Immigration Glossary

Also known as: 287g Program, Police-ICE Partnership

A formal agreement between ICE and a local police department or jail that allows local officers to perform some immigration enforcement functions. In jurisdictions with 287(g) agreements, a routine traffic stop or local arrest can lead to immigration consequences, because local officers can check your immigration status. Under the current administration, more counties have signed these agreements.

Also known as: AOS, I-485, Applying for a Green Card Inside the U.S.

The process of changing your immigration status to Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) while you are inside the United States. You file Form I-485 and, if approved, you receive your green card without having to leave the country. This is the opposite of Consular Processing.

A document signed by an ICE supervisor (not a judge) that authorizes ICE to arrest someone they believe is in the country illegally. An administrative warrant does NOT give ICE the right to enter your home. Only a judicial warrant signed by a judge allows home entry.

Also known as: AP, Travel Document, I-131

Special government permission that lets you travel outside the United States and return while your green card application (I-485) is still being processed. If you leave the U.S. without Advance Parole and have a pending I-485, your application is considered abandoned and denied. File Form I-131 to apply — it is free when filed with I-485.

Also known as: I-864, Financial Sponsor Form

A legal document signed by a U.S. citizen or green card holder who agrees to financially support an immigrant so the immigrant does not need public assistance. Required for most family-based green cards. The sponsor must earn at least 125% of the federal poverty guideline for their household size. There is no fee for this form.

Also known as: Asylum Grantee

A person who is already inside the United States (or at the border) and who has been officially granted asylum — meaning the government has recognized that they would face persecution if they returned to their home country. An asylee is different from a refugee, who is processed from outside the U.S. Asylees can apply for a green card after 1 year.

Protection the U.S. government gives to people who are already in the country or at the border and who have a well-founded fear of being persecuted in their home country because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. You must apply within 1 year of arriving in the U.S. using Form I-589 (which is free).

These are the two main ways to get a green card. Adjustment of Status (I-485) is done inside the United States — you do not have to leave. Consular Processing is done outside the U.S. at a U.S. embassy. Most people prefer Adjustment of Status because they do not have to leave the country during the process. However, not everyone is eligible to adjust status inside the U.S. (particularly those who entered without permission).

Affirmative asylum: You are NOT in removal proceedings and you proactively file Form I-589 with USCIS. An asylum officer interviews you. Defensive asylum: You ARE in removal proceedings (in front of an immigration judge) and you raise asylum as a defense against deportation. Both use Form I-589. The main difference is whether you are already in court proceedings or not.

Also known as: Job Portability, AC21 Portability

A rule that lets employment-based green card applicants change jobs without losing their place in line, IF their I-485 has been pending for at least 180 days AND the new job is in the same or a similar occupational category. This is important for people waiting years for their green card — they do not have to stay at the same employer forever. Always consult a lawyer before changing jobs with a pending green card application.

The person who BENEFITS from an immigration petition filed on their behalf. For example, if a U.S. citizen files a petition for their spouse to get a green card, the spouse is the beneficiary. The person who files the petition is the petitioner.

Also known as: Fingerprinting Appointment, ASC Appointment

The process of collecting your fingerprints, photograph, and signature at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). USCIS uses this information to run a background check. After you file most immigration applications, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice by mail. Biometric services are now included in the I-485 filing fee.

Also known as: Bail, Immigration Bail

Money paid to the government so a detained immigrant can be released from immigration detention while their case is decided by an immigration judge. If you are detained by ICE, you or your lawyer can request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. Not everyone qualifies — the judge decides based on whether you are a flight risk or a danger to the community.

The government agency that guards the U.S. border and checks people entering the country at airports, land border crossings, and sea ports. Border Patrol agents (part of CBP) also work within 100 miles of any U.S. border. If you fly into the U.S. from another country, CBP is the first agency you deal with when you land.

A medical doctor who has been approved by USCIS to perform the immigration medical exam (Form I-693). You cannot use your regular doctor for this exam — it must be a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. The medical exam checks vaccinations and certain health conditions. It costs $200–$600 depending on the doctor. Find one at uscis.gov/civil-surgeons.

Also known as: 2-Year Green Card, Conditional Permanent Residence

A green card that is valid for only 2 years, issued to people who got their green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen AND were married for less than 2 years at the time of approval. It is NOT a permanent card — you must file Form I-751 during the 90-day window BEFORE it expires (months 21–24 after receiving it) to get a permanent 10-year green card. Missing this window can result in losing your status.

Also known as: Consulate Interview, Embassy Interview, DS-260

The process of applying for a green card from OUTSIDE the United States, at a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country. After USCIS approves the petition (I-130 or I-140), the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), which then schedules an interview at the U.S. embassy. This is the opposite of Adjustment of Status.

A law that helps children who "age out" (turn 21) while a parent's immigration petition is pending. Without this law, a child who turns 21 while waiting would lose their place in the immigration queue. CSPA uses a formula to calculate an adjusted age that can keep the child's classification intact in some cases. This is complex — consult a lawyer if your child is approaching age 21.

Also known as: Embassy, U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate

A U.S. government office in another country that, among other things, processes visa and immigration applications for people outside the United States. If you go through consular processing for your green card, you will have an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country (or the country where you legally reside). After approval, your passport is stamped with an immigrant visa.

A government program that gives temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to people who were brought to the U.S. as children (before age 16). As of 2025–2026, DACA's legal status is uncertain due to court challenges. DACA does not directly provide a path to a green card, but DACA recipients may qualify through other categories (marriage, employment, etc.).

Also known as: Removal, Order of Removal, Being Removed

The legal process of the U.S. government forcing a person to leave the country because they do not have legal status or have violated immigration law. In most cases, you have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge before you can be deported. An order of deportation can affect your ability to return to the U.S. for years or permanently.

A family member (spouse or child under 21) who qualifies for the same immigration benefit as the main applicant because of their family relationship — without needing their own separate petition. For example, if a parent gets a green card through employment, their spouse and young children may also get green cards as derivatives.

Being held in a government facility (immigration detention center) while your immigration case is being decided. ICE can detain people they believe are in the country unlawfully. You have rights in detention: the right to a lawyer, the right to a bond hearing in most cases, and the right to contact your country's consulate.

Also known as: Work Permit, I-765

An official card that gives you the legal right to work in the United States while your immigration case is pending or while you have a specific immigration status. File Form I-765 to apply. When filed together with a pending I-485, the EAD is free. EADs must be renewed — they expire.

A process that allows immigration authorities to deport certain people quickly, without a full hearing before an immigration judge. As of 2025, the current administration has expanded expedited removal to apply to more people than before. If you are subject to expedited removal, immediately say "I am afraid to return to my country" (if true) and ask for a lawyer — this can stop the process and get you a hearing.

Also known as: Immigration Medical Exam, Civil Surgeon Exam

The official medical exam required for most green card applications. It must be done by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon (not your regular doctor). The doctor completes the form, seals it in an envelope, and you bring the sealed envelope to your USCIS interview or include it with your I-485. Do NOT open the sealed envelope.

The form you file to convert a conditional (2-year) green card into a permanent (10-year) green card. Must be filed during the 90-day window before the 2-year card expires. For marriage-based cases, you and your spouse file together. If your marriage ended in divorce, abuse, or your spouse died, you can file alone with a special waiver.

Also known as: I-94, Arrival Record

A record that shows the date you entered the U.S., the class of admission (what type of visa or status you have), and the date by which you must leave (your "authorized stay period"). Since 2013, I-94s are electronic — you can print yours at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Your authorized stay is determined by your I-94, NOT by when your visa stamp expires. Many people overstay by mistake because they confuse the two.

A legal standard USCIS uses when deciding many immigration cases. It generally means you have not been convicted of certain crimes, you have not lied on immigration applications, and you have been a law-abiding person. Paying taxes, having no criminal record, and being honest on all applications helps demonstrate good moral character. Certain convictions (like aggravated felonies) can permanently bar someone from showing good moral character.

Also known as: Permanent Resident Card, I-551, Lawful Permanent Residence

An official card that shows you have the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Green card holders are called Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). The card is valid for 10 years (or 2 years for a conditional green card). Having a green card is not the same as being a U.S. citizen — you can lose it if you commit certain crimes or abandon your U.S. residence.

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws INSIDE the United States (not at the border — that is CBP). ICE arrests and deports people who are in the country unlawfully or who have violated immigration law. ICE has significant powers but also clear legal limits. See the ICE section of this site for a full explanation of what ICE can and cannot do.

Also known as: EOIR, Immigration Judge, IJ

A special court that handles immigration cases — including deportation hearings. Immigration courts are different from criminal courts in two important ways: (1) you do not have the right to a government-paid lawyer (you must hire one yourself or find free help), and (2) if you do not show up, the judge will almost always order you deported in your absence. Always attend your court dates.

A visa that allows you to enter the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder). It is different from a nonimmigrant visa (like a tourist visa or work visa), which is temporary. An immigrant visa is stamped in your passport at a U.S. consulate and acts as your temporary green card when you first enter the U.S. Your physical green card is mailed later.

A tax identification number issued by the IRS (tax agency) to people who need to pay taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. Anyone can get an ITIN — including undocumented immigrants. Apply with Form W-7. The IRS does NOT share your tax information with ICE. Having an ITIN and paying taxes creates records that can support future immigration applications.

A legal document signed by a JUDGE (federal judge or magistrate) that authorizes law enforcement to enter a specific location or arrest a specific person. A judicial warrant is required for ICE to enter your home — an administrative warrant signed by an ICE supervisor is NOT enough. Always ask to see the warrant through the door and check if it is signed by a judge.

Also known as: Permanent Resident, Green Card Holder

A person who has the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States. LPRs have a green card (I-551). LPRs are NOT U.S. citizens — they cannot vote and can lose their status under certain circumstances. After 3–5 years as an LPR, most people can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Formal legal requests to ask USCIS or an immigration judge to look at your case again. A Motion to Reopen presents new facts or evidence. A Motion to Reconsider argues that a legal error was made. Both must be filed using Form I-290B and usually have a 30-day filing deadline from the date of denial. A lawyer is strongly recommended.

A special option within the EB-2 employment-based green card category that allows highly skilled professionals to apply for a green card without needing a job offer or going through the PERM labor certification process. You must show that your work is in the national interest of the United States. Popular with researchers, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

Also known as: Becoming a U.S. Citizen, N-400

The legal process by which a green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen. Most LPRs must wait 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) before applying. The process includes filing Form N-400, passing an English and civics test, and attending a ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance.

A visa that allows you to be in the United States temporarily for a specific purpose — like tourism (B-2), work (H-1B), study (F-1), or exchange (J-1). Nonimmigrant visas have expiration dates. Staying beyond your authorized period creates "unlawful presence" and can affect future immigration applications.

Also known as: Immigration Consultant, Immigration Paralegal (unauthorized)

In Latin American countries, a "notario" is a highly trained legal professional. In the U.S., the word is DANGEROUSLY misleading — an "immigration notario" is not a licensed lawyer and cannot legally give you immigration advice or represent you before USCIS. Paying a notario can destroy your case and your chances of getting legal status. Only a licensed immigration attorney or a BIA-accredited representative can legally help you with immigration cases.

A U.S. government processing center that handles immigrant visa cases after USCIS approves the initial petition (I-130 or I-140) but before the consular interview. NVC collects documents, checks fees, and schedules the interview at the U.S. embassy. If you are outside the U.S., you will deal with NVC after your I-130 is approved.

Also known as: Deportation Order, Final Order of Removal

An official legal order from an immigration judge requiring a person to leave the United States. If you have a prior order of removal, re-entering the U.S. without permission can result in criminal prosecution and a permanent bar on returning. A prior removal order can often be reopened or appealed — consult an immigration lawyer.

Also known as: Labor Certification, ETA-9089

A process where an employer proves to the U.S. Department of Labor that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the specific job being offered to a foreign worker. Required for most EB-2 and all EB-3 green card cases. The process involves advertising the job, interviewing U.S. applicants, and filing with the Department of Labor. Takes 8–18 months. NOT required for EB-1 or EB-2 NIW.

The person who files the immigration petition on behalf of someone else. For family-based green cards, the petitioner is the U.S. citizen or green card holder family member. For employment-based cases, the petitioner is usually the employer. The person being petitioned for is the beneficiary.

Your place in line for a green card when there is an annual limit on how many green cards can be given. Your priority date is usually the date USCIS received your petition (I-130 or I-140). Think of it like a number at a deli counter — you can only move to the next step when the Visa Bulletin says your number has been called. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do NOT have a priority date (no wait).

A legal rule that allows USCIS to deny a green card to someone who is likely to become primarily dependent on government financial assistance (welfare). USCIS looks at your income, health, age, and other factors. Using emergency medical care, public schools, or disaster relief does NOT count against you. This rule has changed significantly in recent years — consult a lawyer before applying for any government benefits if you are in the process of getting a green card.

Also known as: I-131, Green Card Travel Document

A travel document for green card holders who plan to be outside the United States for more than 1 year. Without it, leaving for more than 1 year can result in your green card being considered abandoned. A re-entry permit lets you stay abroad for up to 2 years. You must apply for it BEFORE you leave — you cannot apply from outside the U.S.

A letter from USCIS asking for more documents or information before they can make a decision on your application. An RFE is NOT a denial. You must respond by the deadline stated in the letter (usually 87 days). A complete and thorough response is critical — if you do not respond or your response is incomplete, USCIS will likely deny the application.

See Order of Removal (gl_038).

A person who is outside the United States and has been officially recognized as someone who cannot return to their home country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution. Refugees are processed and approved before they come to the U.S. — through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). After 1 year in the U.S. as a refugee, you are required to apply for a green card.

A city, county, or state that has passed laws or policies limiting how much local government (police, jails, courts) can cooperate with federal immigration enforcement (ICE). In sanctuary jurisdictions, local police generally do not ask about immigration status and do not hold people for ICE after their criminal case ends. Sanctuary policies do NOT prevent ICE from operating in those cities — they just limit local police cooperation.

Filing an immigration petition on your OWN behalf — without needing an employer or family member to file for you. EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, VAWA, widow/widower, and SIJS are examples of self-petitioned categories. Self-petitions are especially important for people who cannot or do not want to rely on an employer or family member.

A protection for immigrant children under 21 who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents, and who have been placed under the care or jurisdiction of a U.S. state juvenile or family court. SIJS provides a path to a green card for these vulnerable children without needing a family sponsor. The child must be under 21 when the I-360 is filed — this is an absolute cutoff.

The person who files an immigration petition for someone else AND/OR who signs an Affidavit of Support (I-864) agreeing to financially support the immigrant. For family-based green cards, the U.S. citizen or LPR family member is the sponsor. A "joint sponsor" is someone else (not the petitioner) who also signs an I-864 because the main sponsor does not earn enough.

A temporary immigration status given to people from certain countries that are experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS protects you from deportation and allows you to work legally while it is active. It is NOT a path to a green card on its own, but TPS holders may qualify for green cards through other categories. The list of TPS countries changes — check uscis.gov for current designated countries.

The time you spend in the United States without legal status — either because you overstayed your visa or because you entered without permission. Unlawful presence creates serious consequences: if you accumulated 180 days to 1 year of unlawful presence and then leave the U.S., you are barred from returning for 3 years. More than 1 year means a 10-year bar. These bars are triggered by LEAVING — so staying in the U.S. does not automatically trigger the clock against you.

The government agency that processes immigration applications — including green cards, work permits, naturalization, and asylum applications. USCIS does NOT arrest or deport people. Think of it as the government's immigration paperwork office. Most immigration applications are submitted to USCIS.

A federal law that allows victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse, parent, or child to file their own green card petition — without the abuser's knowledge or help. VAWA applies to ALL genders (men, women, nonbinary). It is completely confidential — USCIS will not tell the abuser you filed. The petition is free.

Also known as: Priority Date Bulletin

A monthly report published by the U.S. State Department showing which priority dates are currently eligible to receive a green card, for each family and employment category and each country. Think of it as a scorecard that shows how far the line has moved. Check it at travel.state.gov each month if you are waiting for your priority date.

An allocated slot in the annual limit of green cards that can be issued. There are only so many green cards available each year in each category and from each country. When your priority date is "current" in the Visa Bulletin, it means a visa number is available for you and you can move forward with your application.

An agreement to leave the United States on your own, by a certain date, instead of being formally deported. Voluntary departure is generally better than a formal removal order because it usually does not create the same re-entry bars. However, it can still affect future green card applications. Never agree to voluntary departure without speaking to a lawyer first.

These two words are often confused. A VISA is a stamp in your passport that allows you to ENTER the United States. Your STATUS is the immigration category you are in once you are inside the U.S. Your visa can expire while your status remains valid. Your authorized stay period is shown on your I-94 — NOT on your visa stamp. You can stay legally until your I-94 date even if your visa has expired.

The long waiting list that exists when more people want green cards in a specific category and from a specific country than the annual limit allows. Countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines have long backlogs in many categories because their nationals file far more petitions than the 7% per-country annual cap allows. The visa backlog is why some people wait decades for a green card even after their petition is approved.

A formal request for the government to forgive or overlook something in your immigration history that would normally prevent you from getting a visa or green card. For example, if you have overstayed a visa, you might need an unlawful presence waiver (Form I-601 or I-601A). Waivers require strong evidence of hardship to a qualifying family member who is a U.S. citizen or LPR.