Your green card number is a unique identifier assigned to you by the United States government. It’s used to track your immigration records and status, and you’ll need it when you’re filling out employment forms, if you plan to travel outside of the U.S., and if you need to renew or replace your green card.
The numbers on your green card may seem random, but they actually have specific meanings. Understanding your green card number can give you valuable information about your immigrant category. In this guide to understanding your green card numbers, we explain what the numbers and categories are and what other numbers you may find on your green card application.
What Is a Green Card Number?
A green card number is a unique 13-digit identification number that is assigned to a permanent resident of the United States. Here are some of the basic points to keep in mind about your green card number:
- Format: The green card number usually appears in three lines on the back of the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). It may be formatted as “XXX-XXX-XXX-XXX” or as three rows of three, four, and six digits.
- Uniqueness: Each green card holder is assigned a unique number, which remains the same even if your green card is renewed or replaced.
- Different from A-Number: The green card number is not the same as the Alien Registration Number (A-Number). The A-Number is typically a 9-digit number that starts with the letter “A” and is used to track your immigration records.
- Purpose: The green card number is used for identification purposes and to verify your permanent resident status. It is also used by government agencies to maintain records of green card holders.
- Importance: Green card holders may be asked to provide your green card number when completing various forms, such as tax returns, employment eligibility verification (Form I-9), or driver’s license applications.
If you are a permanent resident, it’s essential to keep your green card and green card number secure, as they serve as proof of your legal status in the United States. If you lose your green card or it is stolen, report it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immediately and apply for a replacement card.
What Do the Numbers on a Green Card Mean?
The numbers on a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) have specific meanings and provide important information about the cardholder’s identity and immigration status. Here’s a breakdown of the numbers you’ll typically find on a green card:
USCIS Number (Green Card Number):
- 13-digit number unique to each green card holder
- Appears on the front of the card, below the cardholder’s name
- Format: “XXX-XXX-XXX-XXX” or three rows of three, four, and six digits
- Used for identification purposes and to verify the cardholder’s permanent resident status
Alien Registration Number (A-Number):
- Unique 7, 8, or 9-digit number assigned to each foreign national
- Appears on the front of the card, below the USCIS Number
- Format: “A123456789” or similar
- Used to track the individual’s immigration records
Card Expiration Date:
- Indicates when the physical green card expires and needs to be renewed
- Appears on the front of the card in the format “MM/DD/YYYY”
Green card holders who have been granted conditional permanent residence will have a card valid for 2 years, while those granted permanent residence will have a card valid for 10 years
Birth Date:
- Cardholder’s date of birth
- Appears on the front of the card in the format “MM/DD/YYYY”
Card Number:
- Unique number assigned to each physical green card
- Appears on the back of the card
- Used to track the production and issuance of the physical card
Immigrant Category:
- A letter and number code indicating the immigrant category under which the individual obtained permanent residence
- Appears on the front of the card under the “Category” section
These numbers, along with other information on the green card (such as the cardholder’s name, photo, and country of birth), help establish the cardholder’s identity and verify their legal permanent resident status in the United States.
Important: It’s essential for green card holders to keep their card secure and report any loss or theft to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immediately.
How do I read my green card number?
Reading a green card number isn’t as complicated as it seems at first glance – if you understand what the numbers mean. To read your green card number, locate the 13-digit number on your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). The number may be formatted in three lines or as one continuous string. Here’s how to read the number:
Locate the number:
- On newer green cards (issued after May 2017), the number is printed on the back of the card, in the top right corner.
- On older green cards (issued before May 2017), the number is printed on the front of the card, under the “USCIS#” label.
Reading the number:
- If the number is formatted in three lines, read each line from left to right, starting with the top line.
- If the number is formatted as one continuous string, read the number from left to right.
Example (three-line format):
XXX-XX-
XXXX-XXX-
XXX
Example (continuous string format):
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
What are the green card category codes?
Green card category codes are letter and number combinations that indicate the immigrant category under which an individual obtained their permanent resident status in the United States. These codes are typically found on the front of the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) under the “Category” section.
Here are some common green card category codes and their meanings:
Family-Based Categories:
- IR1, CR1: Spouse of a U.S. citizen
- IR2, CR2: Unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen
- IR3, IH3, IR4, IH4: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen or prospective adoptee coming to the U.S. to be adopted
- IR5: Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old
- F1: Unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen
- F2A, F2B: Spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident
- F3: Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen
- F4: Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen
Employment-Based Categories:
- EB1: Priority workers (persons with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or multinational executives and managers)
- EB2: Professionals with advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability
- EB3: Skilled workers, professionals, or other workers
- EB4: Special immigrants (religious workers, broadcasters, Iraqi/Afghan translators, etc.)
- EB5: Immigrant investors
Diversity Immigrant Category:
- DV1, DV2, DV3: Diversity immigrant (winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery)
Refugee and Asylee Categories:
- AS6, AS7, AS8: Asylees
- RE6, RE7, RE8, RE9: Refugees
Other Categories:
- SL1, SL2, SL3, SL6, SL7, SL8, SL9: Special immigrant juveniles
- CU6, CU7: Victims of crimes who assisted law enforcement (U nonimmigrant)
- SU6: Victims of criminal activity (U nonimmigrant)
- SU7: Spouses of U nonimmigrants
- C1, C2, C3, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9: Victims of human trafficking (T nonimmigrant)
This list is not exhaustive, and there are other less common category codes. If you are unsure about your green card category code, you can refer to your immigrant visa or approval notice, or contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for more information.
How do I know what category my green card is?
To determine the category of your green card, you can check the “Category” section on the front of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). The category is indicated by a combination of letters and numbers, such as “IR1,” “EB2,” or “DV1.”
If you don’t have your physical green card yet, you can refer to the following documents to find your category:
Immigrant Visa:
If you obtained your green card through consular processing, your immigrant visa should have a category listed on it. The category on your immigrant visa will match the category on your green card.
Approval Notice (Form I-797):
If you adjusted your status within the United States, you should have received an approval notice (Form I-797) when your application was approved. The notice will include the category under which your green card was approved.
USCIS Online Case Status:
If you have a USCIS online account and your case was approved, you might be able to find your category information in the case details.
Notice of Action (Form I-797):
Throughout the green card application process, you may have received various Notices of Action (Form I-797). Some of these notices might include information about your green card category.
If you are still unsure about your green card category, you can contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or ask FileRight for assistance. Knowing your green card category is important, as it can affect your rights, privileges, and eligibility for certain benefits as a permanent resident.
