If you’ve ever completed forms like Form I-90 (Green Card Renewal) or Form I-131 (Advance Parole Application), you’ve probably come across the term “Class of Admission.” This code identifies the visa category under which you were admitted to the United States, either as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or conditional permanent resident.
Your Class of Admission is defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and reflects how you were granted entry — through family-sponsored preferences, employment-based categories, refugee or asylee status, or as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (such as a spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older). Of these, family reunification remains the most common pathway to lawful permanent residence.
In this guide, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link explain what a Class of Admission means, where to find it, and how to use it when renewing or replacing your Green Card.
Where to Find the Class of Admission
Your Class of Admission code is typically printed on your Green Card or U.S. visa.
On newer Green Cards, look for the “Category” section on the front of the card. For example, if the code reads IR1, it means you were admitted as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. On a visa, the Class of Admission appears under the “IV Category,” located beneath the registration number and above marital status.
Each Class of Admission code usually consists of one or two letters followed by a number.
- The letters indicate the visa type or category.
- The numbers identify the order or specific relationship within that category.
Older Green Card versions may display this information on the back of the card.
You can also refer to the official list of Class of Admission abbreviations published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to better understand each category — especially if your visa was issued under the family-sponsored preference system.
Understanding the Date of Admission
When a USCIS form asks for your Date of Admission, it refers to the date you were officially granted lawful permanent residence or conditional permanent residence — not necessarily the day you entered the country.
If you were granted conditional permanent residency, your code will begin with a “C,” such as CR1 or CR6, representing spouses of U.S. citizens. Once your conditional status is removed, USCIS updates your code to reflect your new permanent resident category.
Be careful not to confuse your Date of Admission with the entry date on your non-immigrant visa if you later adjusted your status within the U.S. For individuals who adjusted their status, the I-485 approval notice will display your Class of Admission.
What Is the I-94 Record?
The I-94 Arrival-Departure Record is issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to document the entry and authorized stay of nonimmigrant visitors in the United States. It specifies how long you are allowed to remain in the country and also lists your Class of Admission.
When you enter the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reviews your visa and passport and issues your I-94 record:
- For air or sea arrivals, CBP stamps your passport with the date, class, and duration of stay.
- For land entries, you may receive a paper I-94 card attached to your passport.
If you entered the U.S. before 2013, check your physical I-94 card for your Class of Admission. For entries after 2013, you can easily access your digital I-94 record online through the CBP website.
Class of Admission on Digital and Paper I-94 Records
- Digital I-94 Record: Accessible through the CBP website; includes admission details and visa class.
Paper I-94 Card: Found inside older passports, usually stapled at entry; shows your admission date and class.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find my Class of Admission?
You can find your Class of Admission on your Green Card or visa—look for the line labeled “IV Category.” You can also check your I-94 record or I-485 approval notice if applicable.
How do I renew my Green Card using my Class of Admission?
When completing Form I-90 to renew your Green Card, you’ll need to provide your Class of Admission. You can find it on your previous Green Card, visa, I-94 record, or I-485 notice.
To renew online, log in to your USCIS account, complete the form, attach supporting documents, review carefully, sign electronically, and pay the filing fee.
What if I don’t have a Class of Admission?
In rare cases, individuals who entered the U.S. without inspection may not have a Class of Admission, unless they later obtained status through asylum or other lawful means.
What is the Class of Admission for Advance Parole?
When applying for Advance Parole or a Reentry Permit via Form I-131, you’ll need to provide your Class of Admission code.
- For Advance Parole, use the code assigned at your port of entry.
- For a Reentry Permit, refer to the code printed on your Green Card.
What is a B-2 Class of Admission?
The B-1/B-2 visa is a temporary, nonimmigrant visa used for tourism, business travel, or medical visits. Holders of these visas are not permitted to work or enroll in full-time education while in the United States.
Should I Consult an Immigration Attorney?
Yes. It is always advisable to have your Green Card or visa application reviewed by a professional immigration attorney at Green Card Link. Our experienced immigration attorneys ensure all forms are completed accurately, supporting evidence is correctly filed, and errors that could delay processing or increase fees are avoided.
Whether you’re renewing a Green Card, adjusting your status, or filing for Advance Parole, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can guide you through each step with precision and care.