Immigration Glossary

The process of applying for permanent residence (green card) from within the United States using Form I-485, without having to return to your home country to get an immigrant visa.

A document (Form I-131) that allows certain noncitizens to re-enter the US after traveling abroad while their immigration application is pending. Essential for I-485 applicants who need to travel.

A unique 9-digit number assigned to non-US citizens. Found on your green card, EAD, or I-797 notice. Also called USCIS Registration Number.

The statutory limit on the number of new H-1B visas issued each fiscal year: 65,000 for the regular cap plus 20,000 for the US master's degree cap.

Legal permission to be employed in the United States. Can come from visa status (e.g., H-1B), an EAD card, or other USCIS authorization.

Fingerprints, photograph, and signature collected at an Application Support Center (ASC). Required for many immigration applications including I-485, N-400, and some I-765 filings.

H-1B employers not subject to the annual cap — primarily universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government research organizations. Can sponsor H-1B workers year-round without lottery.

For an eligible, timely filed H-1B change-of-status request, an automatic extension of F-1 status and OPT/STEM OPT employment authorization. Under the current rule, it generally ends April 1 of the fiscal year for which H-1B status is requested, or earlier if the request ends.

The I-20 is issued by schools for F-1 students; the DS-2019 is issued by exchange program sponsors for J-1 visitors. Both authorize the holder to apply for the respective visa.

Changing from one nonimmigrant visa category to another while inside the US, without leaving. For example, changing from F-1 to H-1B. Filed on Form I-539 (or I-129 for work visas).

Applying for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa at a US consulate or embassy abroad, as opposed to Adjustment of Status inside the US.

Off-campus work authorization for F-1 students that is an integral part of their academic curriculum. Must be authorized by your DSO on the I-20 before you start working. Not filed with USCIS.

An authorized official at your school who manages your SEVIS record, issues I-20 updates, authorizes CPT, and recommends OPT. Your primary point of contact for F-1 status matters.

The period of authorized stay indicated on the I-94 as 'D/S' — meaning you can stay as long as you maintain your student status, not a fixed date. Most F-1 students have D/S on their I-94.

A credit card-sized document (Form I-765) that proves your right to work in the US. Required for OPT, STEM OPT, pending I-485, and other categories. Issued by USCIS.

Entering the United States without authorization (e.g., crossing the border without going through a port of entry). EWI creates significant bars to adjustment of status.

Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. Used by employers to sponsor workers for H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and other nonimmigrant work visas. Must be filed by the employer.

Petition for Alien Relative. Filed by a US citizen or permanent resident to establish a qualifying family relationship with a foreign national seeking a green card.

Application for Travel Document. Used to apply for Advance Parole, Refugee Travel Document, or Re-entry Permit. Critical for green card applicants who need to travel internationally.

Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. Filed by employers (or self-petitioned for EB-1A, EB-2 NIW) to establish a worker's eligibility for an employment-based green card.

Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Issued by SEVIS-approved schools to F-1 students. Required to get the F-1 visa, enter the US, and maintain status.

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The primary form to apply for a green card inside the US. Often filed concurrently with I-140 when priority dates are current.

Application for Employment Authorization. Filed to get an EAD card for OPT, STEM OPT, pending I-485, and other eligibility categories.

Notice of Action. The official letter USCIS sends to acknowledge receipt or approve/deny your petition. Comes in several types: I-797A (approval with I-94), I-797B (approval), I-797C (receipt).

Arrival/Departure Record issued when you enter the US. Contains your admission class (e.g., F-1, H-1B) and authorized stay period. Check yours at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

Application for Naturalization. Filed by eligible green card holders (typically after 3–5 years) to become US citizens. Includes a civics interview, English test, and oath ceremony.

F-1 students must be enrolled full-time each semester (typically 12 credits for undergrads, 9 for grads). Dropping below full-time without DSO authorization violates status.

The 60-day period after completing your academic program during which you remain in valid F-1 status. You can prepare to depart, apply for OPT, or change status during this window.

Informal name for Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). Grants lawful permanent residence in the US. Green cards for employment are valid for 10 years and must be renewed.

The random selection process USCIS uses when H-1B registrations exceed the annual cap. USCIS publishes the registration dates each year. Selection is beneficiary-centric, and only selected registrants may file full H-1B petitions.

Under AC21, H-1B holders with a pending I-485 (180+ days) or an approved I-140 can change employers without losing their green card priority date or H-1B status.

The date USCIS received your I-140 petition (or DOL received your PERM application). Used to determine your place in line for a green card. Critical for India and China nationals due to backlogs.

A visa that allows a foreign national to enter the US and become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Different from a nonimmigrant visa, which is temporary.

A parole program allowing foreign entrepreneurs who have received significant investment to work in the US for up to 5 years to develop their startup.

Process filed with the Department of Labor (DOL) to certify that no qualified US worker is available for the position being offered to a foreign worker. Required for most EB-2 and EB-3 green cards.

A foreign national who has been granted permanent residence in the US. Also called a green card holder. LPRs can live and work permanently in the US and apply for citizenship after 3–5 years.

Complying with all rules and requirements of your visa category to remain in lawful status. For F-1, this means full-time enrollment, valid I-20, valid passport, and authorized work only.

An exemption from the PERM labor certification requirement for EB-2 applicants who can demonstrate their work is in the national interest. Allows self-petition without an employer.

The process by which a foreign national becomes a US citizen. Generally requires 5 years as an LPR (3 years if married to a US citizen), continuous residence, good moral character, and passing civics/English tests.

A temporary visa allowing a foreign national to enter the US for a specific purpose and time period. Includes F-1 (student), H-1B (worker), B-1/B-2 (visitor), and many others.

Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics. No lottery required. Self-petition is possible. Requires evidence of national/international acclaim.

Post-completion work authorization for F-1 students in a job related to their field of study. 12 months of work authorization filed via Form I-765. STEM degree holders can apply for a 24-month extension.

Being in the US past your authorized stay or in violation of your visa conditions. Different from overstaying — you can be out of status without technically overstaying (e.g., working without authorization).

Remaining in the US past the date on your I-94 or visa. Overstays of 180+ days trigger a 3-year bar from re-entry; overstays of 1+ year trigger a 10-year bar.

Program Electronic Review Management — the DOL system for processing labor certification applications. The first step for most employer-sponsored green cards. Free to file with DOL.

An airport, seaport, or land border crossing where travelers enter the US and are inspected by CBP officers. Your I-94 is created (or modified) at the POE.

A paid USCIS service currently listed at $2,805 for several eligible petitions. It requires qualifying USCIS action within 15 business days for eligible H-1B and other covered filings; it does not guarantee approval.

The date that determines your place in line for an employment-based or family-based green card. For employment-based cases, it's usually the date DOL received your PERM application (or I-140 receipt date for NIW).

USCIS confirmation that they have received your petition or application. Contains your receipt number (e.g., EAC-, WAC-, SRC-, LIN-, MSC-) for tracking your case online.

A letter from USCIS asking for additional documentation or clarification on your petition. You typically have 87 days to respond. Failing to respond results in denial.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System — the DHS database that tracks F-1 and J-1 students and exchange visitors. Your SEVIS record must be active and maintained for valid status.

A one-time fee ($350 for F-1, $220 for J-1) paid to DHS via Form I-901 before applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Required for initial entry; not required when transferring or changing programs.

Additional registration requirements for nationals of certain countries when entering the US.

Any action that breaches the conditions of your visa — such as working without authorization, dropping below full-time enrollment (F-1), or staying past your I-94 date.

A 24-month extension of OPT work authorization for F-1 students who graduated with a STEM degree (per DHS's STEM list). Requires employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Filed via I-765 with I-983 training plan.

NAFTA/USMCA visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens in professional occupations listed in the treaty. No cap, no lottery, renewable indefinitely. Filed with CBP at the border or via I-129.

Moving your SEVIS record from one US school to another when you change schools. Must be done through your DSOs; your SEVIS ID remains the same.

Working in the US without proper authorization. For F-1 students, this means working off-campus without an EAD or DSO-authorized CPT. Can result in status termination and bar from re-entry.

Time spent in the US without authorization, which triggers re-entry bars (3-year bar for 180+ days, 10-year bar for 1+ year). F-1/J-1 students generally don't accrue ULP until USCIS makes a formal status determination.

A monthly DOS publication showing priority dates for employment-based and family-based green cards by country. If your priority date is before the cutoff date, your visa number is available.

The physical visa sticker placed in your passport by a US consulate or embassy. It allows you to enter the US but does not determine your authorized stay (that's the I-94). An expired visa stamp doesn't mean you're out of status.