Obtaining a Green Card is a significant milestone for immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States. Understanding your Green Card category is essential, as it can influence your eligibility for other immigration benefits, such as naturalization.
Consulting an experienced Green Card lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your category and ensure your application process goes smoothly. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Antonini & Cohen at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation.
Below, we explore some of the most common Green Card categories and what they mean for your immigration status.
Why are Green Card Codes Important?
Your Green Card category is more than just a code; it reflects the specific immigration pathway through which you obtained permanent residency. It can also impact your ability to adjust your status, petition for family members, or apply for US citizenship. To find your category, look at the center of your Green Card under the word “Category” and compare your code to the list provided. If you believe your card has the incorrect code, requesting a correction from USCIS as soon as possible is crucial.
The attorneys at Antonini & Cohen can help ensure that your Green Card accurately reflects your immigration status. Our experienced Green Card lawyers are ready to guide you through the process if you need assistance. Contact us.
Green Card Categories
Here is a list of some of the most common Green Card categories and their meanings:
IR1: Spouse of a US citizen (married for more than 2 years)
CR1: Spouse of a US citizen (married for less than 2 years)
IR2: Unmarried child (under 21) of a US citizen
IR5: Parent of a US citizen (at least 21 years old)
IR6: Spouse of a US citizen (adjusted status within the US)
CR2: Step-child of a US citizen (under 21)
F1: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of US citizens
F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents
F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents
F3: Married sons and daughters of US citizens
F4: Brothers and sisters of US citizens (if the US citizen is at least 21 years old)
CU6: Cuban refugee
CU7: Non-Cuban spouse or child of a CU6
CX1: Spouse of a lawful permanent resident
CX2: Step-child (under 21) of a lawful permanent resident
For more detailed information, you can explore a complete list of Green Card codes on the USCIS website.
Family-Based Green Cards
Several categories of family-based Green Cards cover spouses, children, parents, and siblings of US citizens and lawful permanent residents.
These family-based Green Cards are divided into immediate relative categories (IR1 and IR2) and family preference categories (F1, F2A, and F4). Understanding these distinctions is critical when petitioning for family members or adjusting your immigration status.
Employment-Based Green Cards
In addition to family-based categories, many Green Cards are granted through employment-based petitions. These categories include:
EB-1: Priority workers, including multinational executives, outstanding professors, and researchers
EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional abilities
EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
EB-4: Special immigrants, such as religious workers or US government employees abroad
EB-5: Immigrant investors
Eligibility for Naturalization
Green Card holders under the “IR6” category (spouses of US citizens) are eligible to apply for naturalization after just three years of permanent residency rather than the usual five years. This shortened timeline is available if the person remains married and lives with the US citizen spouse.
Atlanta Immigration Attorneys
At Antonini & Cohen, we have been successfully helping clients navigate complex immigration issues, including Green Card applications and status adjustments, for 30 years. Whether you need assistance correcting a Green Card code or are ready to apply for US citizenship, our experienced Green Card lawyers are here to guide you.
Contact us at (470) 428-3200 or via our contact form to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with one of Antonini & Cohen’s experienced Green Card lawyers. At Antonini & Cohen, we know how.