Plain-English definitions of common immigration meanings and USCIS terms you will see on green card, visa, and citizenship paperwork. Have a specific question? Check our family immigration FAQ.
- Adjustment of status: Applying for a green card from inside the United States (Form I-485).
- Advance parole: Travel permission for someone with a pending green card application (Form I-131).
- Affidavit of Support: Form I-864, a sponsor’s promise to financially support a family-based immigrant.
- Beneficiary: The relative a petition is filed for.
- Biometrics: Fingerprints, photo, and signature taken at a USCIS appointment.
- Conditional permanent resident: Someone with a two-year green card, usually through a recent marriage.
- Consular processing: Getting an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad instead of adjusting status in the U.S.
- EAD: Employment Authorization Document, or work permit (Form I-765).
- Green card: Permanent resident card, proof of lawful permanent resident status.
- Immediate relative: Spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen. Not subject to annual visa limits.
- K-1 visa: Fiance(e) visa for someone coming to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen (Form I-129F).
- LPR: Lawful permanent resident, a green card holder.
- Naturalization: The process of becoming a U.S. citizen (Form N-400).
- NVC: National Visa Center, the State Department office that handles cases before a consular interview.
- Petitioner: The U.S. citizen or permanent resident filing for a relative.
- Preference category: A family category with annual visa limits, such as adult children or siblings of citizens.
- Priority date: Your place in line in a preference category, usually the date the petition was filed.
- Receipt notice: Form I-797C, confirming USCIS received a filing. Includes the receipt number.
- RFE: Request for Evidence, a USCIS request for more documents before deciding a case.
- USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that decides most family petitions and citizenship applications.
- Visa Bulletin: Monthly State Department chart showing which priority dates can move forward.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Every case is different.
Questions about your situation? Contact us to schedule a consultation.