Glossary
U.S. Immigration Glossary
Government Agencies And Official Terms
Key federal agencies and official terminology you’ll encounter during your immigration process.
Applying for Green Card while in the U.S. using Form I-485. Allows you to remain in the U.S. during processing.
allowing Green Card applicants to leave and re-enter the U.S. without abandoning their application.
Travel document (Form I-131) allowing Green Card applicants to leave and re-enter the U.S. without abandoning their application.
The foreign national receiving the immigration benefit (visa or Green Card). The person the petition is filed for.
Agency inspecting travelers at U.S. entry points (airports, borders). Issues I-94 arrival/departure records.
Applying for immigrant visa at U.S. embassy/consulate abroad rather than within the U.S.
Green Card holder with 2-year conditional status (EB-5 investors, marriage-based). Must file Form I-829 or I-751 to remove conditions.
Handles visa processing abroad, operates embassies/consulates, publishes monthly Visa Bulletin.
Processes PERM labor certifications and determines prevailing wages for employment-based immigration.
Spouse and children under 21 of primary applicant who automatically receive immigration benefits.
Work permit (Form I-765) allowing certain visa holders to work for any U.S. employer.
Document showing entry date, visa type, and authorized stay period. Available online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov
Processes approved immigrant petitions before scheduling consular interviews.
Person or employer filing immigration petition on behalf of beneficiary.
USCIS receives your petition. Determines your place in Green Card queue per Visa Bulletin.
USCIS request for additional documentation. Typically 30-90 days to respond. Not a denial.
Main agency processing immigration benefits: work visas, Green Cards, citizenship applications.
Website: uscis.gov | Phone: 1-800-375-5283
Monthly publication showing visa availability by category and country. Determines when you can file for Green Card.
Expedited 15-day USCIS review for I-129 and I-140 petitions. Fee: $2,805. Does not guarantee approval.
Warning that petition will be denied unless issues addressed within timeframe (typically 30 days). More serious than RFE.
Time in U.S. without valid status. Triggers bars: 180-364 days = 3-year bar; 365+ days = 10-year bar.
Document (Form I-131) allowing Green Card holders to travel abroad up to 2 years without abandoning status.
Document (Form I-131) allowing Green Card holders to travel abroad up to 2 years without abandoning status.
Limited time after employment ends or status expires to change status or depart U.S. Typically 10-60 days.
Airport, land border, or seaport where CBP inspects arriving travelers.
Fingerprints, photo, and signature collected by USCIS for background checks.
Fingerprints, photo, and signature collected by USCIS for background checks.
Additional consular review after visa interview. Can take weeks to months.
Person primarily dependent on government assistance. Inadmissible for immigration.
Not allowed to enter or remain in U.S. due to criminal history, health issues, fraud, or other grounds.
Request to forgive certain inadmissibility grounds (e.g., unlawful presence waiver).
Process of becoming U.S. citizen. Green Card holders eligible after 5 years (3 if married to citizen). Form N-400.