A plain-English guide to common U.S. immigration terms—designed to help you understand the process, the paperwork, and your path forward.
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Adjustment ApplicantA person who is applying to change their nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent resident while inside the U.S.
Adjustment of StatusAllows eligible individuals in the U.S. to apply for a green card without leaving, changing from a temporary visa or non-immigrant status to permanent resident status.
Administrative ClosureA procedural action by an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals to temporarily remove a case from the active docket without a final decision.
Advance ParoleA document issued by USCIS allowing certain individuals to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad without losing their pending immigration status.
Affidavit of SupportA legal document showing a sponsor’s commitment to financially support an immigrant, ensuring they won’t need public assistance after moving to the U.S.
Alien SmugglingThe criminal act of knowingly helping someone enter the U.S. illegally or without inspection.
AsyleeAn individual who has been granted asylum protection in the United States based on a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.
AsylumProtection granted to individuals in the U.S. who fear persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group.
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BiometricsPhysical identifiers (fingerprints, photos, signatures) collected by immigration authorities as part of the application process to confirm identity and perform background checks.
Birth Certificate TranslationA certified English translation of a foreign-language birth certificate, often required for immigration applications.
Border PatrolA federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the borders of the United States. They prevent illegal immigration, human trafficking, and smuggling.
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Cancellation of RemovalA form of relief from deportation. It allows certain non-citizens to remain in the U.S. if they meet specific requirements, including long-term residency and demonstrating that removal would cause extreme hardship.
Conditional ResidentA person granted a two-year green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Must apply to remove conditions within 90 days before the card expires.
Consular ProcessingThe method of applying for a green card from outside the United States, typically through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
ConsulateA U.S. government office located in a foreign country that provides visa and immigration services.
Continuous PresenceAn uninterrupted period of physical presence in the U.S. that may be required for certain immigration relief, such as cancellation of removal.
Continuous ResidenceAn immigration requirement that an applicant must have lived in the U.S. for an uninterrupted period to qualify for certain benefits such as naturalization.
Country of OriginThe country in which a person was born or resided before immigrating to the United States.
Deferred ActionTemporary protection from deportation, usually given under special programs like DACA, allowing recipients to remain and work lawfully in the U.S.
DeportationThe legal process of removing a non-citizen from the United States due to violations of immigration or criminal laws.
Derivative BeneficiaryA family member who receives immigration benefits through the principal applicant’s approved petition.
Detention CenterA facility where immigrants are held while they await court decisions or deportation proceedings.
Diversity Visa LotteryA program that randomly selects individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. to apply for a green card.
Dual CitizenshipThe legal status of a person who is a citizen of two countries at the same time, with rights and obligations in both.
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Employment AuthorizationPermission granted by USCIS for certain non-citizens to legally work in the U.S.
Employment-Based ImmigrationAn immigration path based on job skills or offers, typically requiring labor certification and falling into preference categories.
Entry Without Inspection (EWI)The act of entering the U.S. without presenting oneself for inspection at a port of entry, often complicating future immigration options.
Expedited RemovalA fast-track deportation process used at the border for certain individuals without valid entry documents or suspected of fraud.
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Family-Based ImmigrationThe process by which U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can sponsor family members for green cards.
Fiancé Visa (K-1 Visa)A visa allowing a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. for marriage within 90 days.
Fiancé(e) Petition (Form I-129F)A petition filed by a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for marriage within 90 days of arrival.
Form DS-260The online immigrant visa application used by individuals applying for consular processing outside the U.S.
Form I-94The arrival/departure record issued by CBP or USCIS to track a non-citizen’s authorized stay in the United States.
Form I-131A form used to apply for travel documents like Advance Parole or a Re-Entry Permit.
Form I-485The application used to register permanent residence or adjust status for individuals already in the U.S.
Form I-864The Affidavit of Support form required to show that a visa applicant has adequate financial sponsorship from a U.S. petitioner or sponsor.
Form N-400The application form used by lawful permanent residents to apply for naturalization and become U.S. citizens.
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Green CardA commonly used term for the Permanent Resident Card, which allows a non-citizen to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
Green Card HolderA person who has lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. and holds a green card.
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ICE HoldA request by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to a local jail or law enforcement agency to detain an individual suspected of immigration violations.
Immediate RelativeA category of family member—including spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21—who are not subject to visa caps and can immigrate quickly.
ImmigrantA person who moves to the U.S. intending to live permanently.
Immigrant PetitionA request submitted to USCIS to classify a foreign national as eligible for an immigrant visa or green card.
Immigrant VisaA visa issued to individuals seeking to live permanently in the U.S., typically through employment or family sponsorship.
Immigration JudgeA judge within the Department of Justice who hears immigration cases, including asylum, deportation, and waivers.
InadmissibilityA legal term describing individuals who are barred from entering the U.S. due to health, criminal, or immigration violations.
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Labor CertificationA process where a U.S. employer must demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers for a position offered to a foreign worker.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)An immigrant who has been granted the right to live and work permanently in the U.S., typically holding a green card.
Lawful StatusA designation indicating that a person is present in the U.S. with proper authorization under immigration law.
Legal EntryA lawful admission into the United States at a designated port of entry following inspection by an immigration officer.
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Master Calendar HearingThe first court hearing in a removal proceeding, used to schedule the case and discuss procedural matters.
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NaturalizationThe legal process through which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen.
Non-Immigrant VisaA temporary visa allowing individuals to enter the U.S. for purposes such as tourism, work, or study.
Notice of Action (Form I-797)A form issued by USCIS to communicate updates or decisions about immigration applications.
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)A notice issued by USCIS informing an applicant that the agency intends to deny their application unless additional evidence is provided.
Notice to Appear (NTA)A document issued by DHS initiating removal proceedings and requiring the individual to appear before an immigration judge.
NVC (National Visa Center)An agency that processes approved immigrant petitions before forwarding them to U.S. consulates or embassies for visa interviews.
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OverstayWhen someone remains in the U.S. beyond the time authorized by their visa, potentially triggering immigration penalties.
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ParolePermission for a non-citizen to enter the U.S. temporarily without a visa, often granted for urgent humanitarian reasons.
Period of Authorized Stay
The length of time a non-citizen is permitted to remain in the United States under the terms of their visa or immigration status. This period is determined by the U.S. government and may be shown on a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), a visa stamp, or a formal notice of action from USCIS(…)
PetitionA formal request filed with USCIS to classify an immigrant or non-immigrant for eligibility, typically by a U.S. citizen, resident, or employer.
Port of EntryAn official location where individuals are inspected and admitted into the U.S. by immigration officers.
Prima Facie CaseAn initial showing that an applicant meets basic eligibility requirements, used to temporarily proceed with certain immigration benefits.
Priority DateThe date a visa petition is filed, which determines an applicant’s place in line for immigrant visa processing.
Priority ProcessingAn expedited service that allows certain immigration petitions or applications to be processed faster for an additional fee.
Public ChargeA determination in immigration law about whether a person is likely to become dependent on government assistance. It can affect eligibility for admission or adjustment of status.
Public Charge RuleA regulation that evaluates whether an individual is likely to rely on public benefits and may be deemed inadmissible to the U.S.
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Re-Entry PermitA travel document that allows a lawful permanent resident to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad for up to two years without losing their status.
RefugeeA person who is outside their home country and unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Removal DefenseLegal strategies and arguments used to fight deportation in immigration court and secure relief or lawful status.
Removal of ConditionsThe process by which a conditional resident applies to become a permanent resident, typically by filing Form I-751 or I-829.
Removal ProceedingsThe legal process in immigration court to determine whether a non-citizen should be deported from the United States.
Request for Evidence
A formal notice from USCIS asking for missing documents or information needed to decide your immigration application.
Residence RequirementsThe specific time periods a non-citizen must reside in the U.S. to qualify for benefits like naturalization or adjustment of status.
Special Immigrant Juvenile StatusA classification for certain minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and need protection under U.S. law.
Special Immigrant VisaA visa for individuals who fall under special categories such as religious workers, juveniles, or certain Iraqis and Afghans who assisted the U.S. government.
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Financial SponsorAn individual, usually a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, who agrees to support an immigrant financially as part of the immigration process. A Financial Sponsor files an Affidavit of Support.
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STEM OPT ExtensionAn extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for certain F-1 students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math, allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 24 additional months.
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Temporary Protected Status (TPS)A designation given to individuals from certain countries experiencing problems like war or natural disasters, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. temporarily.
Temporary VisaA visa that permits an individual to stay in the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, or study.
Travel DocumentAn official document, like Advance Parole or a Refugee Travel Document, allowing certain non-citizens to re-enter the U.S. after travel abroad.
U.S. EmbassyThe main diplomatic mission of the United States in a foreign country, often responsible for handling visa and immigration matters.
Unauthorized ImmigrantA person living in the U.S. without lawful immigration status, either by unlawful entry or visa overstay.
Unauthorized WorkEmployment without proper authorization from USCIS, which can jeopardize current or future immigration benefits.
Unlawful PresenceTime spent in the U.S. without legal immigration status, which can trigger bars to re-entry for 3 or 10 years depending on the length of overstay.
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VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)A law that allows certain immigrants abused by U.S. citizens or residents to apply for lawful status without the abuser’s involvement.
Visa BulletinA monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State showing when immigrant visa applicants can move forward in the process based on their priority date.
Visa NumberA number assigned to an immigrant visa, indicating the beneficiary’s place in line for a green card under annual caps.
Visa Waiver ProgramAllows citizens of designated countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days.
Voluntary DepartureA form of relief that allows an individual to leave the U.S. voluntarily instead of being formally removed, helping them avoid future immigration penalties.
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WaiverPermission granted to overlook specific grounds of inadmissibility or other immigration violations.
Waiver of InadmissibilityA special permission granted to certain individuals who are otherwise barred from entering or staying in the U.S. due to inadmissibility issues.
Withdrawal of ApplicationWhen an applicant voluntarily asks USCIS or CBP to cancel their application, often used to avoid denial or consequences.
Work VisaA non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to work in the United States temporarily, often based on a job offer or employer sponsorship.
