Everything You Should Know About Green Card Categories

A green card category code identifies the immigration path under which you became a lawful permanent resident. It appears on your physical green card and affects eligibility rules, processing times, and your path to citizenship

A green card, sometimes referred to as a permanent resident card, allows a non-U.S. citizen to obtain permanent residence in the United States. The green card category codes are used to describe the immigrant visa category used to admit an immigrant to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident.

The US issues green cards annually in different categories. Applicants can apply under one of these categories for a green card that grants them lawful permanent resident status. An immigrant wanting to become a lawful permanent resident can apply under the following categories based on their eligibility criteria. Each category has a separate process and deadline for application, and sometimes you may need the help of an experienced immigration lawyer to get through.

This guide explains all green card categories, who qualifies for them, their codes, and how long each takes to process in 2025.

Employment-Based Green cards

Under this category, there are EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 green cards. Usually, to become a green card holder in this category, an employer who is a U.S. citizen has to sponsor your Green Card if they’re willing. It’s a multi-step, fee-based process.

You may be able to file an I-140 amendment if you are staying with your current employer and your job title and description are only slightly changing. This will ensure that USCIS has the most up-to-date information on your case.

However, if you change employers entirely after filing the I-140 during the green card process, that employer will need to file a new one. Your new employer will also need to obtain a new permanent labor certification if your green card requires one.

USCIS Green Card Processing Times for Different Categories

The timelines for green card applications vary depending on the visa type and are subject to country caps. The previous years’ trends are available using the US citizenship and immigration services processing time data. The USCIS fiscal years run from October 1 of the prior year to September 30 of the year described. For example, the 2021 fiscal year (FY) spans from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.

You can estimate the duration of your immigrant visa application using the historical trends.

Does Green Card Category Matter?

Yes, the category on your green card determines the type of job you can do as a lawful permanent resident. Usually, the USCIS grants green cards if the employee accepts a permanent job. However, permanent doesn’t necessarily mean forever or until retirement. Immigration-wise, “permanent” means “indefinitely.” At the time of approval, the law assumes the employee plans to stay indefinitely.

Changing jobs before receiving your visa can cause eligibility problems for certain visas. USCIS does not require notification of job changes for green card holders and EB-1A and EB-5 applicants whose visas do not depend on their positions.

Can I Apply For Multiple Green Cards at the Same Time?

You can apply for multiple green cards in more than one employment category at the same time. However, this isn’t always a good idea because it is risky. If a previous green card application you filed is denied, your subsequent applications may also be denied.

Ensure that you consult with an immigration attorney before filing your green card application.

Where Can I Find My Green Card Category Code?

Your green card category code is printed on the front of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) next to the word “Category.”

It usually appears as a combination of letters and numbers (for example, IR1, CR1, F2A, EB2, EB3C, etc.) and shows the immigration path under which you received your lawful permanent residence. This code is assigned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when your green card is issued.

Does My Category Affect My Path to Citizenship?

Yes, your green card category affects how long you must hold permanent resident status before applying for Naturalization (citizenship).

Most green card holders must wait 5 years before applying. However, if you got your green card through marriage to a United States citizen (IR1 or CR1 category), you can apply for citizenship after just 3 years, as long as you remain married and living with your U.S. citizen spouse during that time.

Can I Switch From F1 to EB-2?

Yes,  it’s possible to change from a F1 (family-based first preference) category to an EB-2 (employment-based second preference) category if you become eligible for employment-based sponsorship.

To do this, your employer must file a new immigrant petition (Form I-140) and you must go through the PERM labor certification process (unless applying under the National Interest Waiver). Once your EB-2 petition is approved and your priority date is current, you can file a new adjustment of status (Form I-485). The F1 petition doesn’t carry over — it’s essentially starting a new green card process under the EB-2 category.