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Immigration Glossary
45 terms · H-1B, Green Card, F-1, OPT, Consular
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A
AC21 Portability
Allows an I-485 applicant to change employers or job roles after 180 days without losing their place in the green card queue, provided the new role is "same or similar."
Adjustment of Status (AOS)
Process of applying for lawful permanent resident status (green card) while in the United States, using Form I-485.
Administrative Processing
A hold placed on a visa application requiring additional review. Often for security clearance or background checks. Common for certain nationalities and STEM fields.
Advance Parole
Travel document (Form I-131) allowing re-entry to the US while a green card application is pending.
Alien Registration Number
Also called the "A-Number". A unique 9-digit identifier assigned by USCIS to non-citizens in immigration proceedings.
B
B-1 / B-2 Visa
Temporary nonimmigrant visas for business (B-1) and tourism/pleasure (B-2). Cannot be used to work for a US employer.
Beneficiary
The foreign national on whose behalf a visa petition or green card application is filed.
C
Cap-Exempt H-1B
H-1B petitions filed by nonprofits, universities, and research institutions not subject to the annual 85,000 cap or lottery. Can be filed year-round.
Consular Processing
The process of obtaining an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa through a US Embassy or Consulate abroad, as opposed to adjusting status from within the US.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
Work authorization for F-1 students that allows off-campus employment directly related to their major field of study.
Current (Priority Date)
When a visa bulletin shows "C" or "Current", it means visas are immediately available for that category and country.
D
DACA
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization.
DOS
Department of State. Oversees consular visa processing and publishes the monthly Visa Bulletin.
Dual Intent
A doctrine allowing certain visa holders (H-1B, L-1) to simultaneously intend to remain temporarily while also pursuing permanent residency.
E
E-3 Visa
A nonimmigrant work visa available exclusively to Australian nationals in specialty occupations. Not subject to the H-1B lottery.
EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
Work permit card issued by USCIS (Form I-765). Required for OPT, STEM OPT, pending AOS applicants, and other categories.
EB-1 / EB-2 / EB-3
Employment-based green card categories. EB-1 is for priority workers, EB-2 for advanced degrees, EB-3 for skilled workers.
F
F-1 Visa
Student visa for full-time academic study at a SEVP-certified institution. Allows CPT during study and OPT after graduation.
G
Green Card
Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). Grants the right to live and work permanently in the US.
H
H-1B Visa
Specialty occupation work visa requiring a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Subject to an annual cap of 85,000 (65K regular + 20K master's).
H-1B1 Visa
A variant of the H-1B available exclusively to Chilean and Singaporean nationals under free trade agreements.
H-4 EAD
Work authorization for spouses of H-1B holders who have an approved I-140 immigrant petition.
I
I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
USCIS form filed by an employer to sponsor a foreign worker for an employment-based green card.
I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
USCIS form filed to apply for lawful permanent residence from within the US.
I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
An electronic record issued by CBP at the port of entry showing visa class and authorized period of stay.
J
J-1 Visa
An exchange visitor visa for participants in approved exchange programs including research scholars, professors, interns, and au pairs.
L
L-1 Visa
An intracompany transferee visa for managers, executives (L-1A), and specialized knowledge workers (L-1B).
LCA (Labor Condition Application)
A DOL certification required before filing an H-1B petition, attesting to wage and working conditions.
N
NAICS Code
North American Industry Classification System code. Identifies the employer's industry sector.
NIW (National Interest Waiver)
Allows EB-2 applicants to self-petition without employer sponsorship or labor certification.
O
O-1 Visa
A nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics, or arts.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
12 months of work authorization for F-1 students after graduation. STEM fields get an additional 24 months.
P
PERM
Program Electronic Review Management. The labor certification process required before most employment-based green card petitions.
Premium Processing
Expedited adjudication of certain petitions within 15 business days for an additional fee.
Priority Date
The date that establishes your place in the green card queue. Typically the PERM filing date or I-140 receipt date.
R
RFE (Request for Evidence)
When USCIS needs additional documentation to decide a petition. Must be responded to within the stated deadline.
Retrogression
When the priority date in the Visa Bulletin moves backward, meaning fewer visas are available that month.
S
SEVP
Student and Exchange Visitor Program. DHS program that certifies schools to enroll international students.
SOC Code
Standard Occupational Classification code. Identifies the job occupation for wage determination purposes.
Specialty Occupation
An H-1B eligibility requirement. The position must require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field.
STEM OPT Extension
Additional 24 months of work authorization for F-1 students with degrees in STEM fields at E-Verify employers.
T
TN Visa
Treaty NAFTA visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals in designated occupations. No annual cap, renewable indefinitely.
U
USCIS
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Adjudicates immigration petitions and applications within the US.
V
Visa Bulletin
Monthly publication by DOS showing which priority dates are current for each employment-based and family-based green card category.
W
Wage Level (I–IV)
DOL prevailing wage tiers: Level I (entry) to Level IV (expert). Starting FY2027, higher wage levels receive more H-1B lottery entries.