For millions of immigrants globally, acquiring a green card (formally referred to as a Permanent Resident Card) marks a significant achievement on the journey towards residing and working in the United States. The green card serves as proof of lawful permanent residence and grants individuals the right to reside and work in the country indefinitely.
One crucial aspect of the green card is the unique identification number assigned to each cardholder, known as the Green Card Number. In this article, we’ll explore the location and meaning of the Green Card Number, shedding light on its significance for immigrants and the U.S. immigration system.
Location of the Green Card Number
The Green Card Number is a 13-character alphanumeric code printed on the front of the green card, typically located in the bottom-right corner. The format of the Green Card Number follows a specific pattern, with three letters followed by ten numbers, separated by a space. For example, the format might appear as “ABC 123 456 7890”.
Meaning of the Green Card Number
While the Green Card Number may appear random at first glance, it actually contains valuable information about the cardholder and the issuance of the green card. It contains a prefix and a unique identifier. Here’s a breakdown of the meaning behind each segment of the Green Card Number:
First Three Letters (Prefix)
The first three letters of the Green Card Number represent the USCIS service center that processed the green card application. These service centers include:
- EAC: Eastern Adjudication Center – Located in Vermont, the Eastern Adjudication Center processes immigration petitions and applications from the eastern region of the United States, including states such as New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
- WAC: Western Adjudication Center – Located in California, the Western Adjudication Center handles immigration petitions and applications from the western region of the United States, including states such as California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Alaska, and Hawaii.
- LIN: Nebraska Service Center – Located in Nebraska, the Nebraska Service Center adjudicates immigration petitions and applications from various regions of the United States, including states such as Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
- SRC: Texas Service Center – Located in Texas, the Texas Service Center processes immigration petitions and applications from the southern region of the United States, including states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.
- MSC: Missouri Service Center – Located in Missouri, the Missouri Service Center handles immigration petitions and applications from various regions of the United States, primarily focusing on applications related to immigrant visas for spouses and children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
The prefix provides insight into where the green card application was initially filed and processed.
Ten Numbers (Unique Identifier)
The ten numbers following the prefix serve as a unique identifier for the individual green cardholder. Each green card issued by USCIS is assigned a unique identification number, allowing for tracking and verification of the cardholder’s immigration status. This segment of the Green Card Number does not convey any specific information about the cardholder but is solely used as a unique identifier.
Understanding the significance of the Green Card Number and its components can provide valuable insights for green card holders and immigration professionals alike. By knowing where and how the Green Card Number is generated, individuals can better navigate the immigration system and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Additionally, the Green Card Number serves as an important tool for USCIS in managing and tracking green card applications and maintaining accurate records of lawful permanent residents in the United States.
Green Card Number Explained
The Green Card Number holds pivotal importance in the immigration voyage of multitudes aiming for lawful permanent residence in the United States. By understanding its location and meaning, green card holders can gain valuable insights into the issuance and processing of their green cards. As a key identifier, the Green Card Number serves as a vital tool for USCIS in managing immigration records and ensuring the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.