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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.