Green Card Categories and What They Mean

Obtaining a Green Card is a significant milestone for immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States. Understanding your Green Card category is essential, as it can influence your eligibility for other immigration benefits, such as naturalization. 

Consulting an experienced Green Card lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your category and ensure your application process goes smoothly. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Antonini & Cohen at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation. 

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

Below, we explore some of the most common Green Card categories and what they mean for your immigration status.

Why are Green Card Codes Important?

Your Green Card category is more than just a code; it reflects the specific immigration pathway through which you obtained permanent residency. It can also impact your ability to adjust your status, petition for family members, or apply for US citizenship. To find your category, look at the center of your Green Card under the word “Category” and compare your code to the list provided. If you believe your card has the incorrect code, requesting a correction from USCIS as soon as possible is crucial. 

The attorneys at Antonini & Cohen can help ensure that your Green Card accurately reflects your immigration status. Our experienced Green Card lawyers are ready to guide you through the process if you need assistance. Contact us.

Green Card Categories

Here is a list of some of the most common Green Card categories and their meanings:

• IR1: Spouse of a US citizen (married for more than 2 years)

• CR1: Spouse of a US citizen (married for less than 2 years)

• IR2: Unmarried child (under 21) of a US citizen

• IR5: Parent of a US citizen (at least 21 years old)

• IR6: Spouse of a US citizen (adjusted status within the US)

• CR2: Step-child of a US citizen (under 21)

• F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of US citizens

• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents

• F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents

• F3: Married sons and daughters of US citizens

• F4: Brothers and sisters of US citizens (if the US citizen is at least 21 years old)

• CU6: Cuban refugee

• CU7: Non-Cuban spouse or child of a CU6

• CX1: Spouse of a lawful permanent resident

• CX2: Step-child (under 21) of a lawful permanent resident

For more detailed information, you can explore a complete list of Green Card codes on the USCIS website.

Family-Based Green Cards

Several categories of family-based Green Cards cover spouses, children, parents, and siblings of US citizens and lawful permanent residents. 

These family-based Green Cards are divided into immediate relative categories (IR1 and IR2) and family preference categories (F1, F2A, and F4). Understanding these distinctions is critical when petitioning for family members or adjusting your immigration status.

As a Green Card holder (permanent resident), you may petition for certain family members to immigrate to the United States as permanent residents:

• Spouse (husband or wife)

• Unmarried children under 21

• Unmarried son or daughter of any age

To obtain a Green Card for your family member, you must:

1. File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.

2. Provide proof of your status to demonstrate that you are a permanent resident.

3. Submit evidence of the qualifying relationship, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.

4. Submit proof of any legal name change for you or your family member (the beneficiary).

   
   

Even if you are in a same-sex marriage to a foreigner, if you are a lawful permanent resident (you have a Green Card), you may file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (and any applicable accompanying application) to sponsor your spouse. Your eligibility to petition for your spouse will be determined according to applicable immigration law, and will not be denied due to the same-sex nature of marriage.

Employment-Based Green Cards

In addition to family-based categories, many Green Cards are granted through employment-based petitions. These categories include:

• EB-1: Priority workers, including multinational executives, outstanding professors, and researchers

• EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional abilities

• EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers

• EB-4: Special immigrants, such as religious workers or US government employees abroad

• EB-5: Immigrant investors 

For more information about these categories, visit Employment-based permanent visas.

Eligibility for Naturalization

Green Card holders under the “IR6” category (spouses of US citizens) are eligible to apply for naturalization after just three years of permanent residency rather than the usual five years. This shortened timeline is available if the person remains married and lives with the US citizen spouse.

Latest news: USCIS Announces New 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

What if my Green Card is Lost or Stolen?

When your Lawful Permanent Residence card, commonly known as a “Green Card,” is lost or stolen, it is very inconvenient. You may also feel frightened and frustrated.

Follow these steps to get a Green Card replacement. These steps will also help prevent another person from illegally using your lost or stolen Green Card.

Please note that the steps are slightly different depending on whether the theft or loss occurs in the United States or a foreign country.

What if I Forgot to Renew my Green Card?

First of all, don’t panic. This question comes up frequently, and everyone wants to know what it means if you didn’t renew your 10-year permanent resident card before expiration. The short answer is that just because your proof of permanent residency expired does not mean your permanent resident status was terminated. So, it is possible to apply for a new permanent resident card even if it has expired.

Please visit I Forgot to Renew My Green Card! for more information.

Atlanta Immigration Attorneys

At Antonini & Cohen, we have been successfully helping clients navigate complex immigration issues, including Green Card applications and status adjustments, for 30 years. Whether you need assistance correcting a Green Card code or are ready to apply for US citizenship, our experienced Green Card lawyers are here to guide you.

Contact us at (470) 428-3200 or via our contact form to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with one of Antonini & Cohen’s experienced Green Card lawyers.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.