When applying for a green card in the United States, understanding the correct immigrant visa category is essential. One such category which is often overlooked but highly important for specific applicants is the E26 green card category. If you or your spouse is adjusting status based on a marriage and employment-based immigration path, the E26 classification might apply to you.
What Is the E26 Green Card Category?
The E26 category is an employment-based green card classification for the spouse of a principal immigrant worker. Specifically, it’s used when the spouse is adjusting status as a derivative beneficiary of the primary applicant who has received or is receiving a green card under an employment-based category.
This classification allows spouses to gain permanent residency alongside their partners, ensuring that families can remain united during and after the immigration process.
Who Qualifies for the E26 Category?
To qualify under the E26 category, you must:
- Be legally married to the principal green card holder (often an EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 immigrant).
- Be listed as a derivative beneficiary on the employment-based immigrant petition (usually Form I-140).
- Be eligible for adjustment of status within the U.S. or consular processing from abroad.
It’s important to note that the E26 is not a standalone petition. It stems from the principal applicant’s approved employment-based immigration petition and is used by their spouse to gain legal permanent residency.
When Is the E26 Classification Used?
This classification typically comes into play when:
- The spouse of a worker with an approved employment-based petition applies for a green card.
- The green card process includes both the principal and derivative beneficiaries.
- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns category codes when issuing green cards, and E26 is used to identify spouses of employment-based principal applicants.
If you’re checking your green card and see the code “E26,” it simply means you received your permanent resident status as the spouse of an employment-based immigrant.
Why It Matters
Knowing your immigration category helps ensure proper documentation and compliance with U.S. immigration laws. It also assists with future petitions, renewals, or citizenship applications where visa history is reviewed.
If your green card lists the E26 code and you’re unsure about what it means for your status, or if you’re beginning the green card process as a spouse of an employment-based applicant, professional guidance can help you navigate the complexities confidently.
Need Immigration Help?
At BCA Law Firm, we guide clients through every step of the U.S. immigration process, including employment-based and family-based green card categories like E26.
Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward securing your future in the United States.
