Green Card Number, Explained
A Green Card Number is an individualized identifier used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to track your case before issuing your permanent resident card. This guide will help you understand what a Green Card Number is, where to find it, and what it means.
What is the Green Card Number?
The Green Card Number, also referred to as the receipt number or the permanent resident number, is a unique identifier assigned to each U.S. permanent resident by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It serves as a critical tracking tool for immigration cases, especially when applying for citizenship, and is printed on the back of the green card.
This alphanumeric code comprises three letters followed by ten numbers, forming a 13-character sequence. Understanding and recognizing the Green Card Number is essential for individuals to verify their immigration status, track the progress of their applications, and access USCIS online services efficiently.
Understanding the Green Card Number Format
The Green Card Number consists of 13 characters, which include a combination of letters and numbers. Here is a breakdown of these characters:
1. Service Center Code (3 letters):
- CSC – California Service Center
- EAC – Eastern Adjudication Center (now Vermont Service Center)
- IOE – ELIS (efile)
- LIN – Lincoln Service Center (now Nebraska Service Center)
- MSC – Missouri Service Center (now National Benefits Center)
- NBC – National Benefits Center
- NSC – Nebraska Service Center
- SRC – Southern Regional Center (now Texas Service Center)
- TSC – Texas Service Center
- VSC – Vermont Service Center
- WAC – Western Adjudication Center (now California Service Center)
- YSC – Potomac Service Center
2. Fiscal Year (2 digits):
Represents the fiscal year in which the case was received. The fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30. For example, a case received on October 15, 2019, would have a fiscal year code of 20.
3. Workday (3 digits)
Indicates the workday within the fiscal year the case was opened. For instance, if your number is 045, it means the case was opened on the 45th workday of the fiscal year.
4. Immigrant Case Number (5 digits)
This is a unique number assigned to your specific case.
Where Can I Find My Green Card Number?
The Green Card Number is a crucial identifier for U.S. permanent residents. It is found on the back of the green card and is part of a string of 90 characters at the bottom. This string is split into three lines, each containing 30 characters. The Green Card Number itself is located in the first line, specifically in positions 16-28.
Step-by-Step Guide to Locating Your Green Card Number:
Flip Your Green Card Over: Look at the back of your green card.
Find the First Line of Characters: This line consists of a combination of letters, numbers, and “<” symbols.
Count 16 Characters In: Starting from the left, count 16 characters to the right. Ignore the “<” symbols as they are just space holders.
Identify the Next 13 Characters: These characters, spanning positions 16-28, form your Green Card Number. It begins with three letters followed by ten numbers. For example, it might look like “VSC2219712345”.
Verify the Service Center Code: The first three letters indicate the USCIS service center that processed your case.
Understand the Fiscal Year and Workday: The two digits following the service center code represent the fiscal year your case was received. The next three digits indicate the workday of that fiscal year. For example, “20 045” means the case was received in the 2020 fiscal year on the 45th workday.
Unique Case Number: The last five digits are your unique immigrant case number. This number is specific to your approved case.
Example of a Green Card Number
Consider the example “NBC2004512345”:
- NBC: National Benefits Center
- 20: Fiscal year 2020
- 045: 45th workday of the fiscal year
- 12345: Unique case number
Other Information on the Green Card
Besides the Green Card Number, there are other important details encoded in the 90-character string on the back of your card:
- First Line: Contains the Green Card Number and alien registration number (A-Number).
- Second Line: Includes your birth date, gender, card expiration date, and country of birth.
- Third Line: Lists your last name, first name, father’s first initial, and mother’s first initial.
FAQ: Green Card Number Explained
What is a Green Card Number?
The Green Card Number, also known as the receipt number or permanent resident number, is a unique identifier used by USCIS to track your case.
Where can I find my Green Card Number?
The Green Card Number is located on the back of your green card, in the first line of a 90-character string, specifically in positions 16-28.
What can I do if I lose my Green Card Number?
If you’ve lost your green card number, you can contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for assistance in retrieving it. You may also need to provide additional identifying information to verify your identity and green card status.
If you lost your green card, you will have to complete the Lost or Stolen Green Card Renewal Application.
What do the letters and numbers in the Green Card Number mean?
The letters indicate the USCIS service center that processed your case. The numbers include the fiscal year your case was received, the workday of the year it was processed, and your unique immigrant case number.
Is the A-Number the same as the Green Card Number?
No, the A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is different from the Green Card Number. The A-Number is a unique identifier assigned by the Department of Homeland Security, whereas the Green Card Number is specific to the processing and issuance of your green card.
When should I use my Green Card Number?
You will need your Green Card Number when checking the status of your case online, and it will appear on most documents you receive from USCIS.
What other information is on the back of my green card?
The back of your green card also includes your date of birth, gender, card expiration date, country of birth, and your name along with your parents’ initials.
Related Resources
Green Card Application Costs: What to Expect
Travel Tips for Green Card Holders
Marriage Green Card Timeline: What to Expect
Green Card Benefits Explained
Green Card Processing Timelines
