green card category code

An Easy Guide To The Green Card Category Code

5 Mins Read December, 12 2023 Posted by Debkanya Bhattacharya

Are you currently worried about the Green Card Category Code? Immigration paperwork can be difficult for many. When you go through the various steps of getting that much-awaited Green Card, you hold your breath at every step.

Therefore, we understand that getting a Lawful Permanent Residency is all you want! Well, we are here to help you get there.

The process to get a Green Card includes dealing with Green Card Category Codes. Common ones include E11, F41, and even IR1. Moreover, each of these has its specific use in the visa wait times. Moreover, this code is there on that Green Card that you get once the formalities are complete. 

Thus, in our article, we will talk about the Lawful Permanent Resident Category Code. Commonly, we refer to it as the green card category code.

What Should You Expect Out Of The Article?

A complete and simple review of the codes.

  • List of these codes with details about them.
  • Asylum green card category code.
  • Role of a visa interview in the category that you get.
  • And much more. So, hang on and read on!

What Is Green Card Category Code? Lpr Category Code?

“What does i52 green card category code means?”- a question we come across very often. Thus, we decided to get to the answer!

The Green Card Category code basically describes each category which lets a person get an issue of a Green Card.

Therefore, the category code of a Green Card can differ. The category depends on the kind of immigrant visa one uses to get lawful permanent residency in the US.

What Does A Green Card Category Code Look Like?

A Code usually starts with Alphabets. After that a number comes. Thus, it looks like F21, C26, E11, etc. After you complete the official process and get your hands on the green card, you will see this code under the ‘Category’ label.

SCREENSHOT:

Source: COMPLETE list of Green Card Category Codes, Meaning [2022] (redbus2us.com)

Check out the screenshot we provide below. Here you get a glimpse of where the Green Card code will be. In this picture, you see a code ‘IR1’ clearly stated under ‘Category’.

Thus, it denotes the green card category code for this particular green card holder. Therefore, the code will now serve as an indicator. It will clearly mark a difference between a regular permanent resident and a person having a conditional status.

Regular green cards typically last for 10 years. 

But usually, conditional ones have a validity of 2 years.

Moreover, individuals with conditional status must fulfill certain requirements before their card expires.

Some Green Card Category codes may resemble or match the Category Codes of the USCIS EAD. However, these may represent entirely different concepts.

The EAD category-codes are a part of the Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). For instance, the ‘C26’ code in EADs signifies EADs of the H4 visa holders. On the other hand, the ‘C26’ Green Card category codes are for spouses of green card holders. Thus, they have to stay within the country limits. Gradually, they will have to apply for green cards by the adjustment-of-status.

The Different Types Of Green Card Category Code

Obtaining a Green Card can happen through various routes. It may be through family sponsorship, or employment, or asylum, or by other means. However, there are more than 100 different green card categories.

Thus, we’ve organized the list below. It will help you understand each green card category code in relation to your chosen path. Moreover, each path contains subsections.

Green Card Category Code for Immediate Relatives of US Citizens

The primary allocation of green cards happens for the immediate relatives of any US citizen. There may be spouses, or children, and parents under this category. Therefore, these categories cater specifically to immediate family members of US Citizens.

An Example

AR1 is for Amerasian children of US citizens on the arrival in the country.

CF1 is a conditional green card for spouses of US citizens who enter as a fiancé. They have an adjusted status.

CR2 is a conditional green card for children of US citizens. They are the new arrivals in the country.

There are many more to the list but we think you get the idea.

Family-Based Green Card Category Codes

Family-based green cards originate from relationships with US Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents. This category has many sub categories. For example.

  • First Preference (F1)
  • Second Preference (F2A, F2B)
  • Third Preference (F3)
  • Finally, Fourth Preference (F4).

An Example

A11 is for unmarried Amerasian sons/daughters of US citizens.

A12 is for children of the A11 or A16 categories.

And so on.

Green Card Category Codes for Employment-Based Green Cards

Employment-based green cards are the result of an individual’s skills in the US job market. Therefore, there is also a job-creating investment aspect to it. These categories also have the following.

  • First Preference (EB-1).
  • Second Preference (EB-2).
  • Third Preference (EB-3).
  • Fourth Preference (EB-4).
  • Finally, the Fifth Preference (EB-5).

Let’s See Examples

E10 is for the adjustment of status to children from E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18.

E11 is for non-residents who have extraordinary ability.

This list continues for each category, likewise.

Green Card Category Code For Refugees And Asylees

Within the US immigration system, there are ways to issue green cards to people under persecution. Therefore, these green card categories are for two primary types. One is for refugees and their relatives outside the US. Moreover, the other type is for asylum seekers in the US who have relatives with them.

Examples

Category Code Of Green Card

CU6 is meant for Cuban refugees.

CU7 is for the spouses or children of non-Cuban refugees.

What is the category code on a green card for Cuba?

Thus, the answer to this is CU6.

Green Card Category Code for the Diversity Visa

Within the Immigration and Nationality Act, the US immigration system issues this visa. Through it, it lets individuals from nations with limited immigration in via the Diversity Immigrant visa program.

Therefore, a yearly Diversity Visa Lottery takes place to select candidates from applicants.

To Conclude Our Discussion On The Green Card Category Code

This Green Card Category Code determines the type of residence category you fit into. For instance, if your green card is through the EB1 employment-based category. Let’s say it is the professor or researcher subcategory. Thus, your category code would be E12.

The types of green card category code we talk about in this article provides a basic classification. Thus, it will dictate the wait times and how soon you get your green card. Moreover, during the adjudication process, immigration officers use this category code. They use it to ensure applicants have the relevant category and fulfill all necessary criteria.

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