Visa Types of immigrant visas
IR1 Spouse of a U.S. citizen; generally married for at least two years when permanent residence is granted
CR1 Spouse of a U.S. citizen; generally married for less than two years when permanent residence is granted
IR2 / CR2 Eligible unmarried child of a U.S. citizen; the code depends on the applicable circumstances
IR5 Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old
F1 Unmarried adult son or daughter (age 21 or older) of a U.S. citizen
F2A Spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a Green Card holder
F2B Unmarried adult son or daughter of a Green Card holder
F3 Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen
F4 Brother or sister of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old

Family Visa Codes That Are Not Immigrant Visas

  • K-1: Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen, entering to marry within 90 days.
  • K-3: Certain spouses of U.S. citizens who seek to enter while an immigrant petition is pending.

These are technically nonimmigrant visas used for immigration-related purposes, not immigrant visa categories themselves.

 
Category Common visa codes Who may qualify
EB-1 — First preference E11, E12, E13 Individuals with extraordinary ability; outstanding professors or researchers; certain multinational executives and managers
EB-2 — Second preference E21, E22, E23 Professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability; some qualify through a National Interest Waiver (NIW)
EB-3 — Third preference E31, E32, EW3 Skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, and certain other workers
EB-4 — Fourth preference Various special immigrant codes Certain religious workers, special immigrant juveniles, eligible international organization employees, and other statutorily defined groups
EB-5 — Fifth preference C5, T5, R5, I5 and related classifications Eligible immigrant investors who meet investment, job-creation, and other program requirements
  • EB-1: Extraordinary ability may allow self-petitioning. Outstanding professors or researchers and multinational executives or managers have distinct requirements.
  • EB-2: Usually requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability. A National Interest Waiver may allow a qualifying applicant to self-petition without a job offer or labor certification.
  • EB-3: Typically requires a qualifying job offer and labor certification, subject to applicable exceptions.
  • EB-4: Eligibility depends on the specific special immigrant classification; there is no single set of requirements for all EB-4 applicants.
  • EB-5: Requires a qualifying investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise and the required job creation. The applicable investment amount and rules depend on the investment route and current law.

Special Immigrant Visas (EB-4 and Related Categories)

 
Visa code Who it is for
SD Qualifying ministers of religion
SR Certain other qualifying religious workers, subject to current statutory requirements
SI Certain eligible Iraqi and Afghan translators or interpreters
SQ Certain eligible Iraqi or Afghan nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government
EB-4 The broader employment-based fourth preference, covering multiple special immigrant classifications

Other EB-4 classifications may include certain special immigrant juveniles, qualifying international organization employees, and other groups defined by law. Not every special immigrant uses the same visa code.

International Adoption Visas

 
Visa Who it is for
IR-3 Eligible child adopted abroad under the non-Hague process, meeting the applicable requirements
IR-4 Eligible child entering the United States for adoption to be finalized there, or meeting other applicable IR-4 criteria
IH-3 Eligible child adopted abroad under the Hague Convention process
IH-4 Eligible child entering under the Hague process for adoption to be finalized in the United States

Diversity and Returning Resident Categories

  • DV — Diversity Immigrant Visa: For applicants selected through the Diversity Visa program who also meet all eligibility requirements. Selection alone does not guarantee a visa.
  • SB-1 — Returning Resident: For certain lawful permanent residents who remained outside the United States longer than permitted and can demonstrate that they qualify under the returning resident rules, including that the extended stay resulted from circumstances beyond their control.

Other Pathways to a Green Card

  • Refugee or asylee adjustment: Certain refugees and asylees may apply for permanent residence after meeting applicable requirements.
  • Special immigrant juvenile classification: Certain children with qualifying juvenile-court findings may be eligible.
  • Registry: Certain individuals who meet specific long-term U.S. residence and other statutory requirements may qualify.
  • VAWA-related self-petitions: Certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents may qualify for immigration relief.
  • Certain humanitarian and statutory programs: Eligibility depends on the particular program and circumstances.