Adjustment of Status (AOS)
Process of applying for permanent residence from within the United States without consular processing.
Advance Parole (AP)
Travel authorization that allows certain applicants with pending status applications to re-enter the U.S.
Biometrics
Collection of fingerprints, photo, and signature used for identity and background checks.
Cap-Gap
Automatic extension of F-1 status and work authorization for eligible students transitioning to H-1B.
CBP
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency that inspects travelers at ports of entry.
Consular Processing
Immigrant visa processing completed through a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S.
CPT
Curricular Practical Training, work authorization tied to an F-1 student’s academic curriculum.
DACA
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a policy providing temporary relief from removal and work authorization for eligible individuals.
DS-160
Online nonimmigrant visa application form used for most temporary visa categories.
EAD
Employment Authorization Document that proves temporary authorization to work.
EB-1
Employment-based first preference category for priority workers.
EB-2
Employment-based second preference category for advanced degree professionals or exceptional ability applicants.
EB-3
Employment-based third preference category for skilled workers and professionals.
EB-5
Employment-based immigrant category for qualifying investors creating U.S. jobs.
ETA
Electronic Travel Authorization required by some countries for visa-exempt travelers.
Final Action Date
Visa Bulletin cutoff date controlling when an immigrant visa or green card can be approved.
Green Card
Common term for U.S. lawful permanent resident status card.
H-1B
Temporary U.S. work visa category for specialty occupation roles.
I-140
Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker filed by an employer or self-petitioner in certain categories.
I-20
Certificate of Eligibility issued by U.S. schools for F-1 student visa processing.
I-485
Application to register permanent residence or adjust status.
I-526E
EB-5 immigrant petition form for investors in regional center projects.
I-765
Application for employment authorization in the United States.
I-829
Petition to remove conditions on permanent residence for EB-5 investors.
I-94
Arrival/departure record showing admission class and authorized stay period.
LCA
Labor Condition Application filed with DOL for H-1B and related categories.
LMIA
Labour Market Impact Assessment used in Canada to support certain work permit applications.
NIW
National Interest Waiver under EB-2 allowing waiver of job offer and labor certification in qualifying cases.
OPT
Optional Practical Training work authorization for F-1 students.
PERM
Program Electronic Review Management labor certification process for many U.S. employment green card cases.
Premium Processing
Expedited USCIS adjudication service for eligible forms and categories.
Priority Date
Date that establishes an applicant’s place in line for immigrant visa availability.
RFE
Request for Evidence issued by an agency when additional documentation is needed.
SEVIS
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System used to track F-1 and J-1 records.
STEM OPT
24-month extension of OPT for eligible science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduates.
TEA
Targeted Employment Area designation used in EB-5 for reduced minimum investment thresholds.
TPS
Temporary Protected Status for nationals of designated countries facing extraordinary conditions.
USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency administering immigration benefits.
Visa Bulletin
Monthly U.S. Department of State publication showing immigrant visa cutoff dates.
Work Permit
General term for authorization allowing lawful employment.