If you’ve received or are applying for a Green Card, you may have noticed a category code like E26, IR1, or F21 printed on your card or USCIS documents. These codes indicate the basis of your Green Card approval — and they matter. At Rokas Law Office, we help clients decode their status and prepare the strongest application for marriage-based Green Cards and beyond. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list and explanation of Green Card category codes, including the widely searched E26 and E27 categories.
What Is a Green Card Category Code?
A Green Card category code is a 3-letter and number combination printed on your physical card. It identifies the specific immigration benefit under which you received your permanent resident status. These codes help USCIS, immigration lawyers, and employers understand the legal basis of your residency.
Example:
- E26 means you are a spouse of a U.S. citizen who adjusted status in the U.S. based on an approved I-130 petition.
- E27 is similar but typically applies to spouses who went through consular processing abroad.
Green Card Category Code List
Below is a list of common Green Card codes and what they mean. We include categories relevant to marriage-based immigration as well as others frequently searched:
Family-Based Green Card Codes:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| IR1 | Spouse of a U.S. citizen (married more than 2 years at approval) |
| CR1 | Spouse of a U.S. citizen (conditional, married less than 2 years) |
| IR2 | Child of a U.S. citizen |
| F21 | Spouse of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) |
| FX1 | Spouse of LPR, following to join |
Employment-Based and Other Family-Linked Codes:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| E26 | Spouse of a U.S. citizen (adjustment of status within the U.S.) |
| E27 | Spouse of a U.S. citizen (processed through a U.S. consulate abroad) |
| E36 | Child of an E26 principal |
| E37 | Child of an E27 principal |
Additional Common Green Card Categories:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| C09 | Adjustment applicant with approved I-765 (often marriage-based) |
| K1/K2 | Fiancé(e) visa entrants adjusting status |
| DV1–DV3 | Diversity Visa lottery winners and family members |
What Category Applies to Marriage-Based Green Cards?
If you are applying for a Green Card through marriage, your category will likely be:
- IR1 or CR1 (direct spousal route)
- E26 or E27 (depending on processing location)
- C09 (if you’re in the process of adjustment)
These codes affect the type of documentation required and the timeline for approval.
E26 vs E27 – What’s the Difference?
- E26 Category: Spouse of a U.S. citizen adjusting status inside the U.S. (Form I-485)
- E27 Category: Spouse of a U.S. citizen approved via a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad (Immigrant Visa Process)
Both lead to lawful permanent residence, but the application path is different. At Rokas Law Office, we guide you through both routes with precision.
Need Help Understanding Your Green Card Category?
The code on your Green Card tells part of your immigration story — but navigating USCIS can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a marriage-based Green Card, adjusting status, or unsure what your E26/E27 code means, our office is here to help.
Contact Us Today
Contact Rokas Law Office today for a free consultation and personalized legal guidance for your Green Card application. We specialize in Green Card by Marriage cases and make the process clear, efficient, and successful.
