Immigration Glossary

The process of applying for lawful permanent residence (a green card) while physically present in the United States, allowing a person to change from one immigration status to another without leaving the U.S.

A legally enforceable document (Form I-864) that a sponsor signs to accept financial responsibility for an immigrant, ensuring they will not become a public charge.

Any person who is not a citizen or national of the United States. This is the legal term used in immigration law, though 'foreign national' is often preferred.

Protection granted to individuals already in the United States who demonstrate that they are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution.

A foreign national who is the subject of an immigration petition filed by a petitioner (such as a family member or employer) and who stands to receive an immigration benefit.

Personal identifying information including fingerprints, photographs, and signature collected by USCIS for background checks and to produce immigration documents.

The process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States, as opposed to adjusting status within the U.S.

Work authorization for F-1 students that allows them to gain practical experience in their field of study as an integral part of their academic curriculum.

Immigration status that is dependent on another person's status, such as when a spouse and children receive the same classification as the principal applicant.

School official authorized by SEVP to access SEVIS and help F and M students maintain their status throughout their studies in the United States.

A document (Form I-766) that proves a person is authorized to work in the United States for a specific period of time, also known as a work permit.

Nonimmigrant student visa for academic study at colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, elementary schools, and language training programs.

Common name for a Permanent Resident Card, which provides evidence of an individual's permanent resident status in the United States.

Temporary nonimmigrant visa for specialty occupations that require theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher.

Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status issued by a SEVP-approved school to prospective F-1 or M-1 students.

Certain family members of U.S. citizens who are not subject to numerical limitations: spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents (if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older).

A visa that allows a foreign national to enter the United States with the intention of living permanently and becoming a lawful permanent resident.

A process where the Department of Labor certifies that there are not sufficient U.S. workers able and willing to accept a job opportunity in the area of intended employment.

A foreign national who has been granted authorization to live and work permanently in the United States, evidenced by a Permanent Resident Card (green card).

An exception to the job offer and labor certification requirements for certain EB-2 professionals whose work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.

The process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after they meet the requirements established by Congress in the INA.

A visa issued to a foreign national seeking to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose such as tourism, business, study, or temporary work.

Temporary employment authorization for F-1 students to work in the United States for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM fields) in their field of study.

A U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or employer who files an immigration petition on behalf of a foreign national beneficiary.

A USCIS service that guarantees 15-calendar-day processing of certain employment-based petitions for an additional fee of $2,805.

The date USCIS receives a properly filed petition, which establishes a person's place in line for an immigrant visa number in preference categories with numerical limitations.

An individual who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, demonstrated by receipt of public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization.

A notice from USCIS requesting additional documentation or information needed to make a decision on a pending immigration case.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System - a database that maintains information on international students and exchange visitors in the United States.

Temporary nonimmigrant classification for Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States in specific professional occupations under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA).

The period of time when a foreign national is present in the United States without being admitted or paroled, or after their authorized stay has expired.

A monthly publication by the State Department that shows the availability of immigrant visa numbers and priority date cut-offs for each preference category and country.