Before You Begin: Why Reading Your Green Card Matters
A Green Card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), contains important details about your immigration status. It includes your USCIS number (A-number), category code, resident since date, and other key information used in immigration forms, renewals, and citizenship applications.
Knowing how to read your Green Card helps you avoid mistakes and understand what each part of the card means—on both the front and back. In this guide, we’ll explain how to find your Green Card number, what the codes stand for, and how to check for errors. Whether you’re a new permanent resident or preparing to apply for naturalization, this step-by-step explanation will help you confidently understand your Green Card.
How to Read Your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
Your Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, contains important information on both the front and back sides. To fully understand your card, you’ll need to recognize what each field, number, and code means.
- The front side of the Green Card shows your personal details—like your full name, photo, birthdate, and immigration category.
- The back side includes your Green Card number, a machine-readable zone, and other security and identification features.
In the following sections, we’ll explain what each part of your Green Card means and how to find the most important information.
How to Read the Front of a Green Card
The front of a U.S. Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) displays key personal and immigration-related details that confirm your lawful permanent resident status. Here’s what each field on the front of the card means:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Photo | A passport-style photograph of the Green Card holder. |
| USCIS # (A-Number) | Your Alien Registration Number, a unique ID that typically starts with “A”. |
| Surname and Given Name | Your last name and first name(s) as recognized by USCIS. |
| Category | The visa category under which you received your green card (e.g., IR6 = immediate relative of a U.S. citizen). |
| Resident Since | The official date you became a lawful permanent resident. |
| Card Expires | The expiration date of your green card (usually 10 years after issuance, or 2 years if conditional). |
| Country of Birth | The country where you were born. |
| Signature (if included) | Your printed or digital signature. Some newer cards may not display this. |
| Holograms / Security Features | Security elements to help prevent fraud and counterfeiting. |
| Card Number (I-551 Number) | A 13-character identifier specific to your card (e.g., SRC2201234567). |
| Date of Birth | Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY format). |
| Sex | Your gender, typically listed as “M” or “F”. |
| Fingerprint | Previously included, but removed by USCIS from new cards starting in 2023. |
How to Read the Back of a Green Card
The back of your U.S. Green Card contains machine-readable data, security features, and form identifiers used by government systems. While it may seem confusing at first, each part of the back holds specific meaning. Here’s a breakdown:
Form Number: “Form I-551”
In the top-left corner, you’ll see the label “Form I-551,” which is the official form number for the current Permanent Resident Card.
Older cards may have shown:
- Form I-151 – Resident Alien Card (no longer valid)
- Form AR-3 – Alien Registration Receipt Card (obsolete)
If you still have an outdated version, you must file Form I-90 to replace it with a current Green Card.
Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ)
At the bottom of the card, you’ll see three lines of characters that look like random numbers and symbols. This is the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ)—a coded string that computers can scan quickly. Here’s how to interpret it:
First Line of MRZ
| Position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Characters 1–2 | C1 = U.S. resident; C2 = Border commuter (Canada/Mexico) |
| Characters 3–5 | USA = Country of issuance |
| Characters 6–14 | A-Number (9-digit USCIS number) |
| Character 15 | Application receipt number (internal use) |
| Characters 16–30 | Card Number (includes service center + fiscal year + case number) |
| Character “<<” | Separator symbol = blank space |
Common Service Center Abbreviations
| Code | Service Center |
|---|---|
| CSC | California Service Center |
| EAC | Eastern Adjudication Center (Vermont) |
| IOE | ELIS (online e-filing) |
| LIN | Lincoln (Nebraska Service Center) |
| MSC | Missouri (National Benefits Center) |
| NBC | National Benefits Center |
| NSC | Nebraska Service Center |
| SRC | Southern (Texas Service Center) |
| TSC | Texas Service Center |
| VSC | Vermont Service Center |
| WAC | Western (California Service Center) |
| YSC | Potomac Service Center |
Second Line of MRZ
| Position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Characters 1–6 | Date of birth (YY/MM/DD format) |
| Character 7 | Possibly a check digit (internal use) |
| Character 8 | Gender (“M” or “F”) |
| Characters 9–14 | Card expiration date (YY/MM/DD format) |
| Character 15 | Possibly a check digit |
| Characters 16–29 | Country of birth (alpha-3 code) |
| Character 30 | Possibly a check digit |
Third Line of MRZ
This line contains your:
- Last name
- First name
- Middle name (if available)
- Sometimes, initials of father and mother
Names are separated by double angle brackets (<<). Extra space is filled with placeholder symbols (<). If your full name is long, parent initials may be omitted.
FAQs: Reading Your Green Card
1. What is the Category Code on my green card?
The category code (like CR1, IR6, EB2, etc.) shows the immigration category under which you received your green card. It helps determine your eligibility type, such as family-based or employment-based.
2. What does ‘Resident Since’ mean on the green card?
This date indicates when you officially became a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It’s used to calculate eligibility for naturalization and other immigration benefits.
3. Does the ‘Card Expires’ date affect my immigration status?
No, your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status does not expire just because your card expires. However, you should renew the card (using Form I-90) to keep your documentation valid. Read our Green Card Renewal Guide for eligibility, instructions, and processing timelines.
4. What should I do if my green card is unreadable or damaged?
If any part of your card is hard to read, worn out, or damaged, you should file Form I-90 to request a replacement. A clear and legible green card is essential for identification and immigration purposes.
Conclusion: Mastering the Basics of Your Green Card
Reading your green card correctly helps you stay informed, avoid costly mistakes, and plan ahead — especially when it’s time for renewal or applying for U.S. citizenship. At Immigration Direct, we simplify every step of your immigration journey. Whether you’re updating your information, filing a form, or preparing for the next stage, we provide tools and guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
