Complete List of Green Card Category Codes – Explained

A 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:

1. Legal Basis of Stay: It confirms the legal basis of your stay in the U.S., which can be crucial for any future immigration applications, including applying for citizenship through naturalization.
2. Renewal and Conditions: Some codes indicate conditional residency, meaning there are specific conditions that must be met or actions taken (like applying to remove conditions) before certain deadlines.
3. Benefits and Eligibility: Knowing your category can help you understand what additional rights or obligations you might have as a resident in the U.S.

Key Terminology Used:

• New Arrival: This term indicates entry into the U.S. on an Immigrant Visa obtained from abroad, typically involving consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Adjustment of Status: Refers to individuals already in the U.S. who convert or adjust their nonimmigrant status to that of a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
• Conditional Green Card: A Green Card with 2-year validity issued under certain conditions that require the holder to prove the basis of their eligibility for permanent residence at the end of the period, in contrast to the regular 10-year Green Card.
• Self-Petitioned: Describes a Green Card application or petition filed independently by the applicant without needing a sponsor, commonly used in categories like certain employment classifications or under laws protecting victims of abuse.

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.

What’s the Difference Between a Visa and Green Card?

1. Green Card Category Codes for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

Code	Description	Process
AR1	Amerasian children of a U.S. citizen, born in specified countries.	New Arrival
AR6	Amerasian children of a U.S. citizen, born in specified countries.	Adjustment of Status
CF1	Spouse of U.S. citizen entered as fiancé(e).	Conditional Green Card, Adjustment of Status
CF2	Minor stepchild of a CF1 alien.	Conditional Green Card, Adjustment of Status
CR1	Spouse of U.S. citizen.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
CR2	Stepchild of a U.S. citizen.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
CR6	Spouse of U.S. citizen.	Conditional Green Card, Adjustment of Status
CR7	Stepchild of a U.S. citizen.	Conditional Green Card, Adjustment of Status
IB0	Battered or abused parent of a U.S. citizen.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status
IB1	Spouses of U.S. citizens.	Self Petition, New Arrival
IB2	Child of a U.S. citizen.	Self Petition, New Arrival
IB3	Child of an IB1 or IB6 alien.	New Arrival
IB5	Battered or abused parent of a U.S. citizen.	Self Petition, New Arrival
IB6	Spouses of U.S. citizens.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status
IB7	Child of a U.S. citizen.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status
IB8	Child of an IB1 or IB6 alien.	Adjustment of Status
IF1	Fiancé(e) of U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
IF2	Minor child of an IF1 alien.	Adjustment of Status
IH3	Child adopted under the Hague Convention.	New Arrival
IH4	Child to be adopted under the Hague Convention.	New Arrival
IH8	Child adopted under the Hague Convention.	Adjustment of Status
IH9	Child to be adopted under the Hague Convention.	Adjustment of Status
IR0	Parent of an adult U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
IR1	Spouse of a U.S. citizen.	New Arrival
IR2	Child of a U.S. citizen.	New Arrival
IR3	Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen.	New Arrival
IR4	Orphan to be adopted by a U.S. citizen.	New Arrival
IR5	Parent of an adult U.S. citizen.	New Arrival
IR6	Spouse of a U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
IR7	Child of a U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
IR8	Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
IR9	Orphan to be adopted by a U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
IW1	Widowed spouse of a U.S. citizen.	New Arrival
IW2	Child of a widowed spouse (IW1 or IW6).	New Arrival
IW6	Widowed spouse of a U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
IW7	Child of a widowed spouse (IW1 or IW6).	Adjustment of Status

A. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

These LPR codes are found on the Green Cards issued to immediate relatives and indicate the basis on which the individual was granted permanent residence in the United States. Unlike other family-based categories that might have to wait for a visa to become available, immediate relatives can apply for a Green Card as soon as their petition is approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), given their direct relation to a U.S. citizen.

1. IR0 – Parents of Adult U.S. Citizens (Adjustment of Status): IR0 is for the parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old and are adjusting their status to become lawful permanent residents while in the United States. This category allows adult U.S. citizens to sponsor their parents for Green Cards, facilitating family reunification without the constraints of annual visa limits.
2. IR1 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen (New Arrivals): IR1 applies to the foreign spouses of U.S. citizens when they are granted permanent residency as they enter the United States. This category provides immediate eligibility for a Green Card due to the marriage to a U.S. citizen, acknowledging the importance of family unity.
3. IR2 – Children of U.S. Citizen (New Arrivals): IR2 is designated for unmarried children under 21 years of age of U.S. citizens. These children are eligible to receive Green Cards upon entry into the U.S., ensuring that minor children can live permanently in the U.S. with their citizen parent.
4. IR3 – Orphans Adopted Abroad by U.S. Citizens (New Arrivals): IR3 is for orphans who have been adopted abroad by U.S. citizens. The category facilitates the child’s entry into the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident following the adoption, emphasizing the importance of providing a stable family environment for orphaned children.
5. IR4 – Orphans to Be Adopted by U.S. Citizens (New Arrivals): IR4 applies to orphans who are to be adopted by U.S. citizens once they are in the U.S. This category allows the child to enter the United States under the guardianship of U.S. citizens who will complete the adoption process domestically, ensuring the child’s immediate safety and well-being.
6. IR5 – Parents of Adult U.S. Citizen (New Arrivals): IR5 is for parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old and are entering the U.S. as new arrivals. Similar to IR0, this category allows for the immediate reunion of parents with their adult U.S. citizen children, acknowledging the significance of family unity.
7. IR6 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Adjustment of Status): IR6 is assigned to the foreign spouses of U.S. citizens who adjust their status to lawful permanent resident while in the United States. This category recognizes marriages to U.S. citizens as a basis for immediate eligibility for permanent residency, facilitating the process for spouses already in the U.S.
8. IR7 – Children of U.S. Citizen (Adjustment of Status): IR7 covers unmarried children under 21 years of age of U.S. citizens who adjust their status within the U.S. This allows these children to obtain lawful permanent residency without having to leave the country, promoting family unity and simplifying the legal process.
9. IR8 – Orphans Adopted Abroad by U.S. Citizens (Adjustment of Status): IR8 is for orphans who have been adopted abroad by U.S. citizens and are adjusting their status in the U.S. This category supports the transition of adopted orphans to lawful permanent residency following their adoption by U.S. citizen parents.
10. IR9 – Orphans to Be Adopted by U.S. Citizens (Adjustment of Status): IR9 pertains to orphans who are to be adopted in the United States by U.S. citizens. It allows these children to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident as part of the domestic adoption process, facilitating a seamless transition into their new family life.

B. Conditional Green Cards for Spouses and Stepchildren

Conditional Green Cards are issued to spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens under certain circumstances, specifically when the marriage that serves as the basis for the immigrant’s eligibility is less than two years old at the time of the granting of permanent residence. The conditional status is intended to help prevent fraudulent marriages entered into for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. Here’s a detailed look at each category code related to Conditional Green Cards for spouses and stepchildren:

1. CF1 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Conditional Green Card for New Arrivals): CF1 is assigned to the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen who entered the United States as a fiancé(e) under a K-1 visa and subsequently married the U.S. citizen sponsor within the required 90 days. After the marriage, the foreign spouse must apply for adjustment of status to a conditional permanent resident (CPR). This Green Card is conditional, meaning the couple must jointly file to remove the conditions on residence within the 90 days before the card’s two-year expiration date, proving the marriage was not entered into for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws.
2. CF2 – Children of CF1 Category (Conditional Green Card): CF2 applies to the minor children of a CF1 individual who also received K-2 visas to enter the U.S. with their parent. These children receive conditional permanent residency alongside their parent and are subject to the same conditions. The conditions on their status must be removed concurrently with their parent’s application to lift conditions on the spouse’s status.
3. CR1 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Conditional Green Card for New Arrivals): CR1 is for spouses of U.S. citizens who are considered new arrivals to the U.S. and have been married to the U.S. citizen petitioner for less than two years at the time they are granted permanent residency. The CR1 visa leads directly to conditional permanent residence, with the requirement to apply jointly to remove the conditions on residence after two years to continue to have lawful status.
4. CR2 – Children of U.S. Citizen (Conditional Green Card for New Arrivals): CR2 applies to unmarried children under 21 years of age of a foreign spouse (CR1) at the time of visa issuance. These children are granted conditional status similar to their parent. As with CF2, the conditions on their residency are linked to the parent’s conditional status and require joint filing to remove these conditions.
5. CR6 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Conditional Green Card for Adjustment of Status): CR6 is designated for spouses of U.S. citizens who adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident within the United States and have been married for less than two years at the time their Green Card is approved. The conditional status means that the couple needs to jointly file a petition to remove the conditions on the Green Card before it expires two years later.
6. CR7 – Children of U.S. Citizen (Conditional Green Card for Adjustment of Status): CR7 is for the children of a foreign spouse (CR6) who adjust their status to permanent resident along with their parent. Like CR2, these children receive a conditional Green Card that is dependent on their parent’s status, requiring the removal of conditions through a joint application filed by the parent.

C. Fiancé(e) Adjustments

Fiancé(e) adjustments refer to the process through which individuals who entered the United States on a K-1 visa—the fiancé(e) visa—adjust their status to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) after marrying their U.S. citizen petitioner within the required 90-day period.

1. IF1 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen, Entered as Fiancé(e) (Adjustment of Status): IF1 applies to individuals who entered the United States on a K-1 visa as the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen and subsequently married that citizen within 90 days of entry. After the marriage, the K-1 visa holder must apply to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This category is crucial because it facilitates the union of international couples, allowing them to live together in the U.S. The Green Card issued is conditional and requires the couple to jointly file to remove the conditions after two years, demonstrating that the marriage was entered in good faith.
2. IF2 – Children of IF1 (Adjustment of Status): IF2 is designated for the minor children of K-1 visa holders who entered the U.S. on a K-2 visa. These children can adjust their status to lawful permanent residents alongside their parent once the marriage between the K-1 parent and the U.S. citizen takes place. The inclusion of IF2 ensures that the children of international couples are not separated from their parent, facilitating family unity within the United States.

The K-1 and K-2 visa adjustment process is a critical pathway for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens and their children to obtain permanent residency in the United States. The conditional period associated with these Green Cards serves to verify the authenticity of the marriage before granting permanent status.

D. Widow(er)s of U.S. Citizens

The U.S. immigration system provides a pathway for the widow(er)s of U.S. citizens to obtain lawful permanent residency (Green Card) if the U.S. citizen spouse dies. This provision is designed to allow the surviving spouse to remain in the United States under certain conditions, recognizing the bond of marriage and the hardship that the loss of a spouse can bring.

1. IW1 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen, Widow(er)s (New Arrivals): IW1 applies to the widow(er)s of U.S. citizens who are admitted to the United States as new arrivals. This category enables individuals who were married to a U.S. citizen at the time of the citizen’s death to seek lawful permanent residency without the need for a petition to be filed before the citizen’s death. The widow(er) must prove that the marriage was bona fide and not entered into for the purpose of evading immigration laws. Importantly, the application for this status must be filed within two years of the citizen spouse’s death and the widow(er) must not have remarried.
2. IW2 – Children of IW1 or IW6 (New Arrivals): IW2 is designated for the children of widow(er)s classified under IW1 or IW6, allowing them to enter the United States as new arrivals. This provision ensures that the minor children of the deceased U.S. citizen can remain or come to the United States with their surviving parent, maintaining family unity.
3. IW6 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen, Widow(er)s (Adjustment of Status): IW6 applies to the widow(er)s of U.S. citizens who are adjusting their status within the United States. Similar to IW1, this category allows the surviving spouse to obtain lawful permanent residency after the U.S. citizen spouse’s death, provided the marriage was genuine and the application is filed timely. This pathway is particularly important for individuals already in the U.S. on a temporary visa when their U.S. citizen spouse dies.
4. IW7 – Children of IW1 or IW6 (Adjustment of Status): IW7 covers the children of widow(er)s adjusting their status under IW6, facilitating their adjustment to lawful permanent residents along with their parent. This category recognizes the importance of keeping minor children with their surviving parent during such a transition.

E. Self-petitioning and Battered/Abused Categories

Self-petitioning and special provisions for battered or abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens fall under certain Green Card category codes, providing pathways for individuals in vulnerable situations to seek lawful permanent residency independently of their abuser. These categories are particularly important as they recognize the need for protection and a means to obtain legal status in the United States without the sponsorship of the abuser.

1. IB0 – Parents of U.S. Citizens, Battered or Abused (Adjustment of Status): IB0 is designated for parents of U.S. citizens who have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by their U.S. citizen child. This category allows these parents to self-petition for a Green Card under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), enabling them to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident without the need for their abusive child to petition on their behalf.
2. IB1 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen, Self-Petitioned (New Arrivals): IB1 applies to spouses of U.S. citizens who are new arrivals to the United States and have self-petitioned under VAWA due to being battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by their U.S. citizen spouse. This provision allows these individuals to seek safety and independence from their abuser by securing lawful permanent residency on their own.
3. IB2 – Children of U.S. Citizen, Self-Petitioned (New Arrivals): IB2 is for children of U.S. citizens who are new arrivals and have self-petitioned due to being battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by their U.S. citizen parent. This category enables these children to obtain a Green Card independently, providing them a path to safety and legal status in the United States.
4. IB3 – Children of IB1 or IB6 (New Arrivals): IB3 encompasses children of aliens classified under IB1 (spouses) or IB6 (spouses adjusting status) categories. These are children who accompany or follow to join the self-petitioning parent and are granted lawful permanent residency as new arrivals alongside their parent.
5. IB5 – Parents of U.S. Citizens, Battered or Abused, Self-Petitioned (New Arrivals): IB5 is similar to IB0 but specifically for new arrivals. This category is for parents of U.S. citizens who have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty and are arriving in the U.S. with a self-petitioned Green Card application under VAWA.
6. IB6 – Spouse of U.S. Citizen, Self-Petitioned (Adjustment of Status): IB6 is for spouses of U.S. citizens who are already in the United States and self-petition under VAWA due to abuse or extreme cruelty. This category allows these individuals to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident without relying on their abusive spouse.
7. IB7 – Children of U.S. Citizen, Self-Petitioned (Adjustment of Status): IB7 is for children of U.S. citizens who are already in the United States and have self-petitioned due to abuse or extreme cruelty by their U.S. citizen parent. This allows for the adjustment of status to lawful permanent residency independently of the abusive parent.
8. IB8 – Children of IB1 or IB6 (Adjustment of Status): IB8 covers children of aliens classified under IB1 or IB6, adjusting their status within the U.S. This includes children accompanying or following to join a self-petitioning parent who is adjusting their status to lawful permanent resident under the provisions for battered or abused spouses or children.

F. Adoption Under the Hague Convention

Adoption under the Hague Convention involves specific processes and protections designed to ensure that international adoptions are conducted in the best interests of the child. The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention) is an international agreement that aims to safeguard intercountry adoptions, prevent abduction, exploitation, sale, or trafficking of children. It establishes standards for adoption between countries that are parties to the Convention.

1. IH3 – Children Adopted Abroad by U.S. Citizens (New Arrivals): IH3 is assigned to children who have been adopted abroad by U.S. citizens under the Hague Adoption Convention and are entering the United States as new arrivals. The adoption must meet the Convention’s standards, including consent from the child’s country of origin, to be recognized. This ensures that the adoption process is transparent, protects the welfare of the child, and that the child is legally eligible to immigrate to the U.S.
2. IH4 – Children to Be Adopted by U.S. Citizens (New Arrivals): IH4 applies to children who are entering the United States under the guardianship of U.S. citizens for the purpose of adoption in the U.S., under the Hague Adoption Convention. This status allows the child to enter the U.S. before the finalization of the adoption process, ensuring that the adoption can be completed in accordance with U.S. laws and the Convention’s protections.
3. IH8 – Children Adopted Abroad by U.S. Citizens (Adjustment of Status): IH8 is designated for children who were adopted abroad by U.S. citizens in compliance with the Hague Adoption Convention and are adjusting their status in the United States. This category facilitates the child’s transition to lawful permanent residency after entering the U.S., recognizing the legal adoption that occurred in the child’s home country under the Convention’s framework.
4. IH9 – Children to Be Adopted by U.S. Citizens (Adjustment of Status): IH9 covers children who are in the United States to be adopted by U.S. citizens, where the adoption process is to be finalized domestically. This status allows the child to adjust to lawful permanent resident status following the completion of the adoption process, ensuring the child’s legal and permanent integration into the adoptive family.

G. Amerasian Children of U.S. Citizens

The Amerasian children of U.S. citizens category recognizes individuals born in certain Asian countries to a U.S. citizen parent and an Asian parent during specific periods, often related to U.S. military presence in these regions. This provision is designed to address the unique circumstances faced by children born of mixed nationality during times of conflict or military deployment.

1. AR1 – Children of U.S. Citizen – Amerasian (New Arrivals): AR1 is designated for Amerasian children of a U.S. citizen born in Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, or Laos, arriving in the U.S. as new immigrants. This status acknowledges the children born during the Vietnam War era and subsequent years, allowing them to claim a connection to their U.S. citizen parent and obtain lawful permanent residency. The policy aims to facilitate the integration of these children into American society, recognizing the challenges they faced due to their mixed heritage in their birth countries.
2. AR6 – Children of U.S. Citizen – Amerasian (Adjustment of Status): AR6 applies to Amerasian children, similar to those in the AR1 category, who are already in the United States and adjusting their status to that of lawful permanent residents. This category allows those Amerasian individuals who may have initially entered the U.S. under different circumstances (such as refugee or other temporary statuses) to adjust to permanent residency, recognizing their unique heritage and connection to a U.S. citizen parent.

2. Family-Based Green Card Category Codes

A. Family-Based First Preference Category (F1)

Code	Description	Process
A11	Unmarried Amerasian daughters or sons of a U.S. citizen.	New Arrival
A12	Child of an alien A11 or A16.	New Arrival
A16	Unmarried Amerasian daughters or sons of a U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
A17	Child of an alien A11 or A16.	Adjustment of Status
B11	Unmarried daughter or son of a U.S. citizen.	Self Petition, New Arrival
B12	Child of an alien B11 or B16.	New Arrival
B16	Unmarried daughter or son of a U.S. citizen.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status
B17	Child of an alien B11 or B16.	Adjustment of Status
F11	Unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen.	New Arrival
F12	Child of an alien classified as F11 or F16.	New Arrival
F16	Unmarried sons or daughters of a U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
F17	Child of an alien classified as F11 or F16.	Adjustment of Status

The Family-Based First Preference Category (F1) pertains to unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, along with their minor children. This preference category is designated for those who wish to immigrate to the United States based on their family relationship with a U.S. citizen. Here’s a breakdown of the family-based Green Card category codes, including both Amerasian and non-Amerasian beneficiaries, as well as distinctions between new arrivals and those adjusting status within the U.S.:

a. Amerasian Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens

1. A11: This code is for unmarried Amerasian daughters or sons of a U.S. citizen who are new arrivals. It acknowledges Amerasian individuals born in certain countries during specific periods, offering them a pathway to U.S. residency due to their unique heritage and connection to a U.S. citizen parent.
2. A12: Designated for children of aliens classified under A11 or A16, who are entering the U.S. as new arrivals. This ensures that the minor children of Amerasian individuals can accompany or follow to join their parent in the U.S.
3. A16: Applies to unmarried Amerasian daughters or sons of a U.S. citizen who are adjusting their status within the United States. This category allows Amerasian individuals already in the U.S. under a different status to become lawful permanent residents.
4. A17: For children of aliens classified under A11 or A16, adjusting their status. This provision enables the children of Amerasian individuals adjusting their status to also obtain permanent residency.

b. Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens (Self-Petitioned)

1. B11: For unmarried daughters or sons of U.S. citizens, who are self-petitioning and entering as new arrivals. This category might encompass adult children who, due to specific circumstances, are eligible to petition for themselves.
2. B12: For children of aliens classified under B11 or B16, new arrivals. This code ensures that the minor children of self-petitioning unmarried sons or daughters of U.S. citizens can join their parent in the U.S.
3. B16: Designated for unmarried daughters or sons of U.S. citizens, who are self-petitioning and adjusting their status within the U.S. This facilitates a pathway for eligible adult children already in the U.S. to gain permanent residency.
4. B17: For children of aliens classified under B11 or B16, adjusting their status. It allows the children of self-petitioning individuals to adjust their status alongside their parent.

c. Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens

1. F11: For unmarried sons or daughters of U.S. citizens, categorized as new arrivals. This broad category is designed for adult children of U.S. citizens who are immigrating to the U.S. to reunite with their parent(s).
2. F12: Applies to the children of aliens classified as F11 or F16, new arrivals. It ensures that the minor children of F11 beneficiaries can accompany or follow to join them in the United States.
3. F16: For unmarried sons or daughters of U.S. citizens, adjusting their status within the U.S. This category allows those already in the U.S. on a different visa to adjust to permanent residency.
4. F17: Designated for children of aliens classified as F11 or F16, adjusting their status. This code enables the minor children of F16 beneficiaries to obtain lawful permanent residency alongside their parent.

B. Family-Based Second Preference Category (F2)

Code	Description	Process
B20	Child of B24 or B29.	Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
B21	Spouses of permanent residents.	Self Petition, New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
B22	Child of legal permanent resident.	Self Petition, New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
B23	Child of B21, B22, B26, or B27.	New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
B24	Unmarried son or daughter of legal permanent resident.	Self Petition, New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
B25	Child of B24 or B29.	New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
B26	Spouses of permanent residents.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
B27	Child of legal permanent resident.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
B28	Child of B21, B22, B26, or B27.	Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
B29	Unmarried son or daughter of legal permanent resident.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
BX1	Spouses of permanent residents.	Self Petition, New Arrival, Exempt from Country Limits
BX2	Children of permanent residents.	Self Petition, New Arrival, Exempt from Country Limits
BX3	Child of BX1, BX2, BX6, or BX7.	New Arrival, Exempt from Country Limits
BX6	Spouses of permanent residents.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status, Exempt from Country Limits
BX7	Children of permanent residents.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status, Exempt from Country Limits
BX8	Child of BX1, BX2, BX6, or BX7.	Adjustment of Status, Exempt from Country Limits
C20	Child of C24 or C29.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C21	Spouse of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C22	Child of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C23	Child of C21, C22, C26, or C27.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C24	Unmarried son or daughter of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C25	Child of C24 or C29.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C26	Spouse of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C27	Child of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C28	Child of C21, C22, C26, or C27.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C29	Unmarried son or daughter of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
CX1	Spouse of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card, Exempt from Country Limits
CX2	Child of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card, Exempt from Country Limits
CX3	Child of CX2 or CX7.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card, Exempt from Country Limits
CX6	Spouse of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card, Exempt from Country Limits
CX7	Child of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card, Exempt from Country Limits
CX8	Child of CX2 or CX7.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card, Exempt from Country Limits
F20	Child of F24 or F29.	Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
F21	Spouse of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
F22	Child of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
F23	Child of F21, F22, F26, or F27.	New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
F24	Unmarried son or daughter of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
F25	Child of F24 or F29.	New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
F26	Spouse of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
F27	Child of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
F28	Child of F21, F22, F26, or F27.	Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
F29	Unmarried son or daughter of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
FX1	Spouse of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Exempt from Country Limits
FX2	Child of lawful permanent resident.	New Arrival, Exempt from Country Limits
FX3	Child of FX1, FX2, FX7, or FX8.	New Arrival, Exempt from Country Limits
FX6	Spouse of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Exempt from Country Limits
FX7	Child of lawful permanent resident.	Adjustment of Status, Exempt from Country Limits
FX8	Child of FX1, FX2, FX7, or FX8.	Adjustment of Status, Exempt from Country Limits

For the Family-Based Second Preference (F2) category, which includes spouses and children of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), there are specific codes that distinguish between those subject to country limitations and those exempt, as well as between new arrivals, adjustments of status, and conditional green cards.

This category is split into two subcategories: F2A for spouses and minor children of LPRs, and F2B for unmarried sons and daughters over the age of 21 of LPRs.

a. Children and Spouses of LPRs Subject to Country Limits

1. B20: Child of an alien classified as B24 or B29, who are subject to country limitations and adjusting their status. This code facilitates the adjustment process for children of LPRs who are adjusting their own status.
2. B21: Spouses of LPRs, subject to country limitations, entering as new arrivals and self-petitioning. This code is for spouses who have independently applied for their green card.
3. B22: Children of LPRs, subject to country limitations, entering as new arrivals and self-petitioning. This code covers children who accompany or follow to join their LPR parent.
4. B23: Child of an alien B21, B22, B26, or B27, subject to country limitations and entering as new arrivals. This code ensures family unity by allowing children of LPRs to join them in the U.S.
5. B24: Unmarried sons or daughters of LPRs, subject to country limitations, entering as new arrivals and self-petitioning. This category recognizes adult children of LPRs seeking to immigrate.
6. B25: Children of B24 or B29, subject to country limitations, entering as new arrivals. This code allows for the minor children of unmarried sons or daughters of LPRs to immigrate.
7. B26: Spouses of LPRs, subject to country limitations, adjusting their status within the U.S., and self-petitioning. This code applies to spouses who are already in the U.S. and seeking to adjust to LPR status.
8. B27: Children of LPRs, subject to country limitations, adjusting their status within the U.S., and self-petitioning. It enables children already in the U.S. to adjust their status along with their parent.
9. B28: Child of an alien B21, B22, B26, or B27, subject to country limitations, adjusting their status. This facilitates the status adjustment for children of LPRs who are in the process of adjusting their own status.
10. B29: Unmarried sons or daughters of LPRs, subject to country limitations, adjusting their status within the U.S., and self-petitioning. This code is for adult children of LPRs adjusting their status.
11. BX1 through BX8: These codes mirror the B20 through B29 categories but apply to individuals exempt from country limitations. This exemption typically relates to countries not subject to per-country visa caps due to lower rates of immigration to the U.S. These codes ensure that spouses and children of LPRs from these countries can immigrate to or adjust their status in the U.S. more swiftly, without waiting for a visa to become available under the per-country limit.

b. Family-Based Second Preference Categories Subject to Country Limits

1. F20: Child of an alien classified as F24 or F29. This applies to children whose LPR parent is adjusting their status and is subject to country limitations.
2. F21: Spouse of a lawful permanent resident, subject to country limitations, entering the U.S. as a new arrival. This allows spouses of LPRs to join them in the U.S.
3. F22: Child (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident, subject to country limitations, entering as a new arrival. It ensures that minor children can live in the U.S. with their LPR parent.
4. F23: Child of an alien classified as F21, F22, F26, or F27, entering as a new arrival. This facilitates the immigration of children whose parents are entering under the F2A category.
5. F24: Unmarried son or daughter (21 years of age or older) of a lawful permanent resident, subject to country limitations, entering as a new arrival. This code is for adult children who wish to immigrate to the U.S. to join their LPR parent.
6. F25: Child of an alien classified as F24 or F29, entering as a new arrival. This allows the minor children of F2B beneficiaries to accompany or follow to join their parent.
7. F26: Spouse of a lawful permanent resident, subject to country limitations, issued for adjustment of status. This is for spouses of LPRs adjusting their status within the U.S.
8. F27: Child (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident, subject to country limitations, issued for adjustment of status. It applies to minor children adjusting their status alongside their LPR parent.
9. F28: Child of an alien classified as F21 or F26, issued for adjustment of status. This facilitates the status adjustment for children whose parents are adjusting under the F2A category.
10. F29: Unmarried son or daughter (21 years of age or older) of a lawful permanent resident, subject to country limitations, issued for adjustment of status. This allows adult children of LPRs to adjust their status within the U.S.

c. Family-Based Second Preference Categories Exempt from Country Limits

1. FX1: Spouse of a lawful permanent resident, exempt from country limitations, entering as a new arrival. This code facilitates the immigration of spouses from countries not facing visa backlogs.
2. FX2: Child (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident, exempt from country limitations, entering as a new arrival. It ensures that minor children from countries without visa backlogs can join their LPR parent in the U.S.
3. FX3: Child of an alien classified as FX1, FX2, FX6, or FX7, entering as a new arrival. This supports family unity by allowing children of adjusting parents to enter the U.S. without being subject to country caps.
4. FX6: Spouse of a lawful permanent resident, exempt from country limitations, issued for adjustment of status. This category is for spouses in the U.S. from countries not subject to per-country visa caps, adjusting to LPR status.
5. FX7: Child (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident, exempt from country limitations, issued for adjustment of status. It applies to minor children in the U.S. adjusting their status alongside their LPR parent, free from the delays of country caps.
6. FX8: Child of an alien classified as FX1, FX2, FX6, or FX7, issued for adjustment of status. This ensures that children whose parents are adjusting to LPR status can also adjust their status, facilitating family reunification.

d. Conditional Green Cards Subject to Country Limits

1. C20: Child of an alien classified as C24 or C29, receiving a conditional green card upon adjustment of status. This applies to children whose LPR parents are adjusting their status under specific conditions that require eventual removal of conditions.
2. C21: Spouses of LPRs who are subject to country limitations and are issued a conditional green card as new arrivals. This enables spouses to join their LPR partner in the U.S., under the condition that they must apply to remove the conditional status after two years.
3. C22: Children of LPRs who are subject to country limitations and are issued a conditional green card as new arrivals. This code applies to minor children joining their LPR parent in the United States.
4. C23: Children of aliens classified under C21, C22, C26, or C27, receiving a conditional green card as new arrivals. It covers children whose parents have conditional green cards, ensuring family unity.
5. C24: Unmarried sons or daughters (21 years of age or older) of LPRs who are subject to country limitations and receive a conditional green card as new arrivals. This category allows adult children of LPRs to immigrate under specific conditions.
6. C25: Children of aliens classified as C24 or C29, receiving a conditional green card as new arrivals. This code is for the minor children of unmarried adult children of LPRs, facilitating family reunification.
7. C26: Spouses of LPRs, subject to country limitations, issued a conditional green card for adjustment of status. This category is for spouses already in the U.S. who are adjusting their status to that of an LPR, with conditions.
8. C27: Children of LPRs, subject to country limitations, issued a conditional green card for adjustment of status. This code is for minor children adjusting their status alongside their LPR parent.
9. C28: Children of aliens classified under C21, C22, C26, or C27, issued a conditional green card for adjustment of status. It ensures that children whose parents are adjusting to LPR status can also adjust their status under similar conditions.
10. C29: Unmarried sons or daughters (21 years of age or older) of LPRs, subject to country limitations, adjusting their status with a conditional green card. This allows adult children of LPRs within the U.S. to adjust their status under conditional terms.

e. Conditional Green Cards Exempt from Country Limits

1. CX1: Spouses of LPRs exempt from country limitations, issued a conditional green card as new arrivals. This category allows spouses from countries not subject to per-country visa caps to join their LPR partners more readily.
2. CX2: Children of LPRs exempt from country limitations, issued a conditional green card as new arrivals. This facilitates the immigration of minor children from countries not facing visa caps.
3. CX3: Children of aliens classified under CX2 or CX7, exempt from country limits and receiving a conditional green card as new arrivals. This ensures that children joining their adjusting parents do so without being subject to country caps.
4. CX6: Spouses of LPRs, exempt from country limits, issued a conditional green card for adjustment of status. This applies to spouses in the U.S. from countries not subject to visa limitations, adjusting their status to become LPRs.
5. CX7: Children of LPRs, exempt from country limits, issued a conditional green card for adjustment of status. It allows minor children in the U.S. to adjust their status alongside their LPR parents, without the delays of country caps.
6. CX8: Children of aliens classified as CX2 or CX7, exempt from country limits and receiving a conditional green card for adjustment of status. This code supports children whose parents are adjusting to LPR status, facilitating family reunification free from per-country visa constraints.

C. Family-Based Third Preference Category (F3)

Code	Description	Process
A31	Married Amerasian sons/daughters of U.S. citizens from specific countries.	New Arrival
A32	Spouses of A31 or A36.	New Arrival
A33	Children of A31 or A36.	New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
A36	Married Amerasian sons/daughters of U.S. citizens from specific countries.	Adjustment of Status
A37	Spouses of A31 or A36.	Adjustment of Status
A38	Children of A31 or A36.	Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
B31	Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens.	Self Petition, New Arrival
B32	Spouses of B31 or B36.	New Arrival
B33	Children of B31 or B36.	New Arrival, Subject to Country Limits
B36	Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens.	Self Petition, Adjustment of Status
B37	Spouses of B31 or B36.	Adjustment of Status
B38	Children of B31 or B36.	Adjustment of Status, Subject to Country Limits
C31	Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
C32	Spouses of C31 or C36.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
C33	Children of C31 or C36.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
C36	Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
C37	Spouses of C31 or C36.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
C38	Children of C31 or C36.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card, Subject to Country Limits
F31	Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens.	New Arrival
F32	Spouses of F31 or F36.	New Arrival
F33	Children of F31 or F36.	New Arrival
F36	Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens.	Adjustment of Status
F37	Spouses of F31 or F36.	Adjustment of Status
F38	Children of F31 or F36.	Adjustment of Status

The Family-Based Third Preference Category (F3) is for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, including their spouses and minor children. This category provides a way for U.S. citizens to reunite with their married children and their families in the United States. These Green Card category codes cover a range of scenarios, including new arrivals, adjustments of status, and conditions related to Amerasian individuals.

a. Amerasian Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens

1. A31: Married Amerasian son or daughter of a U.S. citizen, new arrivals. This code is specifically for Amerasians who are married and are directly immigrating to the U.S.
2. A36: Married Amerasian sons or daughters of U.S. citizens adjusting their status within the U.S. This caters to Amerasians already in the U.S. who are moving from another immigration status to permanent residency.
3. A37: Spouses of A31 or A36 during their adjustment of status phase. This enables spouses of married Amerasian sons or daughters to also adjust their status.
4. A38: Children of A31 or A36, who are adjusting their status. This allows for the minor children of Amerasian sons or daughters to adjust their status alongside their parents.

b. Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens (Self-Petitioned)

1. B31: Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen, new arrivals, self-petitioned. This code is for those who are independently applying to immigrate to the U.S.
2. B36: Married sons or daughters of U.S. citizens adjusting their status in the U.S., self-petitioned. This category applies to those already in the U.S. who are self-petitioning for an adjustment to permanent residency.
3. B37: Spouses of B31 or B36 during their adjustment of status phase, facilitating the adjustment process for the spouse.
4. B38: Children of B31 or B36, who are adjusting their status, ensuring family unity during the adjustment process.

c. Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens (Conditional Green Card)

1. C31: Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen, new arrivals, receiving a conditional green card. This is for married children who are immigrating with the condition to adjust status later.
2. C36: Married sons or daughters of U.S. citizens, who are adjusting their status within the U.S. and receiving a conditional green card.
3. C37: Spouses of C31 or C36, adjusting their status and receiving a conditional green card. This provision includes spouses in the adjustment process.
4. C38: Children of C31 or C36, adjusting their status and receiving a conditional green card, allowing for family reunification under conditional terms.

d. General Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens

1. F31: Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen, new arrivals. This general category is for married children immigrating to the U.S. to reunite with their parent(s).
2. F36: Married sons or daughters of U.S. citizens, issued for adjustment of status. This applies to those within the U.S. seeking to change their temporary or non-immigrant status to permanent residency.
3. F37: Spouses of F31 or F36, issued for adjustment of status. This category supports the spouses of married children in their own adjustment of status.
4. F38: Children of F31 or F36, issued for adjustment of status, ensuring that the minor children of married children can also gain permanent residency.

D. Family-Based Fourth Preference Category (F4)

Code	Description	Process
F41	Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen.	New Arrival
F42	Spouses of F41.	New Arrival
F43	Children of F41.	New Arrival
F46	Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen.	Adjustment of Status
F47	Spouses of F46.	Adjustment of Status
F48	Children of F46. (Children of brothers/sisters of U.S. citizens.)	Adjustment of Status

The Family-Based Fourth Preference Category (F4) pertains to U.S. citizens petitioning for their brothers and sisters (siblings), along with their siblings’ spouses and minor children, to immigrate to the United States. This category provides a path for siblings of U.S. citizens to obtain permanent residency.

a. Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens

• F41: Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen, new arrivals. This category is for siblings of U.S. citizens who are immigrating to the United States for the first time based on that familial relationship. It allows for the reunification of siblings where one is a U.S. citizen and the other wishes to live permanently in the U.S.

b. Spouses of Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens

• F42: Spouse of an alien classified as F41, new arrivals. This applies to the spouses of the siblings of U.S. citizens who are immigrating along with the principal applicant (the sibling). It ensures that families can immigrate together, maintaining family unity.

c. Children of Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens

• F43: Child of an alien classified as F41, new arrivals. This category is for the minor children of the siblings of U.S. citizens, allowing them to accompany or follow to join their parent as they immigrate to the U.S.

d. Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens Adjusting Status

• F46: Brothers or sisters of U.S. citizens who are adjusting their status within the U.S. This category is for siblings already in the United States on a different visa category who are now seeking to adjust to permanent resident status based on their sibling relationship.

e. Spouses of Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens Adjusting Status

• F47: Spouses of brothers or sisters of U.S. citizens, issued for adjustment of status. This applies to spouses of siblings who are adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident, ensuring that the spouses can also adjust their status and remain in the U.S. with their family.

f. Children of Brothers/Sisters of U.S. Citizens Adjusting Status

• F48: Child of an alien classified as F41 or F46. This code is designated for children whose parent (the sibling of a U.S. citizen) is adjusting their status within the U.S., allowing these children to also adjust their status and secure their residency as part of the family unit.

3. Employment-Based Green Card Codes

A. Employment-Based First Preference Category (EB-1)

Code	Description	Process
E10	Children of E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18.	Adjustment of Status
E11	Aliens with extraordinary ability.	New Arrival
E12	Outstanding professors or researchers.	New Arrival
E13	Multinational executives or managers.	New Arrival
E14	Spouses of E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18.	New Arrival
E15	Children of E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18.	New Arrival
E16	Aliens with extraordinary ability.	Adjustment of Status
E17	Outstanding professors or researchers.	Adjustment of Status
E18	Multinational executives or managers.	Adjustment of Status
E19	Spouses of E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18.	Adjustment of Status

The Employment-Based First Preference Category (EB-1) is designed for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their field, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives or managers. Each group under this category has its unique criteria that applicants must meet to qualify. Let’s detail each of the Green Card category codes within the EB-1 preference:

a. Principal Applicants

1. E11: Aliens with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim. These individuals are entering the U.S. as new arrivals and do not require a job offer or employer sponsorship, provided they are entering to continue work in the area of their extraordinary ability.
2. E12: Outstanding professors or researchers who are recognized internationally for their exceptional achievements in a particular academic field. They must have at least three years of experience in teaching or research in that academic area and are entering the U.S. as new arrivals with a job offer from a U.S. employer.
3. E13: Multinational executives or managers who have been employed outside the United States in the three years preceding the petition for at least one year by a firm or corporation and who are seeking to enter the United States to continue service to that firm or organization. Their employment must have been outside the U.S. in a managerial or executive capacity and with the same employer, an affiliate, or a subsidiary of the employer.

b. Adjusting Status Within the U.S.

1. E16: Aliens with extraordinary ability, similar to E11, but for those already in the U.S. and adjusting their status to permanent resident.
2. E17: Outstanding professors or researchers, akin to E12, but for individuals adjusting their status within the United States.
3. E18: Multinational executives or managers, paralleling E13, for those within the U.S. seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

c. Family Members

1. E14: Spouses of principal applicants under codes E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18, issued for new arrivals. This allows the spouses of principal applicants to immigrate to the U.S. concurrently.
2. E15: Children of principal applicants (as defined above), also issued for new arrivals. This ensures that the minor children of EB-1 principal applicants can accompany or follow to join them in the United States.
3. E10: Children of principal applicants (as defined above), but specifically issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This allows for family unity during the adjustment process.
4. E19: Spouses of principal applicants under codes E11, E12, E13, E16, E17, or E18, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S. It facilitates the simultaneous adjustment of status for spouses.

B. Employment-Based Second Preference Category (EB-2)

Code	Description	Process
E21	Professionals holding advanced degrees.	New Arrival
E22	Spouses of E21 or E26.	New Arrival
E23	Children of E21 or E26.	New Arrival
E26	Professionals holding advanced degrees.	Adjustment of Status
E27	Spouses of E21 or E26.	Adjustment of Status
E28	Children of E21 or E26.	Adjustment of Status
ES1	Soviet scientists.	New Arrival
ES6	Soviet scientists.	Adjustment of Status

The Employment-Based Second Preference Category (EB-2) is designated for professionals holding advanced degrees or persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. This category also has provisions for individuals who meet specific criteria, such as Soviet scientists under the ES designation. Here’s a detailed look at each of the LPR category codes within EB-2:

a. Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees

1. E21: This code is for professionals holding an advanced degree (beyond a baccalaureate degree), or a baccalaureate degree and at least five years progressive experience in their profession, entering the U.S. as new arrivals. The job they are coming to must require an advanced degree.
2. E26: Similar to E21, but for those already in the U.S. who are adjusting their status to permanent resident. This allows individuals who have come to the U.S. for work or other reasons to adjust their status based on their professional qualifications and the job offer requiring an advanced degree.

b. Family Members of EB-2 Applicants

1. E22: Spouses of individuals classified under E21 or E26, issued for new arrivals. This facilitates the immigration of spouses alongside the principal applicant to the U.S.
2. E23: Children of professionals classified under E21 or E26, also issued for new arrivals. It allows the minor children of EB-2 applicants to accompany or follow to join their parent.
3. E27: Spouses of E21 or E26 professionals, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This ensures that spouses can adjust their status concurrently with the principal applicant.
4. E28: Children of E21 or E26 professionals, issued for those adjusting their status. This code allows children to adjust their status along with their parents, maintaining family unity.

c. Soviet Scientists

1. ES1: Designated for Soviet scientists immigrating to the U.S. as new arrivals. This specific code acknowledges the historical context and the U.S. interest in attracting scientific talent from the Soviet Union.
2. ES6: Similar to ES1, but for Soviet scientists who are adjusting their status within the United States. This allows for Soviet scientists already in the U.S. to obtain permanent residency.

C. Employment-Based Third Preference Category (EB-3)

Code	Description	Process
E30	Children of E31, E32, E36, or E37.	Adjustment of Status
E31	Skilled workers.	New Arrival
E32	Professionals with baccalaureate degrees.	New Arrival
E34	Spouses of E31, E32, E36, or E37.	New Arrival
E35	Children of E31, E32, E36, or E37.	New Arrival
E36	Skilled workers.	Adjustment of Status
E37	Professionals with baccalaureate degrees.	Adjustment of Status
E39	Spouses of E31, E32, E36, or E37.	Adjustment of Status
EC6	Chinese Student Protection Act (CSPA) principals.	Adjustment of Status
EC7	Spouses of EC6.	Adjustment of Status
EC8	Children of EC6.	Adjustment of Status
EW0	Children of EW3 or EW8.	Adjustment of Status
EW3	Needed unskilled workers.	New Arrival
EW4	Spouses of EW3 or EW8.	New Arrival
EW5	Children of EW3 or EW8.	New Arrival
EW8	Needed unskilled workers.	Adjustment of Status
EW9	Spouses of EW3 or EW8.	Adjustment of Status
EX1	Schedule A worker.	New Arrival
EX2	Spouses of EX1 or EX6.	New Arrival
EX3	Children of EX1 or EX6.	New Arrival
EX6	Schedule A worker.	Adjustment of Status
EX7	Spouses of EX1 or EX6.	Adjustment of Status
EX8	Children of EX1 or EX6.	Adjustment of Status

The Employment-Based Third Preference Category (EB-3) encompasses skilled workers, professionals with baccalaureate degrees, and other workers, including unskilled labor, necessary for the U.S. economy. This category aims to fill gaps in the workforce with foreign nationals when qualified U.S. workers are unavailable. Here’s a detailed look at each of the Green Card category codes within EB-3:

a. Skilled Workers and Professionals

1. E31: Skilled workers with at least 2 years of job experience or training, entering the U.S. as new arrivals. This code is for those whose jobs require skills not readily available in the U.S. labor market.
2. E32: Professionals with baccalaureate degrees, entering as new arrivals. Applicants in this subcategory must demonstrate that their job requires at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent and that they possess such a degree.
3. E36: Skilled workers, similar to E31, but for those already in the U.S. and adjusting their status to permanent resident.
4. E37: Professionals with baccalaureate degrees, akin to E32, but for individuals adjusting their status within the United States.

b. Other Workers

1. EW3: Other workers, including unskilled labor not requiring two years of training or experience, issued for new arrivals. This subcategory addresses the need for unskilled labor in the U.S. economy.
2. EW8: Other workers, similar to EW3, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S.

c. Schedule A Workers

1. EX1: Schedule A workers, such as nurses and physical therapists, who are in professions the Department of Labor has determined there are not enough U.S. workers able, willing, qualified, and available, issued for new arrivals.
2. EX6: Schedule A workers, akin to EX1, but for individuals already in the U.S. adjusting their status.

d. Chinese Student Protection Act (CSPA)

1. EC6: Principals under the Chinese Student Protection Act (CSPA), adjusting their status. This special designation allows certain Chinese nationals affected by the 1992 Act to adjust their status.

e. Family Members

For skilled workers, professionals, and other workers:

1. E34: Spouses of E31, E32, E36, or E37, issued for new arrivals.
2. E35: Children of E31, E32, E36, or E37, issued for new arrivals.
3. E39: Spouses of E31, E32, E36, or E37, issued for adjustment of status.
4. E30: Children of E31, E32, E36, or E37, issued for adjustment of status.

For other workers:

1. EW4: Spouses of EW3 or EW8, issued for new arrivals.
2. EW5: Children of EW3 or EW8, issued for new arrivals.
3. EW9: Spouses of EW3 or EW8, issued for adjustment of status.
4. EW0: Children of EW3 or EW8, issued for adjustment of status.

For Schedule A workers:

1. EX2: Spouses of EX1 or EX6, issued for new arrivals.
2. EX3: Children of EX1 or EX6, issued for new arrivals.
3. EX7: Spouses of EX1 or EX6, issued for adjustment of status.
4. EX8: Children of EX1 or EX6, issued for adjustment of status.

For CSPA beneficiaries:

1. EC7: Spouses of EC6, issued for adjustment of status.
2. EC8: Children of EC6, issued for adjustment of status.

D. Employment-Based Fourth Preference Category (EB-4)

Code	Description	Process
BC1	Broadcast employees (IBCB of BBG).	New Arrival
BC2	Spouses of BC1 or BC6.	New Arrival
BC3	Children of BC1 or BC6.	New Arrival
BC6	Broadcast employees (IBCG of BBG).	Adjustment of Status
BC7	Spouses of BC1 or BC6.	Adjustment of Status
BC8	Children of BC1 or BC6.	Adjustment of Status
SD1	Ministers.	New Arrival
SD2	Spouses of SD1 or SD6.	New Arrival
SD3	Children of SD1 or SD6.	New Arrival
SD6	Ministers.	Adjustment of Status
SD7	Spouses of SD1 or SD6.	Adjustment of Status
SD8	Children of SD1 or SD6.	Adjustment of Status
SE1	Employees of US government abroad.	New Arrival
SE2	Spouses of SE1 or SE6.	New Arrival
SE3	Children of SE1 or SE6.	New Arrival
SE6	Employees of US government abroad.	Adjustment of Status
SE7	Spouses of SE1 or SE6.	Adjustment of Status
SE8	Children of SE1 or SE6.	Adjustment of Status
SF1	Former employees of the Panama Canal Company/Government.	New Arrival
SF2	Spouses or children of SF1 or SF6.	New Arrival
SF6	Former employees of the Panama Canal Company/Government.	Adjustment of Status
SF7	Spouses or children of SF1 or SF6.	Adjustment of Status
SG1	Former US government employees in the Panama Canal Zone.	New Arrival
SG2	Spouses or children of SG1 or SG6.	New Arrival
SG6	Former US government employees in the Panama Canal Zone.	Adjustment of Status
SG7	Spouses or children of SG1 or SG6.	Adjustment of Status
SH1	Former employees of the Panama Canal Company/Government, employed on April 1, 1979.	New Arrival
SH2	Spouses or children of SH1 or SH6.	New Arrival
SH6	Former employees of the Panama Canal Company/Government, employed on April 1, 1979.	Adjustment of Status
SH7	Spouses or children of SH1 or SH6.	Adjustment of Status
SJ2	Spouses or children of SJ6.	New Arrival
SJ6	Foreign medical school graduates, licensed to practice in the US on Jan. 9, 1978.	Adjustment of Status
SJ7	Spouses or children of SJ6.	Adjustment of Status
SK1	Retired employees of international organizations.	New Arrival
SK2	Spouses of SK1 or SK6.	New Arrival
SK3	Certain unmarried children of SK1 or SK6.	New Arrival
SK4	Certain surviving spouses of deceased international organization employees.	New Arrival
SK6	Retired employees of international organizations.	Adjustment of Status
SK7	Spouses of SK1 or SK6.	Adjustment of Status
SK8	Certain unmarried children of SK1 or SK6.	Adjustment of Status
SK9	Certain surviving spouses of deceased international organization employees.	Adjustment of Status
SL1	Juvenile court dependents.	New Arrival
SL6	Juvenile court dependents.	Adjustment of Status
SN1	Retired NATO-6 civilian employees.	New Arrival
SN2	Spouses of SN1 or SN6.	New Arrival
SN3	Certain unmarried sons/daughters of SN1 or SN6.	New Arrival
SN4	Certain surviving spouses of deceased NATO-6 civilian employees.	New Arrival
SN6	Retired NATO-6 civilian employees.	Adjustment of Status
SN7	Spouses of SN1 or SN6.	Adjustment of Status
SN8	Certain unmarried sons/daughters of SN1 or SN6.	Adjustment of Status
SN9	Certain surviving spouses of deceased NATO-6 civilian employees.	Adjustment of Status
SR1	Religious workers.	New Arrival
SR2	Spouses of SR1 or SR6.	New Arrival
SR3	Children of SR1 or SR6.	New Arrival
SR6	Religious workers.	Adjustment of Status
SR7	Spouses of SR1 or SR6.	Adjustment of Status
SR8	Children of SR1 or SR6.	Adjustment of Status

The Employment-Based Fourth Preference Category (EB-4) is for special immigrants, which includes a wide range of individuals such as religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, broadcasters, and certain members of international organizations. This category also covers juveniles under the protection of the court and individuals from specific employment backgrounds such as those associated with the Panama Canal Zone. Here’s a detailed look at each of the Green Card category codes within EB-4:

a. Broadcasters

The BC category codes within the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category pertain specifically to broadcasters and their immediate family members. This group includes individuals working as broadcasters for the International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) or for a grantee of such an organization.

1. BC1: This code is for broadcasters employed by the International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) or a grantee of such organization, entering the U.S. as new arrivals. It recognizes the unique role of broadcasters who disseminate information that promotes U.S. interests abroad.
2. BC2: Spouses of BC1 or BC6 broadcasters, issued for new arrivals. This allows the spouses of qualifying broadcasters to accompany or follow to join them in the United States, supporting family reunification.
3. BC3: Children of BC1 or BC6 broadcasters, also issued for new arrivals. It covers minor children, ensuring they can live in the U.S. with their broadcaster parent.
4. BC6: Broadcasters, similar to BC1, but for those already in the United States and adjusting their status to permanent residency. This category is for broadcasters who may have initially come to the U.S. on a temporary basis but are now seeking to become lawful permanent residents.
5. BC7: Spouses of BC1 or BC6 broadcasters, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. It facilitates the concurrent adjustment of status for spouses of broadcasters transitioning to permanent residency.
6. BC8: Children of BC1 or BC6 broadcasters, issued for adjustment of status. This code allows for the minor children of broadcasters to adjust their status along with their parent, promoting family unity during the immigration process.

b. Religious Ministers

The SD category codes specifically target ministers and their immediate family members under the U.S. immigration framework, facilitating both their entry as new arrivals and the adjustment of their status if they’re already in the U.S.

Ministers

1. SD1: This code is designated for ministers who are coming to the U.S. as new arrivals. It acknowledges ministers who have been approved to immigrate to the United States based on their vocation, allowing them to serve their religious communities within the country.
2. SD6: Similar to SD1, but for ministers who are already present in the United States and are seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This category enables ministers who initially came to the U.S. for religious work on a temporary basis to obtain permanent residency.

Family Members of Ministers

1. SD2: Spouses of SD1 or SD6, issued for new arrivals. This code facilitates the immigration process for the spouses of ministers, enabling them to accompany or join their partner in the United States, thereby supporting family unity.
2. SD3: Children of SD1 or SD6, also issued for new arrivals. It covers the minor children of ministers, ensuring that they can live in the U.S. with their parent(s).
3. SD7: Spouses of SD1 or SD6, issued for those already in the U.S. and adjusting their status. This allows spouses of ministers who are adjusting their status to permanent residency to do so alongside their partner, maintaining family unity.
4. SD8: Children of SD1 or SD6, issued for adjustment of status. This code enables children who are already in the U.S. to adjust their status along with their minister parent, facilitating the family’s transition to permanent residency together.

c. Employees of the U.S. Government Abroad

The SE category codes within the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) cater to employees of the U.S. government stationed abroad, along with their spouses and children. This includes a diverse group of individuals who have served the U.S. government in various capacities outside the United States.

1. SE1: This code is for employees of the U.S. government working abroad, issued for new arrivals. It recognizes the service of U.S. government employees who have been stationed outside the United States and are now moving to the U.S., potentially as part of retirement or a change in their official duties.
2. SE2: Spouses of SE1 or SE6 employees, issued for new arrivals. This facilitates the immigration of spouses alongside the principal applicant, supporting the principle of family reunification.
3. SE3: Children of SE1 or SE6 employees, also issued for new arrivals. This code ensures that the minor children of U.S. government employees can accompany or follow to join their parent in immigrating to the United States.
4. SE6: Employees of the U.S. government abroad, similar to SE1, but for those already in the U.S. and adjusting their status to permanent residency. This category is particularly for U.S. government employees who may have returned to the U.S. on a temporary basis and are now seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident.
   Family Members of U.S. Government Employees Adjusting Status
5. SE7: Spouses of SE1 or SE6 employees, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This allows spouses to adjust their status concurrently with the principal applicant, maintaining family unity.
6. SE8: Children of SE1 or SE6 employees, issued for adjustment of status. This enables children to adjust their status along with their parents, ensuring that families can stay together during the transition to permanent residency.

d. Former Employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government

These category codes pertain to specific groups within the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category, focusing on former employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government, and other related entities, along with their families. Each group represents individuals with a historical or specific employment connection to U.S. operations in the Panama Canal Zone.

1. SF1: This code is for former employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government, issued for new arrivals. It recognizes the contributions of those who worked in the Panama Canal Zone under U.S. administration, facilitating their immigration to the U.S.
2. SF6: Similar to SF1, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This allows former employees who are already in the United States to adjust their status to permanent residency.
3. SF2: Spouses or children of SF1 or SF6, issued for new arrivals. This code helps ensure that the families of former Panama Canal Zone employees can accompany or follow to join them in the United States.
4. SF7: Spouses or children of SF1 or SF6, issued for adjustment of status. It allows families already in the U.S. to adjust their status alongside the principal applicant.
5. SG1: This code is for former U.S. government employees who worked in the Panama Canal Zone, issued for new arrivals. It’s designed for those whose service was directly under the U.S. government, differentiating them from employees of the Canal Company or Canal Zone Government.
6. SG6: Similar to SG1, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S., allowing these individuals to become lawful permanent residents based on their previous employment.
7. SG2: Spouses or children of SG1 or SG6, issued for new arrivals. This facilitates family reunification for those immigrating to the U.S.
8. SG7: Spouses or children of SG1 or SG6, issued for adjustment of status. It supports families in adjusting their status together within the United States.
9. SH1: This code is for former employees of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government who were employed on April 1, 1979, issued for new arrivals. It recognizes a specific group of employees based on their employment status on a pivotal date related to the transition of canal operations.
10. SH6: Similar to SH1, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S., providing a pathway to permanent residency for this distinct group.
11. SH2: Spouses or children of SH1 or SH6, issued for new arrivals. This ensures that families of this specific group of former employees can immigrate together to the U.S.
12. SH7: Spouses or children of SH1 or SH6, issued for adjustment of status. It allows for family members already in the U.S. to adjust their status concurrently with the principal applicant.

e. Foreign Medical School Graduates

The SJ category codes within the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) specifically address a unique group of individuals: foreign medical school graduates who were licensed to practice medicine in the United States on January 9, 1978. This provision acknowledges the contributions and specific circumstances of these medical professionals.

1. SJ6: This code is for foreign medical school graduates who were licensed to practice in the United States on January 9, 1978, and are now seeking to adjust their status to become lawful permanent residents. This specific date is significant because it marks a cutoff for eligibility under this provision, recognizing the long-standing contributions of these medical professionals within the U.S. healthcare system.
2. SJ2: Spouses or children of SJ6, issued for new arrivals. This code facilitates the immigration of immediate family members of eligible foreign medical graduates, ensuring that they can accompany or follow to join the principal applicant in the United States.
3. SJ7: Spouses or children of SJ6, issued for adjustment of status. This allows the immediate family members of these medical professionals who are already in the U.S. to adjust their status concurrently with the principal applicant, promoting family unity during the adjustment process.

f. Retired Employees of International Organizations

The SK category codes within the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) are designated for retired employees of international organizations, certain unmarried children and surviving spouses of these employees, and other specific categories related to international organization employment. These provisions recognize the contributions of individuals who have served with international organizations with which the U.S. government participates.

1. SK1: For retired employees of international organizations, issued for new arrivals. This code facilitates the immigration of individuals who have dedicated a significant portion of their careers to serving in international organizations recognized by the U.S.
2. SK6: Similar to SK1, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This allows retired international organization employees already in the United States to become lawful permanent residents.
3. SK2: Spouses of SK1 or SK6, issued for new arrivals. This code ensures that the spouses of retired international organization employees can accompany or follow to join them in the United States.
4. SK3: Certain unmarried children of SK1 or SK6, issued for new arrivals. It covers eligible children, allowing them to immigrate with their retired international organization employee parent.
5. SK7: Spouses of SK1 or SK6, issued for adjustment of status. This facilitates the adjustment of status for spouses of retired international organization employees who are already in the U.S.
6. SK8: Certain unmarried children of SK1 or SK6, issued for adjustment of status. This allows children to adjust their status concurrently with their retired international organization employee parent.
7. SK4: Certain surviving spouses of deceased international organization employees, issued for new arrivals. This provision acknowledges the surviving spouses, allowing them to immigrate to the U.S. based on their deceased spouse’s service with an international organization.
8. SK9: Similar to SK4, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S. It enables surviving spouses already in the United States to adjust their status to permanent residency.

g. Juvenile Court Dependents

The SL category codes within the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) are designated for juvenile court dependents, a unique group recognized under U.S. immigration law. This category specifically addresses the needs of juveniles who have been declared dependent on a juvenile court in the United States and for whom it has been determined that it is not in their best interest to return to their country of nationality or last habitual residence.

1. SL1: This code is for juveniles who have been declared dependent on a juvenile court in the United States and are issued for new arrivals. It allows these juveniles, who may not have traditional family ties or may be escaping abusive situations, to apply for lawful permanent residency in the U.S. This provision acknowledges the vulnerability of such juveniles and offers them a path to stability and safety.
2. SL6: Similar to SL1, but for juveniles who are already in the United States and are adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This category facilitates the adjustment process for juveniles under the protection of a U.S. juvenile court who may have entered the U.S. on a temporary basis or without lawful status and are now seeking to regularize their status based on the court’s dependency order.

h. Retired NATO-6 Civilian Employees

The SN category codes within the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) specifically address retired NATO-6 civilian employees and their family members. This includes not only the employees themselves but also their spouses, unmarried children, and certain surviving spouses. These provisions recognize the contributions and unique status of individuals who have worked for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in civilian capacities.

1. SN1: For retired NATO-6 civilian employees, issued for new arrivals. This category facilitates the immigration of individuals who have retired from civilian positions within NATO, allowing them to settle in the U.S. as lawful permanent residents.
2. SN6: Similar to SN1, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This allows retired NATO-6 civilian employees who are already in the United States to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident.
3. SN2: Spouses of SN1 or SN6, issued for new arrivals. This code ensures that the spouses of retired NATO-6 civilian employees can accompany or follow to join them in the United States.
4. SN3: Certain unmarried sons/daughters of SN1 or SN6, issued for new arrivals. It covers eligible children, allowing them to immigrate with their retired NATO-6 civilian employee parent.
5. SN7: Spouses of SN1 or SN6, issued for adjustment of status. This facilitates the adjustment of status for spouses of retired NATO-6 civilian employees who are already in the U.S.
6. SN8: Certain unmarried sons/daughters of SN1 or SN6, issued for adjustment of status. This allows children to adjust their status concurrently with their retired NATO-6 civilian employee parent.
7. SN4: Certain surviving spouses of deceased NATO-6 civilian employees, issued for new arrivals. This provision acknowledges the surviving spouses, allowing them to immigrate to the U.S. based on their deceased spouse’s service with NATO.
8. SN9: Similar to SN4, but for those adjusting their status within the U.S. It enables surviving spouses already in the United States to adjust their status to permanent residency.

i. Religious Workers

The SR category codes within the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) are designated for religious workers and their immediate family members. This category is specifically tailored for those coming to the United States to work in a religious capacity, including ministers, priests, nuns, monks, religious instructors, missionaries, and other workers employed by a religious organization. Here’s a detailed look at each of the SR category codes:

1. SR1: This code is for religious workers who are coming to the U.S. as new arrivals to carry out religious work in a full-time compensated position. It includes ministers of religion and other workers engaged in religious vocations or occupations.
2. SR2: Spouses of SR1 or SR6 religious workers, issued for new arrivals. This code facilitates the immigration of spouses alongside the principal applicant, supporting the principle of family reunification.
3. SR3: Children of SR1 or SR6 religious workers, also issued for new arrivals. It ensures that the minor children of religious workers can accompany or follow to join their parent in immigrating to the United States.
4. SR6: Religious workers, similar to SR1, but for those already in the United States and adjusting their status to permanent residency. This category is for religious workers who may have initially come to the U.S. on a temporary basis but are now seeking to become lawful permanent residents based on their religious work.
5. SR7: Spouses of SR1 or SR6 religious workers, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This allows spouses to adjust their status concurrently with the principal applicant, maintaining family unity.
6. SR8: Children of SR1 or SR6 religious workers, issued for adjustment of status. This enables children to adjust their status along with their parent, promoting family unity during the immigration process.

E. Employment-Based Fifth Preference Category (EB-5)

Code	Description	Process
C51	Employment creation, not in a targeted area.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
C52	Spouses of C51 or C56.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
C53	Children of C51 or C56.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
C56	Employment creation, not in a targeted area.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
C57	Spouses of C51 or C56.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
C58	Children of C51 or C56.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
E51	Employment creation.	New Arrival
E52	Spouses of E51 or E56.	New Arrival
E53	Children of E51 or E56.	New Arrival
E56	Employment creation.	Adjustment of Status
E57	Spouses of E51 or E56.	Adjustment of Status
E58	Children of E51 or E56.	Adjustment of Status
I51	Employment creation in a targeted area, pilot program.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
I52	Spouses of I51 or I56.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
I53	Children of I51 or I56.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
I56	Employment creation in a targeted area, pilot program.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
I57	Spouses of I51 or I56.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
I58	Children of I51 or I56.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
R51	Investor pilot program, not targeted.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
R52	Spouses of R51 or R56.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
R53	Children of R51 or R56.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
R56	Investor pilot program, not targeted.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
R57	Spouses of R51 or R56.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
R58	Children of R51 or R56.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
T51	Employment creation in a targeted area.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
T52	Spouses of T51 or T56.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
T53	Children of T51 or T56.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
T56	Employment creation in a targeted area.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
T57	Spouses of T51 or T56.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
T58	Children of T51 or T56.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card

a. Immigrant Investors

The C5 and T5 category codes are related to the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) category, which is designated for immigrant investors. This category allows foreign investors to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States for themselves, their spouses, and their unmarried children under 21 years of age through investment in a new commercial enterprise that benefits the U.S. economy and creates a required number of full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers. Here’s a detailed look at each of the LPR category codes within EB-5:

1. C51: This code is for the principal investor, who invests the required amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise in the United States that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers. The investment amount varies depending on the location of the enterprise, with a lower amount required for investments in targeted employment areas (TEAs), which are either rural areas or areas with high unemployment.
2. C52: Spouses of C51 immigrant investors, issued for new arrivals. This code allows the spouses of EB-5 investors to accompany or follow to join the principal investor in the United States.
3. C53: Children of C51 immigrant investors, also issued for new arrivals. It covers unmarried children under the age of 21, ensuring they can live in the U.S. with their investor parent.
4. C56: Immigrant investors, similar to C51, but for those already in the United States on a different visa category who are adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident based on their investment.
5. C57: Spouses of C56 immigrant investors, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This facilitates the concurrent adjustment of status for spouses of EB-5 investors.
6. C58: Children of C56 immigrant investors, issued for adjustment of status. This allows children to adjust their status alongside their investor parent, promoting family unity during the adjustment process.

b. Investor Pilot Program – Targeted

The “I5” series codes indeed relate to a specific aspect of the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) category, particularly focusing on the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, which includes investments made in targeted employment areas (TEAs). TEAs are either rural areas or areas with high unemployment rates. The investments in these areas are subject to different minimum investment amounts compared to non-TEA projects. All participants in this program receive conditional green cards subject to removal of conditions upon proving that the investment has led to the creation or preservation of the required number of jobs.

1. I51: This code is designated for new arrivals who invest in a commercial enterprise located within a targeted employment area under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program. The investment must lead to the creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers. Investors receive a conditional green card that requires them to apply for the removal of conditions to prove job creation.
2. I56: Similar to I51, but for investors already in the United States who are adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident under the same pilot program conditions. These investors also receive a conditional green card that requires the removal of conditions based on job creation.
3. I52: Spouses of I51 or I56 investors, issued for new arrivals with a conditional green card. This facilitates family reunification by allowing the investor’s spouse to accompany or follow to join the principal investor in the United States.
4. I53: Children of I51 or I56 investors, also issued for new arrivals with a conditional green card. It covers unmarried children under the age of 21, ensuring they can live in the U.S. with their investor parent.
5. I57: Spouses of I51 or I56 investors, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. to that of a lawful permanent resident. This allows spouses to adjust their status concurrently with the principal investor.
6. I58: Children of I51 or I56 investors, issued for adjustment of status within the U.S. This enables children to adjust their status along with their parent, promoting family unity during the transition to permanent residency.

c. Investor Pilot Program, Not Targeted

The “R5” series codes relate to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, specifically for investments in commercial enterprises that are part of the program but are not located in targeted employment areas (TEAs). These codes are designated for both the investors and their immediate family members, including new arrivals and those adjusting their status within the United States. All recipients under these codes are granted conditional green cards, which are contingent upon the investment leading to the creation or preservation of the required number of jobs for U.S. workers. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. R51: This code is for investors participating in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program through an investment in a commercial enterprise that is not located within a TEA. These investors are issued a conditional green card as new arrivals, based on their investment expected to create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
2. R56: Similar to R51, but for investors already in the United States who are adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident based on their participation in the same pilot program. Like R51, this investment does not have to be in a TEA, and the investor receives a conditional green card that requires removal of conditions.
3. R52: Spouses of R51 or R56 investors, issued for new arrivals with a conditional green card. This allows spouses to accompany or join the principal investor in the U.S., underlining the importance of family unity.
4. R53: Children of R51 or R56 investors, also issued for new arrivals with a conditional green card. It covers unmarried children under the age of 21, enabling them to live in the U.S. with their investor parent.
5. R57: Spouses of R51 or R56 investors, issued for those already in the U.S. and adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This facilitates the concurrent adjustment of status for spouses.
6. R58: Children of R51 or R56 investors, issued for adjustment of status within the U.S. This code allows children to adjust their status alongside their parent, promoting family unity during the adjustment process.

d. Employment Creation in Targeted Areas

The “T5” series codes are associated with the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, specifically focusing on investments made in targeted employment areas (TEAs). TEAs are either rural areas or areas experiencing high unemployment, and investments in these areas are subject to a reduced minimum investment amount compared to non-TEA projects. The goal is to direct investment into regions that can benefit most from economic stimulation and job creation. All participants in this segment of the program are granted conditional green cards, which require them to meet certain conditions related to job creation to have those conditions removed and to secure permanent residency. Here’s a detailed look at each of the “T5” series codes:

1. T51: This code is for new arrivals who have invested in a new commercial enterprise located within a targeted employment area, under the EB-5 program. The investment must lead to the creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers. Investors receive a conditional green card, which is contingent upon proving that the investment has fulfilled the job creation requirements.
2. T56: Similar to T51, but for those already in the United States who are adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident based on their investment in a TEA. These individuals also receive a conditional green card, with the expectation that they will demonstrate the required job creation to remove the conditions on their residency.
3. T52: Spouses of T51 or T56 investors, issued for new arrivals with a conditional green card. This code allows spouses of investors to join the principal applicant in the United States, facilitating family reunification.
4. T53: Children of T51 or T56 investors, also issued for new arrivals with a conditional green card. It covers unmarried children under the age of 21, ensuring that they can accompany or follow to join their investor parent in the U.S.
5. T57: Spouses of T51 or T56 investors, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This enables spouses to adjust their status concurrently with the principal investor, maintaining family unity during the process.
6. T58: Children of T51 or T56 investors, issued for adjustment of status. This code allows children to adjust their status along with their parent, promoting family unity as they transition to permanent residency.

4. Green Card Category Codes for Refugees

Code	Description	Process
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	Adjustment of Status

The Green Card category codes for refugees reflect the U.S. commitment to providing asylum and refuge to individuals fleeing persecution, war, or unrest from various parts of the world. Each category corresponds to specific legislation or policy that has shaped the framework for admitting refugees into the United States and allowing them to adjust to lawful permanent resident status. Here’s a detailed look at these Green Card category codes for refugees:

1. CU6: Cuban refugees, as specified by the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-732), which allows Cuban nationals who have been present in the U.S. for at least one year to apply for permanent residency. This act was designed in response to the large number of Cubans fleeing political persecution following the Cuban Revolution.
2. CU7: Non-Cuban spouses or children of Cuban refugees. This category enables the immediate family members of CU6 refugees to also obtain lawful permanent residency, facilitating family reunification.
3. IC6: Indochinese refugees, covered under the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-145), which was enacted to assist individuals fleeing the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the political upheavals in Southeast Asia.
4. IC7: Spouses or children of Indochinese refugees not qualified as refugees on their own. This category provides a pathway for the family members of IC6 refugees to join them in the U.S.
5. M83: Refugee escapees previously admitted for lawful permanent resident status, adjustments. This category likely pertains to individuals who were initially admitted to the U.S. as refugees and are now adjusting their status to become lawful permanent residents.
6. R86: Refugee parolees, as designated by Public Law 95-412 of 1978, which pertains to certain refugees who were paroled into the United States and are seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident.
7. RE6: Other refugees under the Refugee Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-212), which established the modern framework for the admission of refugees to the United States, setting annual refugee admissions quotas and defining the legal status of refugees.
8. RE7: Spouses of RE6 refugees. This allows spouses of refugees who have been admitted under the Refugee Act of 1980 to obtain lawful permanent residency, emphasizing the importance of keeping families together.
9. RE8: Children of RE6 refugees. This category is for minor children of refugees, facilitating their adjustment to lawful permanent resident status alongside their parents.
10. RE9: Other relatives of RE6 refugees. This category may cover other family members who are eligible to adjust their status based on their relationship to refugees admitted under the Refugee Act of 1980.
11. Y64: Refugees in the United States prior to July 1, 1953, adjustments. This category addresses a very specific group of refugees who arrived in the United States before the enactment of more contemporary refugee policies and legislation.

5. Green Card Category Codes for Asylees

Code	Description
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

The Green Card category codes for asylees are designed to accommodate individuals who have been granted asylum in the United States and their immediate family members. Asylum is granted to individuals already in the United States who are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Here’s a breakdown of the Green Card category codes for asylees and specific groups of asylees from Iraq and Syria:

A. General Asylees

1. AS6: This code is for asylees themselves, individuals who have been granted asylum in the United States based on their persecution or well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.
2. AS7: Spouses of AS6, which allows the spouses of asylees to also obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States, facilitating family reunification.
3. AS8: Children of AS6, designed for the unmarried children under 21 years of age of asylees, allowing them to join their parent in the United States and obtain lawful permanent residency.

B. Iraqi Asylees

1. GA6: Specifically designated for Iraqi asylees, acknowledging the particular circumstances and conflicts that have led Iraqis to seek asylum in the United States.
2. GA7: Spouses of GA6, providing a path for the spouses of Iraqi asylees to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States.
3. GA8: Children of GA6, for the minor children of Iraqi asylees, facilitating their ability to live in the United States with their parents.

C. Syrian Asylees

1. SY6: Specifically for Syrian asylees, recognizing the severe conflict and humanitarian crisis in Syria that has forced many Syrians to flee and seek asylum abroad.
2. SY7: Spouses of SY6, allowing the spouses of Syrian asylees to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States.
3. SY8: Children of SY6, designed for the minor children of Syrian asylees, ensuring they can join their parents in the United States.

6. DV Lottery (Diversity Immigrant Visa Program) Green Card Category Codes

Code	Description	Process
DV1	Principals Applicants	New Arrival
DV2	Spouses of DV1 or DV6.	New Arrival
DV3	Children of DV1 or DV6.	New Arrival
DV6	Principal Applicants	Adjustment of Status
DV7	Spouses of DV1 or DV6.	Adjustment of Status
DV8	Children of DV1 or DV6.	Adjustment of Status

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly referred to as the DV Lottery or Green Card Lottery, is a United States governmental program that makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The Green Card category codes for those selected through this program and their family members are as follows:

A. Principal Applicant

1. DV1: This code is for the principal applicants who have been selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery and are arriving in the U.S. as new immigrants. These individuals are the primary winners of the lottery, having met the eligibility requirements and been selected for a diversity visa.
2. DV6: Similar to DV1, but for principal applicants who are already in the United States and are adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident through the Diversity Visa Program. This category allows those already present in the U.S. on a non-immigrant or another legal status to adjust their status based on their selection in the Diversity Visa Lottery.

B. Family Members

1. DV2: Spouses of DV1 or DV6, for new arrivals. This code allows the spouses of principal Diversity Visa recipients to accompany or follow to join the principal applicant, facilitating family reunification in the United States.
2. DV3: Children of DV1 or DV6, for new arrivals. It covers the unmarried children under the age of 21 of the principal Diversity Visa recipients, allowing them to immigrate to the U.S. with their parent.
3. DV7: Spouses of DV1 or DV6, for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This facilitates the adjustment of status for spouses of Diversity Visa recipients who are already in the United States.
4. DV8: Children of DV1 or DV6, for adjustments. This allows the unmarried children under the age of 21 of Diversity Visa recipients who are already in the U.S. to adjust their status concurrently with their parent.

7. Green Card Category Codes for Parolees

Code	Description
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

The Green Card category codes for parolees reflect the United States’ provisions for individuals who have been granted parole into the country under specific humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons. Parole allows individuals to be in the U.S. temporarily without being formally admitted as immigrants or refugees. These codes particularly address parolees from specific geopolitical contexts or historical periods, allowing them a pathway to adjust to lawful permanent resident status under certain conditions. Here’s a closer look at each of the LPR category codes:

1. ID6: This code is for Indochinese parolees, reflecting the U.S. response to the humanitarian crisis following the Vietnam War and the broader Indochina conflict. It covers individuals from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos who were paroled into the U.S. due to their displacement from the conflict in Southeast Asia.
2. LA6: Parolees from Soviet or Indochinese backgrounds. This category encompasses a broader group, including those fleeing from the former Soviet Union during the Cold War era, in addition to Indochinese parolees.
3. M93: Parolees from Hungary, specifically those previously admitted for lawful permanent resident status. This code likely relates to individuals who fled Hungary following the 1956 uprising against Soviet control and were granted parole into the U.S.
4. PH6: Parolees from Poland and Hungary, reflecting specific periods of political unrest and persecution in those countries. This category accommodates individuals who were granted parole into the U.S. due to their situations in Poland and Hungary, offering them a path to adjust their status to permanent residents.

8. Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) Green Card Category Codes

Code	Description
NC6	Principal Applicants
NC7	Spouses of NC6
NC8	Children of NC6
NC9	Unmarried sons/daughters of NC6

The Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) Section 202 provides certain Nicaraguans, Cubans, Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and nationals of former Soviet bloc countries with a special pathway to adjust to lawful permanent resident status, offering relief to individuals from these countries who had been living in the United States without a secure immigration status. The NACARA was passed in response to the complex political and humanitarian situations that affected these individuals. Here’s a breakdown of the Green Card category codes associated with NACARA:

1. NC6: Principals. This code is for the main beneficiaries of NACARA, typically the individuals who originally fled their home countries and directly qualify under the conditions specified by the Act.
2. NC7: Spouses of NC6. This category allows the spouses of the principal NACARA beneficiaries to also adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident, facilitating family unity.
3. NC8: Children of NC6. It covers the minor children of NACARA beneficiaries, allowing them to obtain lawful permanent residency alongside their parent.
4. NC9: Unmarried sons/daughters of NC6. This category is for the adult unmarried sons and daughters of the principal NACARA beneficiaries, extending eligibility to adjust status to these family members as well.

9. Green Card Category Codes for Cancellation of Removal individuals

Code	Description
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

The Green Card category codes for individuals who have been granted cancellation of removal represent a variety of cases where individuals, initially facing removal (deportation) from the United States, have been allowed to adjust their status to that of lawful permanent residents under certain conditions. These conditions may include specific legislative acts, humanitarian concerns, or other unique circumstances. Here’s a detailed explanation of each Green Card category:

A. Categories of Cancellation of Removal

1. Z11: This code is for preference or non-preference immigrants (other than crewmen) who have been granted cancellation of removal. This broad category can include individuals who, for various reasons such as family ties or employment, have been allowed to remain in the U.S. and adjust their status.
2. Z13: Refers to individuals who fall under Section 244 of the Public Law 89-236, subject to an annual limit of 4,000. This could involve individuals granted suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal under specific criteria set by immigration law, which has evolved over time.
3. Z14: Battered spouses or children who qualify under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994. This provision allows individuals who have been victims of domestic violence by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent to apply for cancellation of removal and adjust to lawful permanent resident status, with an annual cap.
4. Z15: Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and former Soviet bloc country nationals who qualify under NACARA Section 203. This specific provision relates to the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act, offering a path to adjust status for certain nationals affected by U.S. immigration policies and historical geopolitical events.

B. Crewmen Categories

1. Z56: Crewmen who entered the United States on or before June 30, 1964, and are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or qualify as special immigrants. This category acknowledges the unique situation of crewmen who have close family ties in the U.S., allowing them to adjust their status.
2. Z57: Crewmen in the same entry timeframe as Z56 but who fall under the preference or non-preference immigrant categories. This could include crewmen who have established ties in the U.S. or meet other criteria for adjustment of status.

10. Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) Green Card Category Codes

Code	Description
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

The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) provides certain Haitian nationals and their dependents the opportunity to apply for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This act was designed to address the unique situation of Haitian nationals who were in the United States and faced uncertain immigration status. Here’s a breakdown of the Green Card category codes associated with HRIFA:

A. Haitian Asylum Applicants and Parolees

1. HA6: Haitian nationals who have applied for asylum, acknowledging those who fled Haiti due to political persecution or violence and are seeking safety in the U.S.
2. HB6: Haitian nationals who have been paroled into the United States, reflecting a form of temporary protection that allows them to stay in the U.S. due to urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.

B. Family Members

1. HA7 / HB7: Spouses of Haitian asylum applicants (HA6) or Haitian parolees (HB6), allowing family members to join the principal applicant in obtaining lawful permanent residency.
2. HA8 / HB8: Children of Haitian asylum applicants or parolees, ensuring that minor children can remain with their families in the United States.
3. HA9 / HB9: Unmarried sons and daughters of Haitian asylum applicants or parolees, extending eligibility to older children who may not qualify as dependents under other categories.

C. Special Categories for Haitian Children

1. HC6: Haitian children without parents in the United States, addressing the needs of unaccompanied minors or children separated from their families.
2. HD6: Haitian children who became orphaned while in the United States, catering to the needs of children who have lost their parents after arriving in the U.S.
3. HE6: Haitian children abandoned by their parents, focusing on children in the U.S. who have been left without parental care.

D. Family Members of Special Categories

1. HC7 / HD7 / HE7: Spouses of Haitian children under categories HC6, HD6, or HE6, although the applicability of spouses to these child categories may require further clarification.
2. HC8 / HD8 / HE8: Children of Haitian nationals classified under the special categories for children, ensuring that the families of these children can also adjust their status.
3. HC9 / HD9 / HE9: Unmarried sons and daughters of Haitian nationals in the special categories for children, allowing older children to remain with or join their families in the U.S.

11. Green Card Category Codes for IRCA Legalization & Their Dependents

Code	Description	Process
CB1	Spouses of legalized aliens.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
CB2	Children of CB1 or CB6.	New Arrival, Conditional Green Card
CB6	Spouses of legalized aliens.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
CB7	Children of CB1 or CB6.	Adjustment of Status, Conditional Green Card
LB1	Spouses of legalized aliens.	New Arrival
LB2	Children of LB1 or LB6.	New Arrival
LB6	Spouses of legalized aliens.	Adjustment of Status
LB7	Children of LB1 or LB6.	Adjustment of Status
S16	Seasonal Agricultural Workers (SAW), worked at least 90 days during specified years.
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.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 was a significant piece of immigration legislation that aimed to control and deter illegal immigration to the United States. One of the key provisions of IRCA was to legalize certain undocumented immigrants who had entered the country illegally before January 1, 1982. It also provided a special legalization process for certain agricultural workers. The following Green Card category codes relate to individuals who legalized their status through IRCA and their dependents:

A. Spouses and Children of Legalized Aliens

1. CB1: Spouses of legalized aliens, issued for new arrivals with a conditional green card. This category is for spouses of individuals who adjusted their status under IRCA, coming to the U.S. as new arrivals.
2. CB2: Children of CB1 or CB6, issued for new arrivals with a conditional green card. It covers the minor children of legalized aliens who are coming to the United States.
3. CB6: Spouses of legalized aliens, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S., with a conditional green card. This is for spouses already in the U.S. who are adjusting their status based on their relationship with an IRCA legalized alien.
4. CB7: Children of CB1 or CB6, issued for adjustment of status with a conditional green card. This allows children already in the U.S. to adjust their status along with their parent.
5. LB1 / LB6: These codes are similar to CB1 and CB6 but do not specify the issuance of a conditional green card. LB1 is for new arrivals, and LB6 is for those adjusting status within the U.S.
6. LB2 / LB7: Analogous to CB2 and CB7, these codes cover children of LB1 or LB6, for new arrivals and adjustments within the U.S., respectively.

B. Seasonal Agricultural Workers (SAW)

1. S16: For seasonal agricultural workers who worked at least 90 days during each of the years ending on May 1, 1984, 1985, and 1986. This part of IRCA provided legalization for certain agricultural workers based on their work history.
2. S26: Seasonal agricultural workers who worked at least 90 days during the year ending on May 1, 1986.
3. W16: Individuals who entered the United States without inspection before January 1, 1982, and legalized their status under IRCA.
4. W26: Individuals who entered the U.S. as nonimmigrants and overstayed their visa before January 1, 1982, also legalizing their status under IRCA.
5. W36: Individuals granted blanket enforced voluntary departure (EVD) as part of a group, recognizing a specific form of relief provided to certain individuals.

12. Green Card Category Codes for Natives of Certain Adversely Affected Foreign States

Code	Description	Process
AA1	Natives of certain adversely affected foreign states.	New Arrival
AA2	Spouses of AA1 or AA6.	New Arrival
AA3	Children of AA1 or AA6.	New Arrival
AA6	Natives of certain adversely affected foreign states.	Adjustment of Status
AA7	Spouses of AA1 or AA6.	Adjustment of Status
AA8	Children of AA1 or AA6.	Adjustment of Status

The “AA” series of Green Card category codes are designed to address the needs of individuals from certain adversely affected foreign states, allowing them and their immediate family members to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. These codes facilitate both new arrivals and those already in the U.S. seeking to adjust their status. Here’s a detailed look at each of these Green Card category codes:

A. Natives of Certain Adversely Affected Foreign States

1. AA1: This code is for natives of certain adversely affected foreign states who are coming to the U.S. as new arrivals. It recognizes individuals from specific countries or regions that have been significantly impacted by extreme conditions such as natural disasters, ongoing armed conflict, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
2. AA6: Similar to AA1, but for natives of the specified adversely affected foreign states who are already in the United States and are adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This provision allows those who may have entered the U.S. on a temporary basis or without a lawful status to adjust their status due to the conditions in their home countries.

B. Family Members of Natives from Adversely Affected States

1. AA2: Spouses of AA1 or AA6, issued for new arrivals. This code facilitates the immigration process for the spouses of individuals eligible under AA1 or AA6, ensuring family unity by allowing them to accompany or follow to join the principal beneficiary in the U.S.
2. AA3: Children of AA1 or AA6, also issued for new arrivals. It covers unmarried children under the age of 21, enabling them to live in the U.S. with their parent who is a native of an adversely affected foreign state.
3. AA7: Spouses of AA1 or AA6, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This allows spouses of individuals adjusting their status under AA6 to also adjust their status, promoting family reunification within the United States.
4. AA8: Children of AA1 or AA6, issued for adjustment of status. This code enables children already in the U.S. to adjust their status alongside their parent, ensuring that families can remain together as they transition to permanent residency.

13. Amerasians Born in Vietnam Green Card Category Codes

Code	Description	Process
AM1	Amerasians, born in Vietnam between 1/1/62-1/1/76.	New Arrival
AM2	Spouses or children of AM1 or AM6.	New Arrival
AM3	Mothers, guardians, or next of kin of AM1 or AM6.	New Arrival
AM6	Amerasians, born in Vietnam between 1/1/62-1/1/76.	Adjustment of Status
AM7	Spouses or children of AM1 or AM6.	Adjustment of Status
AM8	Mothers, guardians, or next of kin of AM1 or AM6.	Adjustment of Status

The “AM” series of Green Card category codes are dedicated to Amerasians, specifically those born in Vietnam between January 1, 1962, and January 1, 1976. This provision acknowledges the unique circumstances of children born to a Vietnamese parent and an American parent during the Vietnam War era. The categories facilitate both the immigration of Amerasians to the United States as new arrivals and the adjustment of status for those already in the country. Here’s a closer look at each of these category codes:

A. Amerasians Born in Vietnam

1. AM1: This code is for Amerasians born in Vietnam between the specified dates who are coming to the U.S. as new arrivals. It recognizes the children born of American and Vietnamese parentage during the Vietnam War, offering them a pathway to immigrate to the United States.
2. AM6: Similar to AM1, but for Amerasians who are already in the United States and are adjusting their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This provision allows those Amerasians who may have initially entered the U.S. under different circumstances to regularize their status.

B. Family Members of Amerasians

1. AM2 / AM7: These codes are for the spouses or children of AM1 or AM6, with AM2 issued for new arrivals and AM7 for those adjusting their status within the U.S. These categories ensure that the immediate family members of Amerasians can accompany them or follow to join them in the United States, facilitating family reunification.
2. AM3 / AM8: These codes are for the mothers, guardians, or next of kin of AM1 or AM6, with AM3 issued for new arrivals and AM8 for those adjusting their status. Recognizing the significant role that these individuals play in the lives of Amerasians, these categories provide a way for close relatives or guardians to join or remain with their Amerasian family members in the U.S.

14. Cuban Haitian Entrants Green Card Category Codes

Code	Description	Process
CH6	Cuban Haitian entrants.	Adjustment of Status
DS1	Individuals born under diplomatic status.	Adjustment of Status
HH6	Parolees adjusting under the Help HAITI Act of 2010	Adjustment of Status

These Green Card category codes represent specific groups under U.S. immigration law, each with unique circumstances that allow for the adjustment of status to lawful permanent residency:

A. Cuban Haitian Entrants

• CH6: This code is for Cuban Haitian entrants adjusting their status under the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 (Public Law 99-603). The IRCA included provisions for certain Cuban and Haitian nationals who had entered the United States in a particular status that allowed them to apply for an adjustment to lawful permanent resident status. This category acknowledges the complex political and humanitarian circumstances that have led Cuban and Haitian nationals to seek refuge in the United States.

B. Individuals Born Under Diplomatic Status

• DS1: This unique category is for individuals who were born in the United States to parents with diplomatic status. Children born in the U.S. to foreign diplomats do not automatically acquire U.S. citizenship due to the diplomatic status of their parents, which exempts them from being “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States, a requirement for acquiring citizenship at birth. This code allows such individuals to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident if they choose to remain in the U.S. and do not claim citizenship of their parents’ country.

C. Parolees Adjusting Under the Help HAITI Act of 2010

• HH6: This code pertains to parolees who are adjusting their status under the Help HAITI Act of 2010. This Act was passed in response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010 and allowed certain Haitian nationals who were paroled into the United States on humanitarian grounds following the earthquake to apply for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status. The Act recognizes the dire situation in Haiti following the disaster and provides a pathway for Haitian nationals who found temporary refuge in the U.S. to obtain permanent residency.

15. Green Card Category Codes for Displaced Tibetans

Code	Description	Process
DT1	Natives of Tibet who continuously resided in Nepal or India (Displaced Tibetan).	New Arrival
DT2	Spouses of DT1 or DT6.	New Arrival
DT3	Children of DT1 or DT6.	New Arrival
DT6	Natives of Tibet who continuously resided in Nepal or India (Displaced Tibetan).	Adjustment of Status
DT7	Spouses of DT1 or DT6.	Adjustment of Status
DT8	Children of DT1 or DT6.	Adjustment of Status

The DT category codes pertain to displaced Tibetans and their family members, recognizing a specific group of individuals for U.S. immigration purposes. These codes are designed for natives of Tibet who have continuously resided in Nepal or India and their eligibility for resettlement in the United States, either as new arrivals or through adjustment of status if already in the U.S. Here’s a detailed look at each of the DT category codes:

A. Displaced Tibetans

1. DT1: This code is for natives of Tibet who have continuously resided in Nepal or India, issued for new arrivals. It applies to Tibetans who, due to political circumstances in Tibet, have been living in exile and are being resettled in the United States.
2. DT6: Similar to DT1, but for natives of Tibet who have continuously resided in Nepal or India and are already in the United States, seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This provides a pathway for displaced Tibetans already in the U.S. to regularize their immigration status.

B. Family Members of Displaced Tibetans

1. DT2: Spouses of DT1 or DT6, issued for new arrivals. This category allows the spouses of displaced Tibetans to accompany or join them in the United States, facilitating family reunification.
2. DT3: Children of DT1 or DT6, also issued for new arrivals. It covers the minor children of displaced Tibetans, ensuring they can live in the U.S. with their parents.
3. DT7: Spouses of DT1 or DT6, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This enables spouses of displaced Tibetans already in the U.S. to adjust their status concurrently with the principal applicant.
4. DT8: Children of DT1 or DT6, issued for adjustment of status. This code allows children already in the U.S. to adjust their status along with their Tibetan parent, promoting family unity during the transition to permanent residency.

16. Hong Kong Business Employees Green Card Category Codes

Code	Description	Process
HK1	Hong Kong business employees.	New Arrival
HK2	Spouses of HK1 or HK6.	New Arrival
HK3	Children of HK1 or HK6.	New Arrival
HK6	Hong Kong business employees.	Adjustment of Status
HK7	Spouses of HK1 or HK6.	Adjustment of Status
HK8	Children of HK1 or HK6.	Adjustment of Status

The “HK” series of Green Card category codes are specifically designed for Hong Kong business employees and their immediate family members, facilitating both their immigration to the United States as new arrivals and the adjustment of status for those already in the U.S. This reflects a targeted approach to recognize and provide for individuals from Hong Kong engaged in business activities that contribute to economic interactions between Hong Kong and the United States. Here’s a closer look at each of the HK category codes:

A. Hong Kong Business Employees

1. HK1: This code is for Hong Kong business employees coming to the U.S. as new arrivals. It’s designated for individuals engaged in business activities that warrant immigration to the United States, acknowledging the unique economic and business ties between Hong Kong and the U.S.
2. HK6: Similar to HK1, but for Hong Kong business employees who are already in the United States and are seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This category allows for the regularization of the status of Hong Kong business employees who are contributing to the U.S. economy.

B. Family Members of Hong Kong Business Employees

1. HK2: Spouses of HK1 or HK6, issued for new arrivals. This facilitates the immigration process for the spouses of Hong Kong business employees, enabling family unity by allowing spouses to accompany or follow to join the principal applicant in the United States.
2. HK3: Children of HK1 or HK6, also issued for new arrivals. It covers the minor children of Hong Kong business employees, ensuring they can live in the U.S. with their parent(s).
3. HK7: Spouses of HK1 or HK6, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This code enables spouses of Hong Kong business employees to adjust their status concurrently with the principal applicant, promoting family reunification within the United States.
4. HK8: Children of HK1 or HK6, issued for adjustment of status. This allows children already in the U.S. to adjust their status alongside their parent(s), facilitating the transition to permanent residency for the entire family.

17. Green Card Category Codes for Northern Mariana Islands (MR series)

Code	Description	Process
MR0	Parents of US citizens presumed to be lawful permanent resident aliens – Northern Mariana Islands.	Adjustment of Status
MR6	Spouses of US citizens presumed to be lawful permanent resident aliens – Northern Mariana Islands.	Adjustment of Status
MR7	Children of US citizens presumed to be lawful permanent resident aliens – Northern Mariana Islands.	Adjustment of Status

1. MR0: Parents of U.S. citizens presumed to be lawful permanent resident aliens in the Northern Mariana Islands, issued for adjustment of status. This code reflects specific immigration provisions related to the status of individuals in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory.
2. MR6: Spouses of U.S. citizens presumed to be lawful permanent resident aliens in the Northern Mariana Islands, issued for adjustment of status. It caters to the spouses of U.S. citizens residing in the Northern Mariana Islands, facilitating their adjustment to lawful permanent residency.
3. MR7: Children of U.S. citizens presumed to be lawful permanent resident aliens in the Northern Mariana Islands, issued for adjustment of status. This provision supports family unity by allowing children to adjust their status along with their parents.

18. Investor Status Prior to June 1, 1978 (NP series) Green Card Category Codes

Code	Description	Process
NP8	Alien who filed and was qualified with investor status prior to June 1, 1978.
NP9	Spouses or children of NP8.	Adjustment of Status

1. NP8: Alien who filed and was qualified with investor status prior to June 1, 1978. This unique category recognizes individuals who made significant investments in the U.S. economy before this date and provides a pathway for them to adjust their status.
2. NP9: Spouses or children of NP8, issued for adjustment of status. This ensures that the immediate family members of qualifying investors can also adjust their status and reside in the U.S. as lawful permanent residents.

19. Registered Nurses (RN series) Green Card Category Codes

Code	Description	Process
RN6	Certain former H1 nonimmigrant registered nurses.	Adjustment of Status
RN7	Spouses or children of RN6.	Adjustment of Status

1. RN6: Certain former H1 nonimmigrant registered nurses, issued for adjustment of status. This Green Card category allows registered nurses who were previously in the U.S. on H1 visas—a nonimmigrant visa category for temporary workers—to adjust their status to permanent residency, acknowledging their contribution to the healthcare sector.
2. RN7: Spouses or children of RN6, issued for adjustment of status. This facilitates family reunification by allowing the families of registered nurses to obtain lawful permanent residency.

20. Green Card Category Codes for Individuals Who Lost U.S. Citizenship

Code	Description	Process
SC1	Lost citizenship through marriage.	New Arrival
SC2	Lost citizenship through serving in foreign armed forces.	New Arrival
SC6	Lost citizenship through marriage.	Adjustment of Status
SC7	Lost citizenship through serving in foreign armed forces.	Adjustment of Status

The SC category codes address unique circumstances under U.S. immigration law, specifically for individuals who previously lost their U.S. citizenship either through marriage to a foreign national or by serving in foreign armed forces. These codes provide pathways for these individuals to regain lawful status in the United States, whether they are entering as new arrivals or adjusting their status from within the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of each Green Card category:

A. Lost Citizenship Through Marriage

1. SC1: For individuals who lost their U.S. citizenship through marriage to a foreign national, issued for new arrivals. This category recognizes individuals who, under previous laws, may have automatically lost their U.S. citizenship by marrying a non-U.S. citizen under certain conditions. It provides a pathway for them to reacquire U.S. residency.
2. SC6: Similar to SC1, but for those who are already in the United States and seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident after having lost citizenship through marriage to a foreign national. This allows for the regularization of their status within the U.S.

B. Lost Citizenship Through Serving in Foreign Armed Forces

1. SC2: For individuals who lost their U.S. citizenship as a consequence of serving in foreign armed forces, issued for new arrivals. This category applies to former U.S. citizens who may have forfeited their citizenship by voluntarily enlisting in the military services of a foreign country, especially if they took an oath of allegiance to that country.
2. SC7: Similar to SC2, but for individuals adjusting their status within the United States. This code provides a means for individuals who lost their U.S. citizenship by serving in foreign armed forces to regain lawful permanent residency in the U.S.

21. Green Card Category Codes for Special Immigrant Interpreters and Translators

Code	Description	Process
SI1	Special immigrant interpreters who are nationals of Iraq or Afghanistan.	New Arrival
SI2	Spouses of SI1 or SI6.	New Arrival
SI3	Children of SI1 or SI6.	New Arrival
SI6	Special immigrant interpreters who are nationals of Iraq or Afghanistan.	Adjustment of Status
SI7	Spouses of SI1 or SI6.	Adjustment of Status
SI8	Children of SI1 or SI6.	Adjustment of Status

The “SI” series of Green Card category codes are designated for special immigrant interpreters, translators, and others who have worked with the U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority as a direct result of their employment, specifically those who are nationals of Iraq or Afghanistan. This provision acknowledges the risks and contributions of these individuals in support of U.S. efforts in their home countries. The categories also provide for the immigration or adjustment of status for their family members. Here’s a detailed look at each of the SI Green Card category codes:

A. Special Immigrant Interpreters and Translators

1. SI1: This code is for special immigrant interpreters and translators who are nationals of Iraq or Afghanistan and are coming to the U.S. as new arrivals. It recognizes the invaluable assistance provided by these individuals to the U.S. military and other U.S. entities, offering them and their families a path to safety and permanent residency in the United States.
2. SI6: Similar to SI1, but for special immigrant interpreters and translators already in the United States who are seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This category facilitates the transition for those who have already entered the U.S., acknowledging their service and providing a pathway to secure their status.

B. Family Members of Special Immigrant Interpreters and Translators

1. SI2: Spouses of SI1 or SI6, issued for new arrivals. This category allows the spouses of special immigrant interpreters and translators to accompany or join them in the United States, supporting family reunification.
2. SI3: Children of SI1 or SI6, also issued for new arrivals. It covers the minor children of these special immigrants, ensuring they can live in the U.S. with their parent(s).
3. SI7: Spouses of SI1 or SI6, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This facilitates the adjustment of status for spouses of special immigrant interpreters and translators, allowing families to achieve permanency together in the United States.
4. SI8: Children of SI1 or SI6, issued for adjustment of status. This enables children already in the U.S. to adjust their status along with their parent(s), promoting family unity during the transition to permanent residency.

22. U.S. Armed Forces Personnel Green Card Category Codes

Code	Description	Process
SM0	Spouses or children of SM4 or SM9.	Adjustment of Status
SM1	US Armed Forces personnel, service (12 years) after 10/1/91.	New Arrival
SM2	Spouses of SM1 or SM6.	New Arrival
SM3	Children of SM1 or SM6.	New Arrival
SM4	US Armed Forces personnel, service (12 years) by 10/91.	New Arrival
SM5	Spouses or children of SM4 or SM9.	New Arrival
SM6	US Armed Forces personnel, service (12 years) after 10/1/91.	Adjustment of Status
SM7	Spouses of SM1 or SM6.	Adjustment of Status
SM8	Children of SM1 or SM6.	Adjustment of Status
SM9	US Armed Forces personnel, service (12 years) by 10/91.	Adjustment of Status

The “SM” series of Green Card category codes are dedicated to U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their family members. These codes provide pathways for both new arrivals and those seeking to adjust their status within the United States, based on military service. Here’s a detailed look at each of the SM category Green Card codes:

A. U.S. Armed Forces Personnel

1. SM1: For U.S. Armed Forces personnel who have served for 12 years after October 1, 1991, issued for new arrivals. This category recognizes the contributions of long-serving military members by offering them a path to immigration as new arrivals.
2. SM4: Similar to SM1, but for U.S. Armed Forces personnel who completed their 12 years of service by October 1991, also issued for new arrivals. It acknowledges the service of military personnel during earlier periods.
3. SM6: For U.S. Armed Forces personnel who have served for 12 years after October 1, 1991, but are issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This provides a pathway for military personnel already in the country to obtain lawful permanent residency based on their service.
4. SM9: Similar to SM6, but for personnel who completed their service by October 1991, issued for adjustment of status. This category allows for long-serving military personnel from earlier periods to adjust their status within the United States.

B. Family Members of U.S. Armed Forces Personnel

1. SM2 / SM7: These codes are for the spouses of SM1 or SM6 personnel, with SM2 issued for new arrivals and SM7 for those adjusting their status within the U.S. They facilitate the immigration process for military spouses, promoting family unity.
2. SM3 / SM8: For the children of SM1 or SM6 personnel, with SM3 issued for new arrivals and SM8 for adjustments of status. These categories ensure that the minor children of military personnel can either accompany or follow to join their parent in the United States or adjust their status along with them.
3. SM0 / SM5: These codes are somewhat unique in that SM0 is for spouses or children of SM4 or SM9 personnel adjusting their status within the U.S., while SM5 is for spouses or children of the same personnel but issued for new arrivals. Both categories recognize the importance of family members in the lives of military personnel and provide avenues for them to live legally in the U.S.

23. Green Card Category Codes for Iraqis and Afghans Employed by the U.S. Government

Code	Description	Process
SQ1	Certain Iraqis and Afghans employed by US Government.	New Arrival
SQ2	Spouses of SQ1 or SQ6.	New Arrival
SQ3	Children of SQ1 or SQ6.	New Arrival
SQ6	Certain Iraqis and Afghans employed by US Government.	Adjustment of Status
SQ7	Spouses of SQ1 or SQ6.	Adjustment of Status
SQ8	Children of SQ1 or SQ6.	Adjustment of Status

The “SQ” series of Green Card category codes are specifically tailored for certain Iraqis and Afghans who were employed by the U.S. government, recognizing their contributions and the risks associated with their service. This program provides a pathway for these individuals and their immediate family members to immigrate to the United States or adjust their status if they are already in the U.S. Here’s a detailed look at each of the SQ category Green Card codes:

A. Certain Iraqis and Afghans Employed by the U.S. Government

1. SQ1: This code is for certain Iraqis and Afghans who were employed by the U.S. government and are coming to the U.S. as new arrivals. It acknowledges the valuable and often dangerous work performed by these individuals in support of U.S. missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
2. SQ6: Similar to SQ1, but for certain Iraqis and Afghans already in the United States who are seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident based on their employment with the U.S. government. This category allows those who have already provided service to the U.S. government to regularize their immigration status.

B. Family Members of Certain Iraqis and Afghans Employed by the U.S. Government

1. SQ2: Spouses of SQ1 or SQ6, issued for new arrivals. This code facilitates the immigration process for the spouses of Iraqis and Afghans employed by the U.S. government, enabling them to accompany or follow to join the principal applicant in the United States.
2. SQ3: Children of SQ1 or SQ6, also issued for new arrivals. It covers the minor children of these employees, ensuring they can live in the U.S. with their parent(s).
3. SQ7: Spouses of SQ1 or SQ6, issued for those adjusting their status within the U.S. This enables spouses of Iraqis and Afghans employed by the U.S. government to adjust their status concurrently with the principal applicant, promoting family reunification within the United States.
4. SQ8: Children of SQ1 or SQ6, issued for adjustment of status. This allows children already in the U.S. to adjust their status alongside their parent(s), facilitating the transition to permanent residency for the entire family.

24. Green Card Category Codes for T Nonimmigrant Status

Code	Description	Process
ST0	Adjustment of T4 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status
ST6	Adjustment of T1 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status
ST7	Adjustment of T2 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status
ST8	Adjustment of T3 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status
ST9	Adjustment of T5 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status

The “ST” series of Green Card category codes relate to individuals who initially entered the United States under T nonimmigrant status, which is granted to victims of human trafficking and certain family members. These codes specifically cater to the adjustment of status process, allowing these individuals to transition from T nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status under certain conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the ST Green Card category codes:

1. ST6: This code is for the adjustment of status of T1 nonimmigrants, the principal victims of human trafficking. It allows those who have been granted T1 status, due to being victims of severe forms of trafficking and who have complied with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking, to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident.
2. ST7: For the adjustment of status of T2 nonimmigrants, who are the spouses of T1 nonimmigrants. This provision facilitates the transition of spouses of human trafficking victims from temporary to permanent residency, acknowledging the family unity principle.
3. ST8: Pertains to the adjustment of status of T3 nonimmigrants, the children of T1 nonimmigrants. This code ensures that the children of human trafficking victims can obtain permanent residency in the United States, supporting their well-being and integration into U.S. society.
4. ST9: For the adjustment of status of T5 nonimmigrants, who are the parents of T1 nonimmigrants (if the T1 nonimmigrant is under 21 years of age). This category recognizes the importance of reuniting human trafficking victims with their parents for their recovery and rehabilitation.
5. ST0: Concerns the adjustment of status of T4 nonimmigrants, which includes unmarried siblings under the age of 18 of T1 nonimmigrant minors. This provision acknowledges the vulnerability of these siblings and allows them to adjust their status to LPR along with the principal applicant.

25. Green Card Category Codes for U Nonimmigrant Status

Code	Description	Process
SU0	Adjustment of U4 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status
SU2	Spouses of SU6.	New Arrival
SU3	Children of SU6.	New Arrival
SU5	Parents of SU6.	New Arrival
SU6	Adjustment of U1 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status
SU7	Adjustment of U2 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status
SU8	Adjustment of U3 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status
SU9	Adjustment of U5 nonimmigrant.	Adjustment of Status

The “SU” series of Green Card category codes are related to individuals who initially entered the United States under U nonimmigrant status, which is designated for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse as a result and have assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. These codes cover the adjustment of status process for these individuals and their qualifying family members to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs). Here’s a detailed look at each of the SU category Green Card codes:

1. SU6: This code is for the adjustment of status of U1 nonimmigrants, the principal victims of qualifying criminal activities who have assisted or are willing to assist law enforcement authorities. It allows those granted U1 status to apply for permanent residency after meeting certain criteria, including being present in the U.S. for a continuous period on U nonimmigrant status and continuing to be eligible for U nonimmigrant status.
2. SU7: For the adjustment of status of U2 nonimmigrants, who are the spouses of U1 nonimmigrants. This category facilitates the transition to LPR status for spouses of U visa holders, recognizing the importance of family unity.
3. SU8: Pertains to the adjustment of status of U3 nonimmigrants, the children of U1 nonimmigrants. This code supports the adjustment process for children of U visa holders, ensuring their ability to obtain permanent residency alongside their parent.
4. SU9: For the adjustment of status of U5 nonimmigrants, who are the parents of U1 nonimmigrants (if the U1 nonimmigrant is under 21 years of age). This category allows parents of minor U visa holders to adjust their status, facilitating family support and unity.
5. SU2: Spouses of SU6 – issued for new arrivals. This code is designated for the spouses of U1 nonimmigrants adjusting their status to permanent residency, allowing for the spouses to accompany or follow to join the principal beneficiary in the U.S.
6. SU3: Children of SU6 – issued for new arrivals. It covers the minor children of U1 nonimmigrants adjusting their status, enabling them to live in the U.S. with their parents.
7. SU5: Parents of SU6 – issued for new arrivals. This provision is for the parents of U1 nonimmigrants (if the U1 is a minor), supporting the resettlement of the entire family when the principal beneficiary is adjusting status.
8. SU0: Adjustment of U4 nonimmigrant. Although not as commonly referenced, this code would logically pertain to other qualifying family members of U1 nonimmigrants, such as siblings, when the U1 nonimmigrant is a minor, allowing for a broader family support network during the adjustment process.

26. Green Card Category Codes for Children of Visa Holders & Children Born Abroad to Alien Residents

Code	Description	Process
XA3	Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s non-quota visa.	New Arrival
XB3	Presumed lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
XE3	Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s employment-based preference visa.	New Arrival
XF3	Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s family-sponsored preference visa.	New Arrival
XN3	Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s visa other.	New Arrival
XR3	Children born subsequent to issuance of parent’s immediate relative of US citizen visa.	New Arrival
NA3	Children born abroad to alien residents

1. XA3: For children born subsequent to the issuance of a parent’s non-quota visa. This category allows children born after their parent received a non-quota immigrant visa to enter the U.S. as new arrivals, ensuring family unity.
2. XE3: Pertains to children born after the issuance of a parent’s employment-based preference visa. It ensures that children born after their parent has been granted an employment-based visa can join their parent in the United States.
3. XF3: For children born after the issuance of a parent’s family-sponsored preference visa. This category allows for the children of family-preference immigrants to accompany or follow to join their parent(s) in the U.S.
4. XN3: Covers children born subsequent to the issuance of a parent’s visa classified as “other,” accommodating various visa categories not explicitly mentioned elsewhere.
5. XR3: For children born subsequent to the issuance of a parent’s visa for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. This ensures that children born after their parent has been granted an immediate relative visa can join their parent in the United States.
6. NA3: This unique category is for children born abroad to alien residents. This category facilitates the lawful permanent residency process for children born while their parents were in the status of being parolees or otherwise temporarily in the United States.

27. Green Card Category Codes for Other Immigration Processes

Code	Description	Process
S13	American Indians born in Canada.	New Arrival
W46	Late amnesty applicants (Immigration Reform and Control Act).
Z03	Entered 7/1/24-6/28/40, Section 249, P.L. 89-236.	Adjustment of Status
Z33	Entered before 7/1/24, Section 249, P.L. 89-236.	Adjustment of Status
Z43	Private bill.	Adjustment of Status
Z66	Entered 6/29/40-1/1/72, Section 249, P.L. 89-236.	Adjustment of Status
Z83	A foreign government official who is an immediate relative of US citizen or special immigrant.

A. Presumed Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence and Historical Provision

1. XB3: Designated for individuals presumed lawfully admitted for permanent residence. This category may cover cases where there is a presumption of lawful admission based on specific circumstances or documentation.
2. Z03: For individuals who entered the United States between July 1, 1924, and June 28, 1940, and are eligible for adjustment of status under Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Public Law 89-236). This historical provision allows certain long-term residents who entered the U.S. during this period to adjust their status to that of lawful permanent residents.

B. Green Card Category Codes for Historical Entries and Private Bills

1. Z33: For individuals who entered the United States before July 1, 1924, and are adjusting their status under Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Public Law 89-236). This provision allows certain long-standing residents who do not have official records of their admission to adjust their status to lawful permanent residents.
2. Z43: Pertains to individuals for whom a private bill has been passed in Congress, allowing them to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident. Private bills are rare and typically address immigration cases with compelling humanitarian issues that fall outside the scope of existing law.
3. Z66: For individuals who entered the United States between June 29, 1940, and January 1, 1972, and are eligible for adjustment of status under Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This category recognizes long-term residents who may not have entered the country with official documentation or whose documentation has been lost or was never formalized.

C. American Indians Born in Canada (S13) Green Card Category Codes

1. S13: American Indians born in Canada, issued for new arrivals. This category is based on provisions of the Jay Treaty of 1794 and subsequent agreements, which allow individuals of American Indian heritage born in Canada to live and work in the United States.

D. Foreign Government Officials and Immediate Relatives Green Card Category Codes

1. Z83: A unique category for a foreign government official who is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or qualifies as a special immigrant. This could cover scenarios where a foreign diplomat or official, due to their familial ties or other special circumstances, seeks to adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

E. Green Card Category Codes Late Amnesty Applicants

1. W46: This category specifically addresses individuals who applied for amnesty under IRCA after the initial application period had ended. Recognizing that some eligible individuals may not have been able to apply during the original timeframe for various reasons, the “late amnesty” provision allowed for an extended opportunity to apply for legalization. This pathway was intended to regularize the status of undocumented immigrants who met the residency and presence requirements set forth in the 1986 law but missed the initial deadline.

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