E36 and E37 are class of admission codes that USCIS uses for employment-based green cards. According to the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part G, Chapter 3, E-36 stands for skilled workers and E-37 for professionals with baccalaureate degrees. E-19 and E-39 are spouse codes, and E-30 is used for children of E-36 or E-37 principals.
Quick answer
| Code | Meaning in the USCIS Policy Manual |
|---|---|
| E-16 | Immigrants with extraordinary ability |
| E-17 | Outstanding professors or researchers |
| E-18 | Certain multinational executives or managers |
| E-19 | Spouses of E-11, E-12, E-13, E-16, E-17, or E-18 |
| E-10 | Children of E-11, E-12, E-13, E-16, E-17, or E-18 |
| E-26 | Professionals holding advanced degrees |
| E-27 | Spouses of E-21 or E-26 |
| E-28 | Children of E-21 or E-26 |
| E-36 | Skilled workers |
| E-37 | Professionals with baccalaureate degrees |
| E-39 | Spouses of E-36 or E-37 |
| E-30 | Children of E-36 or E-37 |
The table follows footnotes 25, 26, and 27 of the Policy Manual chapter, which annotate its list of employment-based adjustment of status applicants. The same chapter refers to other codes, such as E-11, E-12, E-13, and E-21, without defining them in these footnotes.
What a class of admission code is
The Policy Manual chapter says its tables include footnotes that identify the immigrant classes of admission and the associated codes. These codes appear on documents issued by USCIS and in USCIS systems. A code is therefore a label for the category under which a person became a permanent resident. It is not a separate document or a separate status.
How the codes are grouped
In the Policy Manual list, the codes fall into groups that match the employment-based preference structure:
- First preference (footnote 25): E-16, E-17, E-18, with E-19 for spouses and E-10 for children.
- Second preference (footnote 26): E-26, with E-27 for spouses and E-28 for children.
- Third preference (footnote 27): E-36 and E-37, with E-39 for spouses and E-30 for children.
The first digit after the E often tracks the group: codes beginning with 1 are in the first group, 2 in the second, and 3 in the third. The pattern is a reading aid, not a rule, so a code should be read from the official document itself. For example, E-19 is a spouse code and E-10 is a child code, so the digits cannot be decoded by rule alone.
E36 and E37 in plain terms
E-36 covers skilled workers and E-37 covers professionals with baccalaureate degrees. Both sit in the third group, which the Policy Manual calls skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. A person's code reflects the category under which the person was admitted or adjusted.
The third-preference footnote lists more codes than these two. It also includes EX-6 (Schedule A worker), EW-8 (other workers), and EC-6 (Chinese Student Protection Act principals), each with its own spouse and child codes. E-36 and E-37 are therefore two entries in a longer list.
E19 and E39 are for family members
The spouse of a person in the first group carries E-19. The spouse of an E-36 or E-37 principal carries E-39, and the children of such principals carry E-30. These codes follow the principal's category. They are not separate immigration categories that a person can apply for on their own.
A quick way to read a code
- Find the code on the document USCIS or the Department of State issued.
- Look the code up in the Policy Manual footnote for its preference group.
- Check whether the entry describes a worker (such as E-36) or a family member (such as E-39).
- If the entry refers to another code, such as E-11, look for that code in the Policy Manual rather than guessing.
Where to find the code that applies to a person
Which code applies to a particular person is a question for USCIS or the Department of State. The Policy Manual explains how USCIS uses codes in its own work. Any question about which code applies to a case belongs with USCIS or a licensed immigration attorney.
What these codes do not mean
- They are not Diversity Visa codes. The Diversity Visa program is a separate category, explained in how the lottery works.
- They do not rank workers from better to worse.
- They do not indicate how long a green card is valid. Validity is covered in Green Card expiration and renewal.
- They are not a substitute for the A-Number or receipt number, which are explained separately.
Frequently asked questions
What does E36 mean on a green card?
In the Policy Manual, E-36 stands for skilled workers under the employment-based third preference.
What does E37 mean?
Professionals with baccalaureate degrees.
What is E19?
A code for spouses of principals in the priority worker groups: E-11, E-12, E-13, E-16, E-17, or E-18.
Does a spouse use the same code as the worker?
No. The Policy Manual lists separate spouse codes, such as E-39 for spouses of E-36 or E-37 principals.
What code do children of E-36 or E-37 principals carry?
E-30, according to the Policy Manual footnote.
Related reading
- A-Number, USCIS number, and receipt number
- Green Card expiration and renewal
- Is "green card" capitalized?
- How the Diversity Visa lottery works
About this guide
This website is for information only. It is not affiliated with the U.S. government, does not give legal advice or consultations, and does not offer application services. The current official instructions control, because rules change each year.
Last verified: October 2026. Source: USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part G, Chapter 3.