Need clarity on Green Card category codes? This guide breaks down each code, helping you navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration.
April 8, 2024A Green Card category code, also known as the Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Category Code, is a code found on the Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This code indicates the specific provision of U.S. immigration law under which the cardholder was granted permanent resident status. Essentially, it identifies the category of eligibility that the individual met to become a permanent resident of the United States.
Green Cards serve as proof that their holders are legally permitted to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, with certain rights and responsibilities. The category codes can be found on both the front and back of the card, depending on the version of the Green Card, and they help to classify the broad circumstances under which the individual was granted residency, such as through family relationships, employment, refugee or asylum status, among others.
Each LPR Category Code is directly linked to a specific section of the law (the Immigration and Nationality Act, or INA) that defines the eligibility category for permanent residence.
Understanding your Green Card Category Code is important for several reasons:
Key Terminology Used:
Conditional vs. Permanent: Not all Green Cards are issued under the same conditions. Some people receive a conditional Green Card, typically valid for only 2 years, which requires them to take additional steps to convert it to a permanent 10-year Green Card. This is often seen in cases of recent marriages to U.S. citizens (category codes beginning with CR).
Different From EAD Codes: Don’t confuse Green Card Category Codes with EAD (Employment Authorization Document) Category Codes, even though they might look similar. EAD codes are related to temporary work permissions, not permanent residency.
Complete List of Green Card Codes by Category: