In the U.S. immigration system, obtaining a Green Card (lawful permanent resident status) allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. There are multiple categories through which individuals can apply for a Green Card. These categories are primarily divided based on family relationships, employment, and special provisions. Below is an overview of the various Green Card categories, designed to help clients better understand their eligibility options.
Family-Based Green Cards
Family-based Green Cards are available for individuals with specific family relationships to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. These categories are subject to country limitations, meaning the availability of visas can vary by the applicant’s country of origin.
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens have a straightforward path to obtaining a Green Card. These individuals are exempt from annual visa caps and country limitations.
| Category |
Description |
| IR0 |
Parent of a U.S. citizen (via Adjustment of Status) |
| IR1 |
Spouse of a U.S. citizen (via Immigrant Visa) |
| IR2 |
Child of a U.S. citizen (via Immigrant Visa) |
| IR3 |
Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen (via Immigrant Visa) |
| IR4 |
Orphan to be adopted by a U.S. citizen (via Immigrant Visa) |
| IR5 |
Parent of a U.S. citizen (via Immigrant Visa) |
| IR6 |
Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (via Adjustment of Status) |
| IR7 |
Child of a U.S. Citizen (via Adjustment of Status) |
| IR8 |
Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen (via Adjustment of Status) |
| IR9 |
Orphan to be adopted by a U.S. citizen (via Adjustment of Status) |
For other family members, Green Cards are issued under annual quotas. Country limitations and visa backlogs may apply.
| Category |
Description |
| F11 |
Unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F16 |
Unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F12 |
Child of an alien classified as F11 or F16 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F17 |
Child of an alien classified as F11 or F16 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F20 |
Child of an alien classified as F24 or F29 – subject to country limitations (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F21 |
Spouse of a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien – subject to country limitations (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F22 |
Child (under 21 years of age) of a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien – subject to country limitations (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F23 |
Child of an alien classified as F21 or F26 – subject to country limitations (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F24 |
Unmarried son or daughter (21 years of age or older) of a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien – subject to country limitations (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F25 |
Child of an alien classified as F24 or F29 – subject to country limitations (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F26 |
Spouse of a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien – subject to country limitations (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F27 |
Child (under 21 years of age) of a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien – subject to country limitations (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F28 |
Child of an alien classified as F21 or F26 – subject to country limitations (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F29 |
Unmarried son or daughter (21 years of age or older) of a lawful permanent resident alien – subject to country limitations (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F31 |
Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F32 |
Spouse of an alien classified as F31 or F36 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F33 |
Child of an alien classified as F31 or F36 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F36 |
Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F37 |
Spouse of an alien classified as F31 or F36 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F38 |
Child of an alien classified as F31 or F36 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F41 |
Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F42 |
Spouse of an alien classified as F41 or F46 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F43 |
Child of an alien classified as F41 or F46 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| F46 |
Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F47 |
Spouse of an alien classified as F41 or F46 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| F48 |
Child of an alien classified as F41 or F46 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| FX1 |
Spouse of a lawful permanent resident alien – exempt from country limitations (via Immigrant Visa) |
| FX2 |
Child (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident alien – exempt from country limitations (via Immigrant Visa) |
| FX3 |
Child of an alien classified as FX1, FX2, FX7, or FX8 – exempt from country limitations (via Immigrant Visa) |
| FX6 |
Spouse of a lawful permanent resident alien – exempt from country limitations (via Adjustment of Status) |
| FX7 |
Child (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident alien – exempt from country limitations (via Adjustment of Status) |
| FX8 |
Child of an alien classified as FX1, FX2, FX7, or FX8 (via Adjustment of Status) |
Certain categories, such as spouses and children of lawful permanent residents, are given conditional Green Cards. These cards are temporary and typically last for two years. After that, applicants must apply for the conditions to be removed.
| Category |
Description |
| C20 |
Child of an alien classified as C24 or C29 – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| C21 |
Child of an alien classified as C24 or C29 – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| C22 |
Stepchild (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident alien (subject to country limitations) – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| C23 |
Child of an alien classified as C21, C22, C26, or C27 (subject to country limitations) – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| C24 |
Unmarried son or daughter (21 years of age or older) who is a stepchild of a lawful permanent resident alien (subject to country limitations) – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| C25 |
Child of an alien classified as C24 or C29 – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| C26 |
Spouse of a lawful permanent resident alien (subject to country limitations) – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| C27 |
Stepchild (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident alien (subject to country limitations) – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| C28 |
Child of an alien classified as C21, C22, C26, or C27 (subject to country limitations) – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| C29 |
Unmarried son or daughter (21 years of age or older) who is a stepchild of a lawful permanent resident alien (subject to country limitations) – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| C31 |
Married son or daughter who is a stepchild of a U.S. citizen – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| C32 |
Spouse of an alien classified as C31 or C36 – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| C33 |
Child of an alien classified as C31 or C36 – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| C36 |
Married son or daughter who is a stepchild of a U.S. citizen – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| C37 |
Spouse of an alien classified as C31 or C36 – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| C38 |
Child of an alien classified as C31 or C36 – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| CR1 |
Spouse of a U.S. citizen – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| CR2 |
Stepchild of a U.S. citizen – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| CR6 |
Spouse of a U.S. citizen – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| CR7 |
Stepchild of a U.S. citizen – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| CX1 |
Spouse of a lawful permanent resident alien (exempt from country limitations)- conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| CX2 |
Stepchild (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident alien (exempt from country limitations) – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| CX3 |
Child of an alien classified as CX2 or CX7 (exempt from country limitations) – conditional (via Immigrant Visa) |
| CX6 |
Spouse of a lawful permanent resident alien (exempt from country limitations)- conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| CX7 |
Stepchild (under 21 years of age) of a lawful permanent resident alien (exempt from country limitations) – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| CX8 |
Child of an alien classified as CX2 or CX7 (exempt from country limitations) – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
Employment-Based Green Cards
Employment-based Green Cards are typically for workers with specific skills, education, or experience that fill positions needed by U.S. employers. These categories also include priority workers, professionals, and skilled workers.
Priority workers are individuals with extraordinary abilities or those who hold positions in high demand.
| Category |
Description |
| E10 |
Child of a priority worker classified as E11, E16, E12, E17, E13, or E18 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E11 |
Priority worker – alien with extraordinary ability (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E12 |
Priority worker – outstanding professor or researcher (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E13 |
Priority worker – certain multinational executive or manager (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E14 |
Spouse of a priority worker classified as E11, E16, E12, E17, E13, or E18 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E15 |
Child of a priority worker classified as E11, E16, E12, E17, E13, or E18 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E16 |
Priority worker – alien with extraordinary ability (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E17 |
Priority worker – outstanding professor or researcher (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E18 |
Priority worker – certain multinational executive or manager (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E19 |
Spouse of a priority worker classified as E11, E16, E12, E17, E13, or E18 (via Adjustment of Status) |
Skilled workers, professionals, and those with exceptional abilities can also apply for a Green Card under these categories
| Category |
Description |
| E21 |
Professional holding an advanced degree or of exceptional ability (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E22 |
Spouse of an alien classified as E21 or E26 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E23 |
Child of an alien classified as E21 or E26 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E26 |
Professional holding an advanced degree or of exceptional ability (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E27 |
Spouse of an alien classified as E21 or E26 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E28 |
Child of an alien classified as E21 or E26 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E30 |
Child of a skilled worker or professional classified as E31, E36, E32, or E37 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E31 |
Alien who is a skilled worker (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E32 |
Professional who holds a baccalaureate degree or who is a member of a profession (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E34 |
Spouse of a skilled worker or professional classified as E31, E36, E32, or E37 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E35 |
Child of a skilled worker or professional classified as E31, E36, E32, or E37 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| E36 |
Alien who is a skilled worker (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E37 |
Professional who holds a baccalaureate degree or who is a member of a profession (via Adjustment of Status) |
| E39 |
Spouse of a skilled worker or professional classified as E31, E36, E32, or E37 (via Adjustment of Status) |
Unskilled workers who perform labor for which qualified U.S. workers are unavailable may also apply for a Green Card.
| Category |
Description |
| EW0 |
Child of an alien classified as EW3 or EW8 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| EW3 |
Other worker performing unskilled labor, not of a temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not available in the United States (via Immigrant Visa) |
| EW4 |
Spouse of an alien classified as EW3 or EW8 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| EW5 |
Child of an alien classified as EW3 or EW8 (via Immigrant Visa) |
| EW8 |
Other worker performing unskilled labor, not of a temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not available in the United States (via Adjustment of Status) |
| EW9 |
Spouse of an alien classified as EW3 or EW8 (via Adjustment of Status) |
Green Cards for Special Categories
There are also specific Green Card categories based on unique circumstances.
| Category |
Description |
| CF1 |
Alien whose record of admission is created upon the conclusion of a valid marriage contract after entering as a fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| CF2 |
Minor stepchild of an alien classified as CF1 – conditional (via Adjustment of Status) |
| IF1 |
Alien whose record of admission is created upon the conclusion of a valid marriage contract after entering as a fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen (via Adjustment of Status) |
| IF2 |
Minor child of an alien classified as IF1 (via Adjustment of Status) |
| NA3 |
Child born during the temporary visit abroad of a mother who is a lawful permanent resident alien or national of the United States (via Immigrant Visa) |
| XE3 |
Child born subsequent to the issuance of a visa. Parent is employment-based preference immigrant (via Immigrant Visa) |
| XF3 |
Child born subsequent to the issuance of a visa. Parent is a family-based preference immigrant (via Immigrant Visa) |
| XR3 |
Child born subsequent to the issuance of a visa. Parent is an immediate relative immigrant (via Immigrant Visa) |
Why Work with an Experienced Immigration Attorney?
The U.S. immigration system offers a variety of Green Card categories, each tailored to specific family relationships, employment types, and special circumstances. For anyone considering applying for a Green Card, understanding the specific eligibility criteria is crucial. Consulting with an immigration lawyer can provide guidance on the most suitable path based on individual circumstances, ensuring a smoother process in obtaining lawful permanent resident status.
Ready to begin your Immigration Journey? Contact us for a consultation and let us help you through the process.
