B31 or B36 – issued for new arrivals |
| B33 | Children of B31 or B36, who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals |
| B36 | Married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status, self-petitioned |
| B37 | Spouses of B31 or B36 – issued for adjustment of status |
| B38 | Children of B31 or B36, who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status |
| C31 | Married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| C32 | Spouses of C31 or C36 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| C33 | Children of C31 or C36, who are subject to country limits – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| C36 | Married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| C37 | Spouses of married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| C38 | Children of C31 or C36, who are subject to country limits – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| F31 | Married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| F32 | Spouses of married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| F33 | Children of married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| F36 | Married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| F37 | Spouses of married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| F38 | Children of married sons/daughters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
Family Based – Fourth Preference Category
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| F41 | Brothers/sisters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| F42 | Spouses of brothers/sisters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| F43 | Children of brothers/sisters of US citizens – issued for new arrivals |
| F46 | Brothers/sisters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| F47 | Spouses of brothers/sisters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
| F48 | Children of brothers/sisters of US citizens – issued for adjustment of status |
Employment Based Green Card Category Codes List
Employment Based Green Cards are issued based on the skills of an individual for the shortage of skills in the US. Also, it includes green cards issued based on investments that create jobs. There are many subcategories under employment-based green cards: First Preference(EB-1), Second Preference(EB-2), Third Preference (EB-4), Fourth Preference(EB-4) and Fifth Preference(EB-5). We have divided them into sections. We have divided the employment-based green card category codes based on these into sections for easy review.
Employment Based – First Preference Category
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| E10 | Children of E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18 – issued for adjustment of status |
| E11 | Aliens with extraordinary ability – issued for new arrivals |
| E12 | Outstanding professors or researchers – issued for new arrivals |
| E13 | Multinational executives or managers – issued for new arrivals |
| E14 | Spouses of E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18 – issued for new arrivals |
| E15 | Children of E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18 – issued for new arrivals |
| E16 | Aliens with extraordinary ability – issued for adjustment of status |
| E17 | Outstanding professors or researchers – issued for adjustment of status |
| E18 | Multinational executives or managers – issued for adjustment of status |
| E19 | Spouses of E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18 – issued for adjustment of status |
Employment Based – Second Preference Category
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| E21 | Professionals holding advanced degrees – issued for new arrivals |
| E22 | Spouses of E21 or E26 – issued for new arrivals |
| E23 | Children of E21 or E26 – issued for new arrivals |
| E26 | Professionals holding advanced degrees – issued for adjustment of status |
| E27 | Spouses of E21 or E26 – issued for adjustment of status |
| E28 | Children of E21 or E26 – issued for adjustment of status |
| ES1 | Soviet scientists – issued for new arrivals |
| ES6 | Soviet scientists – issued for adjustment of status |
Employment Based – Third Preference Category
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| E30 | Children of E31, E32, E36, or E37 – issued for adjustment of status |
| E31 | Skilled workers – issued for new arrivals |
| E32 | Professionals with baccalaureate degrees – issued for new arrivals |
| E34 | Spouses of E31, E32, E36, or E37 – issued for new arrivals |
| E35 | Children of E31, E32, E36, or E37 – issued for new arrivals |
| E36 | Skilled workers – issued for adjustment of status |
| E37 | Professionals with baccalaureate degrees – issued for adjustment of status |
| E39 | Spouses of E31, E32, E36, or E37 – issued for adjustment of status |
| EC6 | Chinese Student Protection Act (CSPA) principals – issued for adjustment of status |
| EC7 | Spouses of EC6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| EC8 | Children of EC6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| EW0 | Children of EW3 or EW8 – issued for adjustment of status |
| EW3 | Needed unskilled workers – issued for new arrivals |
| EW4 | Spouses of EW3 or EW8 – issued for new arrivals |
| EW5 | Children of EW3 or EW8 – issued for new arrivals |
| EW8 | Needed unskilled workers – issued for adjustment of status |
| EW9 | Spouses of EW3 or EW8 – issued for adjustment of status |
| EX1 | Schedule – A worker – issued for new arrivals |
| EX2 | Spouses of EX1 or EX6 – issued for new arrivals |
| EX3 | Children of EX1 or EX6 – issued for new arrivals |
| EX6 | Schedule – A worker – issued for adjustment of status |
| EX7 | Spouses of EX1 or EX6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| EX8 | Children of EX1 or EX6 – issued for adjustment of status |
Employment Based – Fourth Preference Category
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| BC1 | Broadcast (IBCB of BBG) employees – issued for new arrivals |
| BC2 | Spouses of BC1 or BC6 – issued for new arrivals |
| BC3 | Children of BC1 or BC6 – issued for new arrivals |
| BC6 | Broadcast (IBCG of BBG) employees – issued for adjustment of status |
| BC7 | Spouses of BC1 or BC6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| BC8 | Children of BC1 or BC6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SD1 | Ministers – issued for new arrivals |
| SD2 | Spouses of SD1 or SD6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SD3 | Children of SD1 or SD6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SD6 | Ministers – issued for adjustment of status |
| SD7 | Spouses of SD1 or SD6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SD8 | Children of SD1 or SD6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SE1 | Employees of US government abroad – issued for new arrivals |
| SE2 | Spouses of SE1 or SE6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SE3 | Children of SE1 or SE6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SE6 | Employees of US government abroad – issued for adjustment of status |
| SE7 | Spouses of SE1 or SE6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SE8 | Children of SE1 or SE6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SF1 | Former employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government – issued for new arrivals |
| SF2 | Spouses or children of SF1 or SF6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SF6 | Former employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government – issued for adjustment of status |
| SF7 | Spouses or children of SF1 or SF6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SG1 | Former US government employees in the Panama Canal Zone – issued for new arrivals |
| SG2 | Spouses or children of SG1 or SG6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SG6 | Former US government employees in the Panama Canal Zone – issued for adjustment of status |
| SG7 | Spouses or children of SG1 or SG6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SH1 | Former employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government, employed on April 1, 1979 – issued for new arrivals |
| SH2 | Spouses or children of SH1 or SH6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SH6 | Former employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government, employed on April 1, 1979 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SH7 | Spouses or children of SH1 or SH6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SJ2 | Spouses or children of SJ6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SJ6 | Foreign medical school graduate who was licensed to practice in the United States on Jan. 9, 1978 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SJ7 | Spouses or children of SJ6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SK1 | Retired employees of international organizations – issued for new arrivals |
| SK2 | Spouses of SK1 or SK6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SK3 | Certain unmarried children of SK1 or SK6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SK4 | Certain surviving spouses of deceased international organization employees – issued for new arrivals |
| SK6 | Retired employees of international organizations – issued for adjustment of status |
| SK7 | Spouses of SK1 or SK6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SK8 | Certain unmarried children of SK1 or SK6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SK9 | Certain surviving spouses of deceased international organization employees – issued for adjustment of status |
| SL1 | Juvenile court dependents – issued for new arrivals |
| SL6 | Juvenile court dependents – issued for adjustment of status |
| SN1 | Retired NATO-6 civilian employees – issued for new arrivals |
| SN2 | Spouses of SN1 of SN6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SN3 | Certain unmarried sons/daughters of SN1 or SN6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SN4 | Certain surviving spouses of deceased NATO-6 civilian employees – issued for new arrivals |
| SN6 | Retired NATO-6 civilian employees – issued for adjustment of status |
| SN7 | Spouses of SN1 of SN6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SN8 | Certain unmarried sons/daughters of SN1 or SN6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SN9 | Certain surviving spouses of deceased NATO-6 civilian employees – issued for adjustment of status |
| SR1 | Religious workers – issued for new arrivals |
| SR2 | Spouses of SR1 or SR6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SR3 | Children of SR1 or SR6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SR6 | Religious workers – issued for adjustment of status |
| SR7 | Spouses of SR1 or SR6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SR8 | Children of SR1 or SR6 – issued for adjustment of status |
Employment Based – Fifth Preference Category
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| C51 | Employment creation, not in a targeted area – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| C52 | Spouses of C51 or C56 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| C53 | Children of C51 or C56 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| C56 | Employment creation, not in a targeted area – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| C57 | Spouses of C51 or C56 – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| C58 | Children of C51 or C56 – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| E51 | Employment creation – issued for new arrivals |
| E52 | Spouses of E51 or E56 – issued for new arrivals |
| E53 | Children of E51 or E56 – issued for new arrivals |
| E56 | Employment creation – issued for adjustment of status |
| E57 | Spouses of E51 or E56 – issued for adjustment of status |
| E58 | Children of E51 or E56 – issued for adjustment of status |
| I51 | Employment creation, targeted area, pilot program – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| I52 | Spouses of I51 or I56 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| I53 | Children of I51 or I56 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| I56 | Employment creation, targeted area, pilot program – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| I57 | Spouses of I51 or I56 – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| I58 | Children of I51 or I56 – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| R51 | Investor pilot program, not targeted – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| R52 | Spouses of R51 or R56 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| R53 | Children of R51 or R56 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| R56 | Investor pilot program, not targeted – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| R57 | Spouses of R51 or R56 – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| R58 | Children of R51 or R56 – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| T51 | Employment creation, targeted area – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| T52 | Spouses of T51 or T56 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| T53 | Children of T51 or T56 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| T56 | Employment creation, targeted area – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| T57 | Spouses of T51 or T56 – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| T58 | Children of T51 or T56 – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
Refugees and Asylees Green Card Category Codes List
US immigration system has provisions to provide green cards for anyone who are persecuted or have fear of the same. These are under two programs one for refugees and their relatives who are currently outside of the US. The other program is for asylum, where the person is already in the US with their immediate relatives. Below are those categories & their codes.
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| CU6 | Cuban refugees (P.L. 89-732 of 1966) |
| CU7 | Non-Cuban spouses or children of Cuban refugees |
| IC6 | Indochinese refugees (P.L. 95-145 of 1977) |
| IC7 | Spouses or children of Indochinese refugees not qualified as refugees on their own |
| M83 | Refugee escapees previously admitted for lawful permanent resident status, adjustments |
| R86 | Refugee parolees (P.L. 95-412 of 1978) |
| RE6 | Other refugees (P.L. 96-212 Refugee Act of 1980) |
| RE7 | Spouses of RE6 |
| RE8 | Children of RE6 |
| RE9 | Other relatives |
| Y64 | Refugees in the United States prior to July 1, 1953, adjustments |
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| AS6 | Asylees |
| AS7 | Spouses of AS6 |
| AS8 | Children of AS6 |
| GA6 | Iraqi asylees |
| GA7 | Spouses of GA6 |
| GA8 | Children of GA6 |
| SY6 | Syrian asylees |
| SY7 | Spouses of SY6 |
| SY8 | Children of SY6 |
Diversity Visa Green Card Category Codes
The US immigration system has provisions in the INA that let people from countries with low levels of immigration seek green cards under the Diversity Immigrant visa program. There is a Diversity Visa Lottery that happens every year to select the applicants from the pool of such applicants. Below are the green card category codes for the same.
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| DV1 | Principals, new arrivals |
| DV2 | Spouses of DV1 or DV6, new arrivals |
| DV3 | Children of DV1 or DV6, new arrivals |
| DV6 | Principals, adjustments |
| DV7 | Spouses of DV1 or DV6, adjustments |
| DV8 | Children of DV1 or DV6, adjustments |
Green Card Category Codes for Others based on Special Legislation
US Congress also passes certain special legislations that allocate green cards for certain categories of individuals, these are all listed below.
Parolees
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| ID6 | Parolees, Indochinese |
| LA6 | Parolees, Soviet/Indochinese |
| M93 | Parolees, Hungarian previously admitted for lawful permanent resident status |
| NA3 | Children born abroad to alien residents |
| PH6 | Parolees, Polish/Hungarian |
Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| NC6 | Principals |
| NC7 | Spouses of NC6 |
| NC8 | Children of NC6 |
| NC9 | Unmarried sons/daughters of NC6 |
Cancellation of Removal
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| Z11 | Preference or non-preference immigrants (other than crewmen) |
| Z13 | Sec. 244, P.L. 89-236, subject to 4,000 annual limit |
| Z14 | Battered spouses or children (Violence Against Women Act), P.L. 103-322 of 1994, subject to 4,000 annual limit |
| Z15 | Salvadoran, Guatemalan and former Soviet bloc country nationals (NACARA Section 203, P.L. 105-100 of 1997) |
| Z56 | Crewmen who entered on or before June 30, 1964 and are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or special immigrants |
| Z57 | Crewmen who entered on or before June 30, 1964 and are preference or non-preference immigrants |
Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act(HRIFA)
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| HA6 | Haitian asylum applicants |
| HA7 | Spouses of HA6 |
| HA8 | Children of HA6 |
| HA9 | Unmarried sons/daughters of HA6 |
| HB6 | Haitian parolees |
| HB7 | Spouses of HB6 |
| HB8 | Children of HB6 |
| HB9 | Unmarried sons/daughters of HB6 |
| HC6 | Haitian children without parents |
| HC7 | Spouses of HC6 |
| HC8 | Children of HC6 |
| HC9 | Unmarried sons/daughters of HC6 |
| HD6 | Haitian children orphaned in the United States |
| HD7 | Spouses of HD6 |
| HD8 | Children of HD6 |
| HD9 | Unmarried sons/daughters of HD6 |
| HE6 | Haitian children abandoned by parents |
| HE7 | Spouses of HE6 |
| HE8 | Children of HE6 |
| HE9 | Unmarried sons/daughters of HE6 |
IRCA Legalization
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| CB1 | Spouses of legalized aliens – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| CB2 | Children of CB1 or CB6 – issued for new arrivals, conditional green card |
| CB6 | Spouses of legalized aliens – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| CB7 | Children of CB1 or CB6 – issued for adjustment of status, conditional green card |
| LB1 | Spouses of legalized aliens – issued for new arrivals |
| LB2 | Children of LB1 or LB6 – issued for new arrivals |
| LB6 | Spouses of legalized aliens – issued for adjustment of status |
| LB7 | Children of LB1 or LB6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| S16 | Seasonal Agricultural Workers (SAW), worked at least 90 days during each year ending May 1, 1984, 1985, and 1986 |
| S26 | Seasonal Agricultural Workers (SAW), worked at least 90 days during the year ending on May 1, 1986 |
| W16 | Entered without inspection before 1/1/82 |
| W26 | Entered as nonimmigrant and overstayed visa before 1/1/82 |
| W36 | Blanket enforced voluntary departure (EVD) group |
Other Classes
| Category Code | Description of Green Card Category Code |
| AA1 | Natives of certain adversely affected foreign states – issued for new arrivals |
| AA2 | Spouses of AA1 or AA6 – issued for new arrivals |
| AA3 | Children of AA1 or AA6 – issued for new arrivals |
| AA6 | Natives of certain adversely affected foreign states – issued for adjustment of status |
| AA7 | Spouses of AA1 or AA6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| AA8 | Children of AA1 or AA6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| AM1 | Amerasians, born in Vietnam between 1/1/62-1/1/76 – issued for new arrivals |
| AM2 | Spouses or children of AM1 or AM6 – issued for new arrivals |
| AM3 | Mothers, guardians, or next of kin of AM1 or AM6 – issued for new arrivals |
| AM6 | Amerasians, born in Vietnam between 1/1/62-1/1/76 – issued for adjustment of status |
| AM7 | Spouses or children of AM1 or AM6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| AM8 | Mothers, guardians, or next of kin of AM1 or AM6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| CH6 | Cuban Haitian entrants – issued for adjustment of status (P.L. 99-603) |
| DS1 | Individuals born under diplomatic status – issued for adjustment of status, |
| DT1 | Natives of Tibet who continuously resided in Nepal or India (Displaced Tibetan) – issued for new arrivals |
| DT2 | Spouses of DT1 or DT6 – issued for new arrivals |
| DT3 | Children of DT1 or DT6 – issued for new arrivals |
| DT6 | Natives of Tibet who continuously resided in Nepal or India (Displaced Tibetan) – issued for adjustment of status |
| DT7 | Spouses of DT1 or DT6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| DT8 | Children of DT1 or DT6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| HH6 | Parolees adjusting under the Help HAITI Act of 2010 – issued for adjustment of status |
| HK1 | Hong Kong business employees – issued for new arrivals |
| HK2 | Spouses of HK1 or HK6 – issued for new arrivals |
| HK3 | Children of HK1 or HK6 – issued for new arrivals |
| HK6 | Hong Kong business employees – issued for adjustment of status |
| HK7 | Spouses of HK1 or HK6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| HK8 | Children of HK1 or HK6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| MR0 | Parents of US citizens presumed to be lawful permanent resident aliens – Northern Mariana Islands – issued for adjustment of status |
| MR6 | Spouses of US citizens presumed to be lawful permanent resident aliens – Northern Mariana Islands – issued for adjustment of status |
| MR7 | Children of US citizens presumed to be lawful permanent resident aliens – Northern Mariana Islands – issued for adjustment of status |
| NP8 | Alien who filed and was qualified with investor status prior to June 1, 1978 |
| NP9 | Spouses or children of NP8 – issued for adjustment of status |
| RN6 | Certain former H1 nonimmigrant registered nurses – issued for adjustment of status |
| RN7 | Spouses or children of RN6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| S13 | American Indians born in Canada – issued for new arrivals |
| SC1 | Lost citizenship through marriage – issued for new arrivals |
| SC2 | Lost citizenship through serving in foreign armed forces – issued for new arrivals |
| SC6 | Lost citizenship through marriage – issued for adjustment of status |
| SC7 | Lost citizenship through serving in foreign armed forces – issued for adjustment of status |
| SI1 | Special immigrant interpreters who are nationals of Iraq or Afghanistan – issued for new arrivals |
| SI2 | Spouses of SI1 or SI6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SI3 | Children of SI1 or SI6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SI6 | Special immigrant interpreters who are nationals of Iraq or Afghanistan – issued for adjustment of status |
| SI7 | Spouses of SI1 or SI6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SI8 | Children of SI1 or SI6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SM0 | Spouses or children of SM4 or SM9 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SM1 | US Armed Forces personnel, service (12 years) after 10/1/91 – issued for new arrivals |
| SM2 | Spouses of SM1 or SM6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SM3 | Children of SM1 or SM6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SM4 | US Armed Forces personnel, service (12 years) by 10/91 – issued for new arrivals |
| SM5 | Spouses or children of SM4 or SM9 – issued for new arrivals |
| SM6 | US Armed Forces personnel, service (12 years) after 10/1/91 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SM7 | Spouses of SM1 or SM6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SM8 | Children of SM1 or SM6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SM9 | US Armed Forces personnel, service (12 years) by 10/91 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SQ1 | Certain Iraqis and Afghans employed by US Government – issued for new arrivals |
| SQ2 | Spouses of SQ1 or SQ6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SQ3 | Children of SQ1 or SQ6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SQ6 | Certain Iraqis and Afghans employed by US Government – issued for adjustment of status |
| SQ7 | Spouses of SQ1 or SQ6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| SQ8 | Children of SQ1 or SQ6 – issued for adjustment of status |
| ST0 | Adjustment of T4 nonimmigrant |
| ST6 | Adjustment of T1 nonimmigrant |
| ST7 | Adjustment of T2 nonimmigrant |
| ST8 | Adjustment of T3 nonimmigrant |
| ST9 | Adjustment of T5 nonimmigrant |
| SU0 | Adjustment of U4 nonimmigrant |
| SU2 | Spouses of SU6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SU3 | Children of SU6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SU5 | Parents of SU6 – issued for new arrivals |
| SU6 | Adjustment of U1 nonimmigrant |
| SU7 | Adjustment of U2 nonimmigrant |
| SU8 | Adjustment of U3 nonimmigrant |
| SU9 | Adjustment of U5 nonimmigrant |
| W46 | Late amnesty applicants (Immigration Reform and Control Act) |
| XA3 | Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s non-quota visa – issued for new arrivals |
| XB3 | Presumed lawfully admitted for permanent residence |
| XE3 | Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s employment-based preference visa – issued for new arrivals |
| XF3 | Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s family-sponsored preference visa – issued for new arrivals |
| XN3 | Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s visa other – issued for new arrivals |
| XR3 | Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s immediate relative of US citizen visa – issued for new arrivals |
| Z03 | Entered 7/1/24-6/28/40, Section 249, P.L. 89-236 – issued for adjustment of status |
| Z33 | Entered before 7/1/24, Section 249, P.L. 89-236 – issued for adjustment of status |
| Z43 | Private bill – issued for adjustment of status |
| Z66 | Entered 6/29/40-1/1/72, Section 249, P.L. 89-236 – issued for adjustment of status |
| Z83 | A foreign government official who is an immediate relative of US citizen or special immigrant |
Common FAQs
What does the Category mean on a Green Card?
The Category on the Green Card or Lawful Permanent Resident(LPR) Card is nothing but the category code under which your green card was issued. For example, if you got your green under the employment-based category of EB1, under the subcategory of outstanding professor or researcher, you would see the Category on the Green Card as E12. The above article has the complete list of the same.
Does the Green Card Category matter?
It depends on the context of the question. The Green Card category is especially important for wait times and how soon you can get a green card. The reason is, many of the Green Card categories have numerical limits and there can be wait times ranging from a few months to many years. So, it does matter for how soon you would get your green card. Also, it would be used for adjudication by the officer to ensure you fit in the relevant category and meet all the requirements.
Same Green Card Category Code appears in EAD Category Code – Are they the same?
No, they are not the same. Even though the code looks the same, the meaning of these codes is different. Though they look the same, they are not related to the same category or anything as such. E.g. C26 category appears in both, but they mean completely different.
Is Green Card Category Code the same as the Green Card Number?
No, they are not the same.
Is Green Card Category the same as the Class of Admission?
Yes, in the context of Green Cards, both are the same. The class of admission is indicated as ‘Category’ on the newer green cards that are issued. This class of admission corresponds to the immigrant visa class of admission. The class of admission in the context of green cards is not the same as the non-immigrant visa class of admission such as H1B Visa, F1 Visa, and others, etc.
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