Immigration Glossary

The process of applying for a green card from inside the United States, using Form I-485, instead of through a U.S. embassy abroad.

Additional background or security review that can happen after a consular visa interview, before a final decision. It can take anywhere from a few days to many months, with little visibility into why.

A travel document (applied for with Form I-131) that lets you leave the U.S. and be considered for re-entry while a pending application, like a green card case, is still in process. It's not an absolute guarantee of re-entry — a CBP officer still makes that call at the border.

The free form (or online form) used to notify USCIS whenever you move. You're legally required to file this within 10 days of a change of address.

Used to get proof of citizenship for someone who became a U.S. citizen automatically, usually through a parent, rather than through naturalization.

The form used to request a work permit (EAD).

The form used to apply to become a U.S. citizen, typically after holding a green card for the required number of years.

The form used to request Advance Parole or a re-entry permit.

The form used to apply for a green card from inside the United States, without having to leave for a visa interview abroad.

Used to renew an expiring green card or replace one that's lost, stolen, or damaged.

The official record of when you entered the U.S., in what status, and until when you're authorized to stay. Most travelers get this electronically now rather than as a paper card — you can look it up at cbp.gov/i94.

Someone already in the U.S. who has been granted asylum after showing a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.

The person a petition is filed for — the one who would receive the immigration benefit if the petition is approved.

The appointment where USCIS collects your fingerprints, photo, and signature to run background and security checks. Usually scheduled shortly after you file certain applications.

Filing more than one form together at the same time — for example, filing an I-485 together with an I-765 and I-131 — instead of waiting for one to be approved before submitting the next.

The process of getting an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States, as an alternative to Adjustment of Status.

The DHS agency responsible for security at U.S. borders and ports of entry — the officers who inspect travelers and decide admission at airports and land crossings.

The federal department involved in certain employment-based immigration cases, including approving labor certifications and setting prevailing wage requirements.

The federal department that operates U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, issues visas, and publishes the monthly Visa Bulletin.

A spouse or child who can obtain the same immigration benefit as the main applicant, based on their relationship to that person, without needing a separate petition filed on their behalf.

Commonly called a work permit. This card (Form I-766) lets you legally work in the U.S. for as long as it's valid. You apply for it using Form I-765.

A visa for approved exchange programs, covering categories like research scholars, interns, and au pairs. Some J-1 holders are subject to a home-country return requirement.

The Department of Justice office that runs the immigration courts, where immigration judges hear removal and asylum cases.

A request asking USCIS to process a case faster than normal, granted only for specific, limited reasons like severe financial loss or a genuine emergency — not just because someone wants to wait less.

A visa for the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to travel to the U.S. and marry within 90 days of arrival, after which they can apply for a green card.

In government usage, someone seeking to live permanently in the U.S. — essentially, someone on the path to or holding a green card.

Filed by (or on behalf of) an employer to petition for a foreign worker to get an employment-based green card.

The DHS agency responsible for enforcing immigration law inside the United States, including investigations and removal proceedings.

Legal grounds that can prevent someone from being allowed to enter the U.S. or get a visa or green card — such as certain criminal history, health issues, or prior immigration violations. Some grounds can be overcome with a waiver.

A visa allowing a company to transfer an employee from an overseas office to a related U.S. office, typically for managers, executives, or specialized-knowledge staff.

The official term for a green card holder — someone authorized to live and work permanently in the U.S. without being a citizen.

A visa category for Canadian and Mexican citizens in certain professional occupations, created under NAFTA and continued under its successor, the USMCA.

A State Department office that handles paperwork and fees for approved immigrant visa petitions after USCIS approval, before the case moves to a U.S. embassy for an interview.

Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, regardless of their specific immigration status. Government forms sometimes use the older term "alien" to mean the same thing.

Someone in the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose — like tourism, study, or temporary work — as opposed to someone seeking to live in the U.S. permanently.

The general notice USCIS mails you at different points in your case. Despite the name, it covers several different things: a receipt notice confirming they got your filing, an approval notice, or a Request for Evidence. Your receipt number is on this notice.

A more serious notice than an RFE — USCIS is leaning toward denying your case but is giving you a chance to respond with more evidence before making a final decision. Deadlines on a NOID are strict.

Similar to a NOID, but issued after a petition or status was already approved — USCIS is now considering taking that approval back, and gives you a chance to respond first.

Someone allowed into the U.S. temporarily for urgent humanitarian or public-benefit reasons, without being formally "admitted." Parole is not a visa or a path to a green card by itself.

The card proving you're a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. A first-time card based on marriage under 2 years old is usually "conditional" and valid for only 2 years — you'll need to file Form I-751 to remove those conditions before it expires.

Used by employers to petition for temporary foreign workers in categories like H-1B, L-1, and O-1.

The form a U.S. citizen or permanent resident files to establish a qualifying family relationship with a relative who wants to immigrate.

Filed by a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. on a K-1 visa so they can get married within 90 days of arrival.

Filed by a conditional permanent resident (usually from a marriage under 2 years old at green card approval) to convert a 2-year conditional card into a full 10-year one.

The person (usually a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or sometimes an employer) who files a petition on behalf of someone else.

An optional paid service available for certain forms that guarantees USCIS will act on your case within a set number of business days (commonly 15), for an extra fee.

Your place in line for a green card in categories with annual limits. It's usually the date your I-130 or I-140 petition was filed. You compare this date against the monthly Visa Bulletin to see if a visa number is available yet.

A ground of inadmissibility that can apply if USCIS determines someone is likely to become primarily dependent on certain government benefits. What counts, and how it's weighed, has changed over the years depending on current policy.

Someone granted permission to come to the U.S. from abroad due to persecution, processed and approved before they arrive — unlike an asylee, who applies from inside the U.S.

A notice asking you to submit more documents or information before USCIS can decide your case. It means your case isn't decided yet — it isn't a denial, and most RFEs are successfully resolved when responded to fully and on time.

A visa for temporary employment in jobs that require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree, subject to an annual numerical cap and lottery in most years.

The visa category for international students pursuing a full course of academic study in the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security agency that processes immigration and naturalization applications like green cards, work permits, and citizenship.

A chart published monthly by the State Department showing which priority dates are currently eligible to move forward, by category and country of birth.

The visa category for temporary visits to the U.S. for business (B-1) or tourism/pleasure (B-2) — it does not authorize employment.

Formal permission that forgives or excuses a specific ground of inadmissibility, allowing a case to move forward despite it. Waivers have their own application process and aren't automatic or guaranteed.