If you’ve just gotten your green card—or you’re helping someone who has—you might’ve seen a long line of letters and numbers on the back. It’s easy to miss, but that string includes something really important: the permanent resident number.
This number isn’t just random. It helps the U.S. government keep track of your immigration records. You’ll need it for job applications, renewing your green card, traveling outside the U.S., or applying for citizenship later on. It comes up more often than you’d think.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the permanent resident number, where to find it, and why it matters so much.
What is a Permanent Resident Card Number?
The permanent resident number, also known as the green card number, is a unique identifier assigned to each green card issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s like a tracking number for your green card and your entire immigration history.
This number is important because it links directly to your permanent resident file. USCIS uses it to find your records, track your applications, and verify your status in the United States. While many people refer to their Alien Number or USCIS number, the permanent resident card number differs and serves a separate purpose.
On official forms, you may see it called the receipt number or just “Card Number.” It’s one of the most important numbers you’ll need as a green card holder in the U.S.
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Where Can I Find My Permanent Resident Card Number?
You’ll find your permanent resident number on the back of your physical green card. Flip the card over, and look at the bottom. You’ll see a long string of 90 characters, separated into three lines. These lines use special formatting to store information; the card number is part of that.
The number you’re looking for is located in the first line, specifically in positions 16 through 28 of that line. It consists of 13 characters and is followed by two greater-than signs (>>), which are just space holders. Each line on the back of the green card is 30 characters long, so count carefully if you’re not sure.
For example, if the first line looks like this: C1USA0000000000ABCDE1234567>>
Then the permanent resident number is: ABCDE1234567
Those 13 characters are your unique identifier and will stay the same even if you renew or replace your card.
Green Card Number Format
The number appears on the back of your green card, inside a line made up of 90 characters. Here’s how to make sense of it:
It begins with C1 or C2:
- C1 means you’re a permanent resident who lives full-time in the U.S.
- C2 means you’re a commuter who lives in Canada or Mexico and travels into the U.S. regularly for work.
Right after that, you’ll usually see “USA” to show the country of residence.
Next, from positions 6 through 15 in the string, you’ll find your Alien Number (A-Number). This is a separate ID number used in most of your immigration paperwork.
Now, here’s where the green card number really begins. It starts with a three-letter code that shows which service center handled your green card application. Each service center has its own code:
- NBC – National Benefits Center
- VSC – Vermont Service Center
- TSC – Texas Service Center
- NSC – Nebraska Service Center
- WAC/CSC – California Service Center
- YSC – Potomac Service Center
- EAC – Eastern Adjudication Center
- SRC – Southern Regional Center
- LIN – Former Lincoln Service Center
- MSC – Missouri Service Center
- IOE – Used for electronic applications
After the three-letter code, two numbers show the fiscal year when USCIS received your case. Keep in mind that the government’s fiscal year starts in October, not January. So if your case were received in October 2023, your fiscal year code would be 24, not 23.
Finally, you’ll see three more digits showing which day of the fiscal year your case was opened. This is based on the workdays in the USCIS system, not regular calendar days.
Put it all together, and you get a number like this:
NBC24045XXXXXXX
- NBC = National Benefits Center
- 24 = Fiscal year 2024
- 045 = The 45th workday of that fiscal year
This structured format helps USCIS track every green card application and connect it to the right person.
Why Is Your Permanent Resident Number Important?
Your permanent resident number isn’t just a random ID—it plays a key role in almost every step of your immigration journey. It proves your legal status in the United States and connects to your entire immigration file.
Immigration Applications That Require It
Many immigration forms will ask you for your green card number, especially when:
- Applying to renew or replace your green card (Form I-90)
- Applying for U.S. citizenship (Form N-400)
- Filing for a reentry permit or travel document (Form I-131)
- Applying to remove conditions on residence (Form I-751)
- Sponsoring a relative (Form I-130)
Without this number, USCIS may not be able to verify your status or process your applications properly. Always double-check that you’re entering it correctly!
Tracking Your Immigration History
Your permanent resident number also helps USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security, and even other agencies track your history:
- When you entered the U.S.
- What category was your green card issued under
- Any past immigration benefits or applications
- Previous green card renewals or replacements
If you ever need to look up your immigration case, appeal a decision, or apply for citizenship, this number is one of the first things officials will check.
Is the Permanent Resident Number the Same as an Alien Number?
While both your Alien Number (A-Number) and Permanent Resident Number are used to track your immigration status, they are not the same thing. Your A-Number is a unique identification number issued by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and is typically 7 to 9 digits long. It’s often written as “A” followed by the digits, like A123456789. This number is your official USCIS ID, and it appears on most of your immigration documents, such as your application forms, approval notices, and other legal paperwork.
On the other hand, the Permanent Resident Number is specific to your green card. It’s a 13-character code that helps the government keep track of your green card and the specific case associated with it. The number is unique to your green card and is usually found on the back of the card.
Simply put, think of the A-Number as your USCIS account number, used across many immigration records, and the Permanent Resident Number as the serial number that identifies your green card itself. Both numbers are crucial and will appear on various documents throughout your immigration journey, but they serve different purposes.
Still Have Questions About Your Permanent Resident Number? Talk to an Immigration Expert Today
At 360 Immigration Law Group, we help people and families every day with green card questions, immigration forms, and understanding their legal rights. We offer free English, Spanish, or Portuguese consultations—by phone, Zoom, or even WhatsApp. No matter where you are in the U.S. or worldwide, we’re here for you.
Call us at 954-667-3660 to talk with an immigration attorney. We’ll guide you through the process so you can move forward with confidence.