Glossary
Plain-language definitions for every term you will encounter. Browse by letter or filter by category.
Use Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac) to search for a specific term on this page.
3
A
Adjustment of Status
The process of changing to permanent resident status while physically present in the U.S.
Immigration ProcessAffidavit of Support
A legally binding promise to financially support an immigrant at a minimum income level.
USCIS FormsAsylum
Protection granted to people already in the U.S. who face persecution in their home country.
Immigration StatusAdmission
The lawful entry of a foreign national into the U.S. after inspection by an officer.
Immigration ProcessAdvance Parole
A travel document allowing a pending applicant to reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad.
Immigration StatusAppeal
A request to the BIA to review and overturn an immigration judge's decision.
Immigration ProcessApproval Notice
The official USCIS document confirming that a petition or application has been granted.
Immigration ProcessAsylee
A person granted asylum status in the U.S. after proving a well-founded fear of persecution.
Immigration StatusAffirmative Asylum
An asylum application filed proactively with USCIS before removal proceedings begin.
Immigration ProcessAdministrative Processing
Additional background checks or review after a visa interview, causing delays.
Immigration ProcessAILA
American Immigration Lawyers Association, the professional bar for immigration attorneys.
Immigration ProcessAccredited Representative
A non-lawyer authorized by DOJ to represent clients in immigration proceedings.
Immigration ProcessAggravated Felony
A category of crimes that makes a foreign national deportable with severe consequences.
Immigration StatusAdoption
The legal process of becoming the parent of a foreign-born child for immigration purposes.
Family ImmigrationAging Out
When a child turns 21 and loses eligibility as a minor under certain visa categories.
Family ImmigrationA Visa
A diplomatic visa for foreign government officials and their immediate family members.
Visa TypesAC21
American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act, allowing job portability during green card process.
Employment ImmigrationAudit
A DOL request for additional documentation during the PERM labor certification process.
Employment ImmigrationAsylum Office
A USCIS office that adjudicates affirmative asylum applications.
Immigration ProcessB
BIA
Board of Immigration Appeals, the highest administrative body for immigration cases.
Immigration ProcessB-1/B-2 Visa
A temporary visitor visa for business (B-1) or tourism and medical treatment (B-2).
Visa TypesBiometrics
Fingerprints, photographs, and signatures collected by USCIS for background checks.
Immigration ProcessBeneficiary
The foreign national who benefits from an immigration petition filed on their behalf.
Family ImmigrationBond
A financial guarantee paid to release a detained individual during immigration proceedings.
Immigration ProcessBlanket L Petition
A pre-approved L-1 petition allowing qualifying companies to transfer employees more quickly.
Visa TypesC
Consular Processing
Applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Immigration ProcessCBP
Customs and Border Protection, the agency managing U.S. ports of entry.
Immigration ProcessConditional Resident
A person granted a two-year green card, typically through a recent marriage.
Immigration StatusCredible Fear
The initial screening standard for asylum seekers apprehended at or near the border.
Immigration ProcessCPT
Curricular Practical Training, work authorization for F-1 students as part of their curriculum.
Employment ImmigrationCancellation of Removal
A form of relief in immigration court allowing certain residents to avoid deportation.
Immigration ProcessCAT Protection
Relief under the Convention Against Torture preventing return to a country where torture is likely.
Immigration StatusCitizenship
Full membership in the U.S. with all rights including voting and passport eligibility.
Immigration StatusCivics Test
A test on U.S. government and history required as part of the naturalization process.
Immigration ProcessContinuous Residence
The requirement to maintain an unbroken period of living in the U.S. for naturalization.
Immigration StatusCurrent
A visa bulletin status meaning all priority dates in that category are eligible now.
Immigration ProcessConcurrent Filing
Submitting the I-485 at the same time as the underlying immigrant petition.
Immigration ProcessCase Status
The current processing stage of an application as shown on the USCIS website.
Immigration ProcessCountry Conditions
Evidence about political, social, and human rights conditions used in asylum cases.
Immigration ProcessChange of Status
Switching from one nonimmigrant visa category to another while in the U.S.
Immigration StatusConsular Officer
A State Department official who interviews and decides visa applications at embassies.
Immigration ProcessCrime Involving Moral Turpitude
A crime involving dishonesty or base conduct that can trigger inadmissibility or deportation.
Immigration StatusControlled Substance Violation
A drug-related offense that is a ground of inadmissibility and deportability.
Immigration StatusChild Citizenship Act
A law granting automatic citizenship to certain foreign-born children of U.S. citizens.
Family ImmigrationCSPA
Child Status Protection Act, which can preserve a child's age for immigration purposes.
Family ImmigrationCombo Card
A single card combining the EAD and advance parole document for pending applicants.
Immigration StatusConditional Approval
A preliminary approval subject to additional requirements being met before final issuance.
Immigration ProcessD
Dual Intent
A visa category allowing holders to seek permanent residence while on a temporary visa.
Visa TypesDOS
Department of State, responsible for issuing visas at embassies and consulates abroad.
Immigration ProcessDOL
Department of Labor, which certifies labor conditions for employment-based immigration.
Employment ImmigrationDACA
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, providing temporary protection for certain immigrants.
Immigration StatusDeferred Action
A discretionary decision to temporarily postpone removal of an individual from the U.S.
Immigration StatusDeportation
The formal removal of a foreign national from the U.S. by government order.
Immigration ProcessDerived Citizenship
Automatic U.S. citizenship acquired by a child through a parent's naturalization.
Immigration StatusDerivative Beneficiary
A spouse or child who qualifies for immigration benefits through the principal applicant.
Family ImmigrationDenial
A USCIS decision rejecting an immigration application or petition.
Immigration ProcessDefensive Asylum
An asylum claim raised as a defense during removal proceedings in immigration court.
Immigration ProcessDetention
The holding of a foreign national in government custody during immigration proceedings.
Immigration ProcessDiversity Visa Lottery
An annual lottery granting 55,000 green cards to nationals of underrepresented countries.
Visa TypesDependent Visa
A visa category for the spouse and minor children of a primary visa holder.
Visa TypesE
EOIR
Executive Office for Immigration Review, which oversees immigration courts and judges.
Immigration ProcessEAD
Employment Authorization Document, the work permit card issued by USCIS.
Immigration StatusEB-1
First preference employment-based green card for priority workers and extraordinary ability.
Employment ImmigrationEB-2
Second preference employment green card for professionals with advanced degrees or NIW.
Employment ImmigrationEB-3
Third preference employment green card for skilled workers and professionals.
Employment ImmigrationEB-4
Fourth preference employment green card for special immigrants like religious workers.
Employment ImmigrationEB-5
Fifth preference employment green card for immigrant investors creating U.S. jobs.
Employment ImmigrationE-2 Visa
A treaty investor visa for nationals of treaty countries making a substantial U.S. investment.
Visa TypesE-1 Visa
A treaty trader visa for nationals engaged in substantial trade between the U.S. and a treaty country.
Visa TypesExtraordinary Ability
A high standard of achievement required for O-1 visas and EB-1A green cards.
Employment ImmigrationESTA
Electronic System for Travel Authorization, required for Visa Waiver Program travelers.
Visa TypesExpedite Request
A request to USCIS to process an application faster due to urgent circumstances.
Immigration ProcessExtreme Hardship
The legal standard required to qualify for certain immigration waivers.
Immigration ProcessF
Form I-130
Petition for Alien Relative, filed by a U.S. citizen or resident to sponsor a family member.
USCIS FormsForm I-140
Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, filed by an employer to sponsor a foreign worker.
USCIS FormsForm I-485
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status in the United States.
USCIS FormsForm I-765
Application for Employment Authorization Document, allowing work while a case is pending.
USCIS FormsForm I-131
Application for Travel Document, allowing reentry to the U.S. while a case is pending.
USCIS FormsForm I-94
Arrival/Departure Record documenting a foreign visitor's authorized stay in the U.S.
USCIS FormsForm I-20
Certificate of Eligibility issued by a school for student visa applicants.
USCIS FormsForm DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application required for most temporary visa categories.
USCIS FormsForm N-400
Application for Naturalization, the form used to apply for U.S. citizenship.
USCIS FormsForm I-601
Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility for visa applicants.
USCIS FormsForm I-864
The required Affidavit of Support form proving a sponsor can support the immigrant.
USCIS FormsForm I-751
Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, filed to convert a conditional green card.
USCIS FormsF-1 Visa
A student visa for foreign nationals enrolled in full-time academic programs in the U.S.
Visa TypesFamily-Based Immigration
The process of obtaining a green card through a qualifying family relationship.
Family ImmigrationFamily Preference Category
Visa categories for more distant family members of U.S. citizens and residents.
Family ImmigrationFollowing to Join
A process allowing family members to immigrate after the principal applicant.
Family ImmigrationForm I-129F
Petition for Alien Fiance, filed by a U.S. citizen to bring a fiance to the U.S.
USCIS FormsForm I-360
Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, used for VAWA and other cases.
USCIS FormsForm I-526
Immigrant Petition by Investor, the initial filing for the EB-5 investor green card.
USCIS FormsForm DS-260
Online Immigrant Visa Application completed for consular processing of green cards.
USCIS FormsForm I-539
Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status while in the United States.
USCIS FormsForm I-129
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, used for H-1B, L-1, O-1 and similar work visas.
USCIS FormsForm I-601A
Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, filed before departing the U.S. for a consular interview.
USCIS FormsForm I-212
Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission after deportation or removal.
USCIS FormsForm I-730
Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, used to bring family members of asylees to the U.S.
USCIS FormsFiling Date
The visa bulletin chart date indicating when an applicant may submit their application.
Immigration ProcessFinal Action Date
The visa bulletin date indicating when a visa number becomes available for issuance.
Immigration ProcessForm I-907
Request for Premium Processing Service, filed to expedite certain USCIS petitions.
USCIS FormsForm I-797
Notice of Action, the standard USCIS form used to communicate case decisions and receipts.
USCIS FormsFraud Waiver
A waiver of inadmissibility due to fraud or misrepresentation on a visa application.
Immigration ProcessForm I-140 Approval
USCIS approval of an employer's immigrant worker petition, establishing priority date.
Employment ImmigrationForm I-600
Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative for intercountry adoption.
USCIS FormsField Office
A local USCIS office where interviews, biometrics, and in-person services take place.
Immigration ProcessG
Green Card
The identification card proving lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
Immigration StatusGood Moral Character
A requirement for naturalization showing the applicant has been law-abiding.
Immigration StatusG Visa
A visa for representatives of international organizations like the United Nations.
Visa TypesH
H-1B Visa
A temporary work visa for specialty occupation workers with at least a bachelor's degree.
Visa TypesH-1B Cap
The annual numerical limit on new H-1B visas, currently set at 65,000 plus 20,000 for advanced degrees.
Visa TypesH-1B Lottery
The random selection process used when H-1B petitions exceed the annual cap.
Visa TypesH-4 Visa
A dependent visa for the spouse and children of an H-1B visa holder.
Visa TypesHumanitarian Parole
Emergency entry permission granted for urgent humanitarian reasons on a case-by-case basis.
Immigration StatusHousehold Member
A person living with the sponsor whose income can count toward the support requirement.
Family ImmigrationH-2B Visa
A temporary visa for non-agricultural seasonal workers filling short-term U.S. jobs.
Visa TypesH-2A Visa
A temporary visa for agricultural workers filling seasonal farming jobs in the U.S.
Visa TypesH-1B Transfer
Changing H-1B employers by having the new employer file a new petition.
Employment ImmigrationH-1B Extension
Extending H-1B status beyond the initial three-year period, up to a maximum of six years.
Employment ImmigrationHumanitarian
Immigration relief based on urgent humanitarian circumstances rather than standard categories.
Immigration StatusI
Immigrant Visa
A visa allowing the holder to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Visa TypesICE
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency handling interior immigration enforcement.
Immigration ProcessInadmissibility
Grounds that prevent a person from being admitted to or adjusting status in the U.S.
Immigration StatusImmigration Judge
A DOJ judge who presides over removal proceedings and decides immigration cases.
Immigration ProcessImmediate Relative
A spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen with no visa cap.
Family ImmigrationInfopass
An appointment scheduling system for in-person visits to USCIS local offices.
Immigration ProcessImmigration Attorney
A lawyer who specializes in representing clients in immigration matters.
Immigration ProcessInvestor Visa
A general term for visas like E-2 and EB-5 based on investment in a U.S. business.
Visa TypesImmigration Court
A court under EOIR where immigration judges hear removal and relief cases.
Immigration ProcessIndividual Hearing
A merits hearing in immigration court where evidence and testimony are presented.
Immigration ProcessJ
J-1 Visa
An exchange visitor visa for participants in approved cultural and educational programs.
Visa TypesJ-1 Waiver
A waiver of the two-year home residency requirement for J-1 exchange visitors.
Immigration ProcessJoint Sponsor
An additional sponsor who agrees to support an immigrant when the primary sponsor's income is insufficient.
Family ImmigrationK
L
L-1 Visa
A temporary visa for intracompany transferees in managerial or specialized roles.
Visa TypesLabor Certification
DOL approval confirming no qualified U.S. workers are available for a sponsored position.
Employment ImmigrationLCA
Labor Condition Application, an employer attestation required for H-1B petitions.
Employment ImmigrationL-1A Visa
An intracompany transfer visa for managers and executives moving to a U.S. office.
Visa TypesL-1B Visa
An intracompany transfer visa for employees with specialized knowledge.
Visa TypesLabor Market Test
Recruitment efforts required to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
Employment ImmigrationM
Motion to Reopen
A request to reopen a closed immigration case based on new facts or changed circumstances.
Immigration ProcessMotion to Reconsider
A request asking the court to reexamine its decision based on legal error.
Immigration ProcessMisrepresentation
Providing false information on an immigration application, a ground of inadmissibility.
Immigration StatusM-1 Visa
A student visa for foreign nationals enrolled in vocational or non-academic programs.
Visa TypesMaster Calendar Hearing
An initial immigration court hearing where charges are read and relief options discussed.
Immigration ProcessN
Nonimmigrant Visa
A temporary visa for people entering the U.S. for a specific purpose and limited time.
Visa TypesNaturalization
The process by which a permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen.
Immigration StatusNOID
Notice of Intent to Deny, warning that USCIS plans to deny a case unless rebutted.
Immigration ProcessNTA
Notice to Appear, the charging document that initiates removal proceedings.
Immigration ProcessNational Visa Center
The DOS facility that processes immigrant visa petitions before consular interviews.
Immigration ProcessNational Interest Waiver
An EB-2 subcategory allowing self-petition without employer sponsorship for national benefit.
Employment ImmigrationNotario Fraud
Unauthorized practice of immigration law by unqualified individuals posing as legal help.
Immigration ProcessO
O-1 Visa
A visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.
Visa TypesOPT
Optional Practical Training, temporary work authorization for F-1 students in their field.
Employment ImmigrationOath of Allegiance
The oath taken at a naturalization ceremony to become a U.S. citizen.
Immigration ProcessOne-Year Filing Deadline
The requirement to file an asylum application within one year of arriving in the U.S.
Immigration ProcessOut of Status
A condition where a visa holder has violated the terms of their authorized stay.
Immigration StatusOverstay
Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorized period shown on the I-94.
Immigration StatusOrphan Petition
An immigration petition to bring an adopted foreign orphan child to the United States.
Family ImmigrationOmbudsman
The USCIS Ombudsman helps resolve problems with immigration cases and systemic issues.
Immigration ProcessP
Priority Date
The date establishing your place in line for a visa in oversubscribed categories.
Immigration ProcessPoverty Guidelines
Federal income thresholds used to determine if a sponsor meets financial requirements.
Immigration ProcessPublic Charge
A determination that an applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on government aid.
Immigration StatusPermanent Resident
A foreign national authorized to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
Immigration StatusPERM
Program Electronic Review Management, the labor certification process for employer sponsorship.
Employment ImmigrationPrevailing Wage
The DOL-determined minimum salary an employer must offer for an immigration-sponsored position.
Employment ImmigrationP-1 Visa
A visa for internationally recognized athletes and entertainment groups.
Visa TypesPort of Entry
The official location where a person enters U.S. territory and is inspected by CBP.
Immigration ProcessParole
Temporary permission to enter the U.S. without formal admission, granted case by case.
Immigration StatusPhysical Presence
The total number of days an applicant must be in the U.S. to qualify for naturalization.
Immigration StatusPetitioner
The U.S. citizen or permanent resident who files an immigration petition for a relative.
Family ImmigrationPer-Country Limit
A cap limiting the number of green cards issued to nationals of any single country.
Immigration ProcessPremium Processing
An expedited USCIS service guaranteeing a response within 15 business days for extra fee.
Immigration ProcessProcessing Time
The estimated duration USCIS takes to adjudicate a specific type of application.
Immigration ProcessParticular Social Group
One of the five protected grounds for asylum based on shared immutable characteristics.
Immigration ProcessProsecutorial Discretion
The government's authority to decide whether to pursue or defer enforcement actions.
Immigration ProcessPortability
The ability to change employers after 180 days with a pending I-485 application.
Employment ImmigrationPrevailing Wage Determination
The DOL's official finding of the minimum salary for a specific job in a specific location.
Employment ImmigrationR
Removal Proceedings
The legal process in immigration court to determine if a person should be deported.
Immigration ProcessRFE
Request for Evidence, a notice from USCIS asking for additional documentation on a case.
Immigration ProcessR-1 Visa
A temporary visa for religious workers coming to the U.S. for a religious organization.
Visa TypesRegional Center
A USCIS-designated entity that manages EB-5 investment projects to create U.S. jobs.
Employment ImmigrationReceipt Number
The unique tracking number assigned by USCIS when an application is received.
Immigration ProcessRefugee
A person outside the U.S. granted protection due to persecution in their home country.
Immigration StatusResettlement
The process of relocating a refugee to a new country for permanent residence.
Immigration ProcessReentry Permit
A travel document for permanent residents planning extended travel outside the U.S.
Immigration StatusRefugee Travel Document
A travel document issued to refugees and asylees for international travel.
Immigration StatusRecapture
Reclaiming time spent outside the U.S. to extend the six-year H-1B maximum stay.
Employment ImmigrationRe-Registration
The process of renewing TPS or DACA status during a designated re-registration period.
Immigration StatusS
STEM OPT
A 24-month OPT extension available to graduates with qualifying STEM degrees.
Employment ImmigrationSEVIS
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, tracking international students in the U.S.
Immigration ProcessSpecialty Occupation
A position requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field for H-1B eligibility.
Employment ImmigrationStatus Extension
An application to extend the authorized period of stay in a nonimmigrant visa category.
Immigration StatusSection 221(g)
A refusal at a consular interview pending additional documentation or administrative processing.
Immigration ProcessSecurity Check
Background investigations conducted by federal agencies as part of immigration processing.
Immigration ProcessStipulated Removal
An agreement to accept a removal order without a full hearing before a judge.
Immigration ProcessSelf-Petition
Filing an immigration petition on your own behalf without a sponsoring employer or relative.
Family ImmigrationSponsor
A U.S. citizen, resident, or employer who files a petition on behalf of a foreign national.
Family ImmigrationSpecial Immigrant
An EB-4 category including religious workers, certain military translators, and other groups.
Employment ImmigrationSupervised Recruitment
DOL-directed recruitment efforts imposed when a PERM application raises concerns.
Employment ImmigrationService Center
A USCIS facility that processes mail-in immigration applications and petitions.
Immigration ProcessT
TPS
Temporary Protected Status granted to nationals of countries facing armed conflict or disaster.
Immigration StatusTN Visa
A NAFTA/USMCA work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals in designated occupations.
Visa TypesT Visa
A visa for victims of human trafficking who assist in the investigation of trafficking crimes.
Visa TypesTwo-Year Home Residency Requirement
A J-1 visa condition requiring return to the home country for two years before changing status.
Immigration StatusTreaty Country
A country with a qualifying trade or investment treaty with the U.S. for E visa eligibility.
Visa TypesTravel Document
A document issued by USCIS allowing travel and reentry for green card holders or applicants.
Immigration StatusThree-Year Extension
An H-1B extension beyond six years available to workers with approved I-140 petitions.
Employment ImmigrationU
USCIS
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency processing immigration benefits.
Immigration ProcessUnlawful Presence
Time spent in the U.S. without valid immigration status after an authorized stay expires.
Immigration StatusU Visa
A visa for crime victims who have suffered abuse and assist law enforcement.
Visa TypesUSMCA
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the trade deal enabling TN visa classification.
Visa TypesV
Visa Bulletin
A monthly publication showing which priority dates are currently eligible for visas.
Immigration ProcessVAWA
Violence Against Women Act, allowing abuse victims to self-petition for immigration status.
Family ImmigrationVisa Interview
A required meeting at a U.S. embassy or consulate to determine visa eligibility.
Immigration ProcessVoluntary Departure
Permission to leave the U.S. at your own expense instead of being formally deported.
Immigration ProcessVisa Retrogression
When priority dates move backward in the visa bulletin, increasing wait times.
Immigration ProcessVisa Number
An available slot under the annual numerical limits for immigrant visas.
Immigration ProcessVisa Waiver Program
A program allowing citizens of certain countries to visit the U.S. without a visa for 90 days.
Visa TypesV Visa
A visa for spouses and children of permanent residents waiting over three years for a green card.
Visa TypesW
Waiver
An application to forgive a ground of inadmissibility that would otherwise block a visa.
Immigration ProcessWithholding of Removal
Protection from deportation to a country where a person faces persecution or torture.
Immigration StatusWell-Founded Fear
The legal standard for asylum requiring a reasonable fear of persecution if returned home.
Immigration ProcessWork Permit
Authorization allowing a foreign national to work legally in the United States.
Employment ImmigrationWrit of Mandamus
A federal court order compelling USCIS to act on an unreasonably delayed application.
Immigration Process