A green card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card, contains a wealth of important information used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to track and manage immigration records.
One critical piece of data is the green card number, sometimes referred to as the receipt number or permanent resident number. This article will explain where to find it, how to understand its format, and why it’s important.
Introduction:
The green card number is a unique identifier assigned to every green card issued by USCIS. It helps track your application and immigration history. While it may look like a random string of letters and numbers, every part of it has a specific meaning.
Where to Find GCN?
On the back of your green card, you’ll see three lines of 90 characters, filled with letters, numbers, and “less than” symbols (<<). These lines encode your personal and case-related data in a machine-readable format.
- The green card number is found on the first line, specifically in positions 16 to 28, followed by two “<” characters.
- The first few characters before that include your resident type (C1 or C2) and country of issuance (e.g., USA).
GCN Format Breakdown:
Here’s what each part of the number means:
- Service Center Code (3 letters):
- Examples:
- CSC: California Service Center
- VSC: Vermont Service Center
- NBC: National Benefits Center
- TSC: Texas Service Center
- Examples:
- Fiscal Year (2 digits):
- Indicates the year USCIS received your case. (Fiscal year starts on October 1.)
- Computer Workday (3 digits):
- Refers to the day of the fiscal year your case was opened.
- Case Number (5 digits):
- A unique number assigned to your individual case.
Example: NBC2004551423
- NBC = National Benefits Center
- 20 = Fiscal year 2020
- 045 = 45th workday
- 51423 = Unique case number
Why the Green Card Number Matters?
- Tracking Your Case: It allows you to track case updates on the USCIS website.
- Filing Applications: It’s required for various immigration forms and processes.
- Proof of Residency: Used as a reference by employers, schools, and agencies.
Encoded Information:
- Line 2: Includes your date of birth (YY/MM/DD), gender, card expiration date, and country of birth.
- Line 3: Displays your full name and initials of your parents’ first names.
Final Tips:
- If you lose your green card or suspect an error, contact USCIS immediately.
- Double-check the number when submitting forms or tracking cases to avoid delays.
- Store a copy of the front and back of your green card securely.
Resource Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official updates and assistance, always refer to USCIS.gov.
Boundless is a support platform that helps applicants prepare green card paperwork accurately. Their service includes review by independent immigration attorneys. However, Boundless is not affiliated with the U.S. government.
Need Help With Your Green Card Process? Visit official government resources or consult a licensed immigration attorney for personalized guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can my green card number change?
Yes. If you replace or renew your green card (e.g., lost/stolen card or 10-year renewal), a new card with a different number may be issued
Is the Green Card Number the same as the Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?
No. While they are related, they are not the same. The A-number is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned to all immigrants. The green card number includes case details such as service center, fiscal year, and case sequence.
What is a Green Card Number?
The green card number (also called the permanent resident number or receipt number) is a 13-character identifier used by USCIS to track your permanent residency case and related information.
