Immigration Glossary

Plain-language definitions for the terms, forms, and acronyms you'll run into — no legal jargon, just what they actually mean.

All Agencies Documents & Notices Forms People & Categories Process & Status Terms Visa Types

E

Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1)

Visa Types

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.

F

Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1)

Visa Types

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.

I

Intracompany Transferee (L-1)

Visa Types

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.

N

NAFTA Professional (TN)

Visa Types

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

S

Specialty Occupation Worker (H-1B)

Visa Types

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.

Student Visa (F-1)

Visa Types

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

V

Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2)

Visa Types

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

This is general information to help you understand common terms, not legal advice. Terminology and policy can change — for anything specific to your case, a licensed immigration attorney can advise you directly.