Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

Title 22 - Foreign Relations last revised: Oct 28, 2024
§ 42.11 - Classification symbols.

An immigrant visa issued to an applicant who applies to one of the classes described below shall bear an appropriate visa symbol to show its classification.

Table 1 to § 42.11

Symbol Class Section of law
Immediate Relatives
IR1Spouse of U.S. CitizenINA 201(b).
IR2Child of U.S. CitizenINA 201(b).
IR3Orphan Adopted Abroad by U.S. CitizenINA 201(b) & INA 101(b)(1)(F).
IH3Child from Hague Convention Country Adopted Abroad by U.S. CitizenINA 201(b) & INA 101(b)(1)(G).
IR4Orphan to be Adopted in U.S. by U.S. CitizenINA 201(b) & INA 101(b)(1)(F).
IH4Child from Hague Convention Country to be Adopted in U.S. by U.S. CitizenINA 201(b) & INA 101(b)(1)(G).
IR5Parent of U.S. Citizen at Least 21 Years of AgeINA 201(b).
CR1Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Conditional Status)INA 201(b) & INA 216.
CR2Child of U.S. Citizen (Conditional Status)INA 201(b) & INA 216.
IW1Certain Spouses of Deceased U.S. CitizensINA 201(b).
IW2Child of IW1INA 201(b).
IB1Self-petition Spouse of U.S. CitizenINA 204(a)(1)(A)(iii).
IB2Self-petition Child of U.S. CitizenINA 204(a)(1)(A)(iv).
IB3Child of IB1INA 204(a)(1)(A)(iii).
IB5Self-petition Parent of U.S. CitizenINA 204(a)(1)(A)(vii).
VI5Parent of U.S. Citizen Who Acquired Permanent Resident Status under the Virgin Islands Nonimmigrant Alien Adjustment ActINA 201(b) & Section 2 of the Virgin Islands Nonimmigrant Alien Adjustment Act (Pub. L. 97-271).
Vietnam Amerasian Immigrants
AM1Vietnam Amerasian PrincipalSection 584(b)(1)(A) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1988 (as contained in section 101(e) of Pub. L. 100-102) as amended.
AM2Spouse or Child of AM1Section 584(b)(1)(A) and 584(b)(1)(B) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1988 (as contained in section 101(e) of Pub. L. 100-102) as amended.
AM3Natural Mother of AM1 (and Spouse or Child of Such Mother) or Person Who has Acted in Effect as the Mother, Father, or Next-of-Kin of AM1 (and Spouse or Child of Such Person)Section 584(b)(1)(A) and 584(b)(1)(C) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1988 (as contained in section 101(e) of Pub. L. 100-102) as amended.
Special Immigrants
SB1Returning ResidentINA 101(a)(27)(A).
SC1Person Who Lost U.S. Citizenship by MarriageINA 101(a)(27)(B) & INA 324(a).
SC2Person Who Lost U.S. Citizenship by Serving in Foreign Armed ForcesINA 101(a)(27)(B) & INA 327.
SI1Certain Persons Employed by the U.S. Government in Iraq or Afghanistan as Translators or InterpretersSection 1059 of Public Law 109-163, as amended.
SI2Spouse of SI1Section 1059 of Public Law 109-163, as amended.
SI3Child of SI1Section 1059 of Public Law 109-163, as amended.
SM1Person Recruited Outside the United States Who Has Served or is Enlisted to Serve in the U.S. Armed Forces for 12 YearsINA 101(a)(27)(K).
SM2Spouse of SM1INA 101(a)(27)(K).
SM3Child of SM1INA 101(a)(27)(K).
SQ1Certain Iraqis or Afghans Employed by or on Behalf of the U.S. GovernmentSection 602(b), Division F, Title VI, Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009, Public Law 111-8, as amended and Section 1244 of Public Law 110-181, as amended.
SQ2Spouse of SQ1Section 602(b), Division F, Title VI, Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009, Public Law 111-8, as amended and Section 1244 of Public Law 110-181, as amended.
SQ3Child of SQ1Section 602(b), Division F, Title VI, Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009, Public Law 111-8, as amended and Section 1244 of Public Law 110-181, as amended.
SU2Spouse of U1INA 245(m)(3) & INA 101(a)(15)(U)(ii).
SU3Child of U1INA 245(m)(3) & INA 101(a)(15)(U)(ii).
SU5Parent of U1INA 245(m)(3) & INA 101(a)(15)(U)(ii).
Family-Sponsored Preferences
Family 1st Preference
F11Unmarried Son or Daughter of U.S. CitizenINA 203(a)(1).
F12Child of F11INA 203(b) & INA 203(a)(1).
B11Self-petition Unmarried Son or Daughter of U.S. CitizenINA 204(a)(1)(A)(iv) & INA 203(a)(1).
B12Child of B11INA 203(d), INA 204(a)(1)(A)(iv), & INA 203(a)(i).
Family 2nd Preference (Subject to Per-Country Limitations)
F21Spouse of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 203(a)(2)(A).
F22Child of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 203(a)(2)(A).
F23Child of F21 or F22INA 203(d) & INA 203(a)(2)(A).
F24Unmarried Son or Daughter of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 203(a)(2)(B).
F25Child of F24INA 203(d) & INA 203(a)(2)(B).
C21Spouse of Lawful Permanent Resident (Conditional)INA 203(a)(2)(A) & INA 216.
C22Child of Lawful Permanent Resident (Conditional)INA 203(a)(2)(A) & INA 216.
C23Child of C21 or C22 (Conditional)INA 203(a)(2)(A), INA 203(d) & INA 216.
C24Unmarried Son or Daughter of Lawful Permanent Resident (Conditional)INA 203(a)(2)(B) & INA 216.
C25Child of C24 (Conditional)INA 203(a)(2)(B), INA 203(d), & INA 216.
B21Self-petition Spouse of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 204(a)(1)(B)(ii).
B22Self-petition Child of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 204(a)(1)(B)(iii).
B23Child of B21 or B22INA 203(d) & INA 204(a)(1)(B)(ii).
B24Self-petition Unmarried Son or Daughter of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 204(a)(1)(B)(iii).
B25Child of B24INA 203(d) & INA 204(a)(1)(B)(iii).
Family 2nd Preference (Exempt from Per-Country Limitations)
FX1Spouse of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 202(a)(4)(A) & INA 203(a)(2)(A).
FX2Child of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 202(a)(4)(A) & INA 203(a)(2)(A).
FX3Child of FX1 or FX2INA 202(a)(4)(A), INA 203(a)(2)(A), & INA 203(d).
CX1Spouse of Lawful Permanent Resident (Conditional)INA 202(a)(4)(A), INA 203(a)(2)(A), & INA 216.
CX2Child of Lawful Permanent Resident (Conditional)INA 202(a)(4), INA 203(a)(2)(A), & INA 216.
CX3Child of CX1 or CX2 (Conditional)INA 202(a)(4)(A), INA 203(a)(2)(A), INA 203(d), & INA 216.
BX1Self-petition Spouse of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 204(a)(1)(B)(ii).
BX2Self-petition Child of Lawful Permanent ResidentINA 204(a)(1)(B)(iii).
BX3Child of BX1 or BX2INA 203(d) & INA 204(a)(1)(B)(ii).
Family 3rd Preference
F31Married Son or Daughter of U.S. CitizenINA 203(a)(3).
F32Spouse of F31INA 203(d) & INA 203(a)(3).
F33Child of F31INA 203(d) & INA 203(a)(3).
C31Married Son or Daughter of U.S. Citizen (Conditional)INA 203(a)(3) & INA 216.
C32Spouse of C31 (Conditional)INA 203(d), INA 203(a)(3), & INA 216.
C33Child of C31 (Conditional)INA 203(d), INA 203(a)(3), & INA 216.
B31Self-petition Married Son or Daughter of U.S. CitizenINA 204(a)(1)(A)(iv) & INA 203(a)(3).
B32Spouse of B31INA 203(d), INA 204(a)(1)(A)(iv) & INA 203(a)(3).
B33Child of B31INA 203(d), INA 204(a)(1)(A)(iv), & INA 203(a)(3).
Family 4th Preference
F41Brother or Sister of U.S. Citizen at Least 21 Years of AgeINA 203(a)(4).
F42Spouse of F41INA 203(a)(4) & INA 203(d).
F43Child of F41INA 203(a)(4) & INA 203(d).
Employment-Based Preferences
Employment 1st Preference (Priority Workers)
E11Person with Extraordinary AbilityINA 203(b)(1)(A).
E12Outstanding Professor or ResearcherINA 203(b)(1)(B).
E13Multinational Executive or ManagerINA 203(b)(1)(C).
E14Spouse of E11, E12, or E13INA 203(d), INA 203(b)(1)(A), INA 203(b)(1)(B), & INA 203(b)(1)(C).
E15Child of E11, E12, or E13INA 203(d), INA 203(b)(1)(A), INA 203(b)(1)(B), & INA 203(b)(1)(C).
Employment 2nd Preference (Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability)
E21Professional Holding Advanced Degree or Person of Exceptional AbilityINA 203(b)(2).
E22Spouse of E21INA 203(b)(2) & INA 203(d).
E23Child of E21INA 203(b)(2) & INA 203(d).
Employment 3rd Preference (Skilled Workers, Professionals, or Other Workers)
E31Skilled WorkerINA 203(b)(3)(A)(i).
E32Professional Holding Baccalaureate DegreeINA 203(b)(3)(A)(ii).
E34Spouse of E31 or E32INA 203(b)(3)(A)(i), INA 203(b)(3)(A)(ii), & INA 203(d).
E35Child of E31 or E32INA 203(b)(3)(A)(i), INA 203(B)(3)(A)(ii), & INA 203(d).
EW3Other Worker (Subgroup Numerical Limit)INA 203(b)(3)(A)(iii).
EW4Spouse of EW3INA 203(b)(3)(A)(iii) & INA 203(d).
EW5Child of EW3INA 203(b)(3)(A)(iii) & INA 203(d).
Employment 4th Preference (Certain Special Immigrants)
BC1Broadcaster in the U.S. Employed by the International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors or a Grantee of Such OrganizationINA 101(a)(27)(M) & INA 203(b)(4).
BC2Accompanying Spouse of BC1INA 101(a)(27)(M) & INA 203(b)(4).
BC3Accompanying Child of BC1INA 101(a)(27)(M) & INA 203(b)(4).
SD1Minister of ReligionINA 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(I) & INA 203(b)(4).
SD2Spouse of SD1INA 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(I) & INA 203(b)(4).
SD3Child of SD1INA 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(I) & INA 203(b)(4).
SE1Certain Employee or Former Employee of the U.S. Government AbroadINA 101(a)(27)(D) & INA 203(b)(4).
SE2Spouse of SE1INA 101(a)(27)(D) & INA 203(b)(4).
SE3Child of SE1INA 101(a)(27)(D) & INA 203(b)(4).
SF1Former Employee of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone GovernmentINA 101(a)(27)(E) & INA 203 (b)(4).
SF2Spouse or Child of SF1INA 101(a)(27)(E) & INA 203 (b)(4).
SG1Former Employee of the U.S. Government in the Panama Canal Zone (Panamanian National)INA 101(a)(27)(F) & INA 203 (b)(4).
SG2Spouse or Child of SG1INA 101(a)(27)(F) & INA 203 (b)(4).
SH1Former Employee of the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government (Five Years of Service)INA 101(a)(27)(G) & INA 203(b)(4).
SH2Spouse or Child of SH1INA 101(a)(27)(G) & INA 203(b)(4).
SJ1Foreign Medical Graduate (Adjustment Only)INA 101(a)(27)(H).
SJ2Spouse or Child of SJ1INA 101(a)(27)(H) & INA 203(b)(4).
SK1Retired International Organization EmployeeINA 101(a)(27)(I)(iii) & INA 203(b)(4).
SK2Spouse of SK1INA 101(a)(27)(I)(iv) & INA 203(b)(4).
SK3Unmarried Son or Daughter of SK1INA 101(a)(27)(I)(i) & INA 203(b)(4).
SK4Surviving Spouse of a Deceased International Organization EmployeeINA 101(a)(27)(I)(ii) & INA 203(b)(4).
SL1Juvenile Court Dependent (Adjustment Only)INA 101(a)(27)(J) & INA 203(b)(4).
SN1Retired NATO6 Civilian EmployeeINA 101(a)(27)(L) & INA 203(b)(4).
SN2Spouse of SN1INA 101(a)(27)(L) & INA 203(b)(4).
SN3Unmarried Son or Daughter of SN1INA 101(a)(27)(L) & INA 203(b)(4).
SN4Surviving Spouse of Deceased NATO6 Civilian EmployeeINA 101(a)(27)(L) & INA 203(b)(4).
SPBeneficiary of a Petition or Labor Certification Application Filed Prior to September 11, 2001, if the Petition or Application was Rendered Void Due to the Terrorist Acts of September 11, 2001, or the Spouse, Child of such Beneficiary, or the Grandparent of a Child Orphaned by a Terrorist Act of September 11, 2001Section 421 of Public Law 107-56.
SR1Religious WorkerINA 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(II) & (III), as amended & INA 203(b)(4).
SR2Spouse of SR1INA 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(II) & (III), as amended & INA 203(b)(4).
SR3Child of SR1INA 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(II) & (III), as amended & INA 203(b)(4).
SS1Surviving Spouse or Child of an Employee of the United States Government AbroadINA 101(a)(27)(D)(ii).
Employment 5th Preference (Employment Creation Conditional Status) (Petitions Filed Before March 15, 2022)
C51Employment Creation, Outside Targeted AreaINA 203(b)(5)(A).
C52Spouse of C51INA 203(b)(5)(A) & INA 203(d).
C53Child of C51INA 203(b)(5)(A) & INA 203(d).
T51Employment Creation in Targeted Rural/High Unemployment AreaINA 203(b)(5)(B).
T52Spouse of T51INA 203(b)(5)(B) & INA 203(d).
T53Child of T51INA 203(b)(5)(B) & INA 203(d).
R51Regional Center Program, Not in Targeted AreaINA 203(b)(5) & Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as amended.
R52Spouse of R51INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), & Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as amended.
R53Child of R51INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), & Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as amended.
I51Regional Center Program, Target AreaINA 203(b)(5) & Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as amended.
I52Spouse of I51INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), & Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as amended.
I53Child of I51INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), & Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as amended.
Employment 5th Preference (Employment Creation Conditional Status) (Petitions Filed On or After March 15, 2022)
NU1Investor in Non-Regional Center, UnreservedINA 203(b)(5), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
NU2Spouse of NU1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
NU3Child of NU1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RU1Investor in Regional Center, UnreservedINA 203(b)(5), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RU2Spouse of RU1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RU3Child of RU1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
NR1Investor in Non-Regional Center, Set Aside—RuralINA 203(b)(5), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
NR2Spouse of NR1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
NR3Child of NR1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
NH1Investor in Non-Regional Center, Set Aside—High UnemploymentINA 203(b)(5), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
NH2Spouse of NH1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
NH3Child of NH1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RR1Investor in Regional Center, Set Aside—RuralINA 203(b)(5), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RR2Spouse of RR1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RR3Child of RR1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RH1Investor in Regional Center, Set Aside—High UnemploymentINA 203(b)(5), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RH2Spouse of RH1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RH3Child of RH1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RI1Investor in Regional Center, Set Aside—InfrastructureINA 203(b)(5), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RI2Spouse of RI1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
RI3Child of RI1INA 203(b)(5), INA 203(d), Sec. 610 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Pub. L. 102-395), as drafted, & Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-103).
Other Categories
Diversity Immigrants
DV1Diversity ImmigrantINA 203(c).
DV2Spouse of DV1INA 203(c) & 203(d).
DV3Child of DV1INA 203(c) & 203(d).
[88 FR 45072, July 14, 2023, as amended at 89 FR 60566, July 26, 2024]
authority: 8 U.S.C. 1104 and 1182; Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681; Pub. L. 108-449, 118 Stat. 3469; The Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (done at the Hague, May 29, 1993), S. Treaty Doc. 105-51 (1998), 1870 U.N.T.S. 167 (Reg. No. 31922 (1993)); 42 U.S.C. 14901-14954 (Pub. L. 106-279, 114 Stat. 825); 8 U.S.C. 1101 (Pub L. 117-31, 135 Stat. 309); 8 U.S.C. 1154 (Pub. L. 109-162, 119 Stat. 2960); 8 U.S.C. 1201 (Pub. L. 114-70, 129 Stat. 561)
source: 52 FR 42613, Nov. 5, 1987, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 22 CFR 42.11