Plain-language definitions, the forms you will file, and direct links to the official tools: everything you need to read USCIS notices and the Visa Bulletin with confidence.
38 terms you will meet in USCIS notices, the Visa Bulletin and our reports, explained in a sentence or two.
No terms match that search.
Applying for a green card from inside the United States using Form I-485, without leaving the country for an interview abroad.
The USCIS office that hears appeals of many denied petitions. Its precedent decisions, such as Matter of Dhanasar, guide how officers decide cases.
Travel permission (Form I-131) that lets a person with a pending I-485 leave and return to the U.S. without abandoning the application.
The USCIS notice confirming a petition or application was approved. Receipt and approval notices both use the I-797 family of forms.
A fee added in 2024 to Form I-140 and I-129 filings. Self-petitioners with 25 or fewer (including zero) employees pay $300; most others pay $600; nonprofits pay nothing.
Fingerprints, photo and signature collected at a USCIS Application Support Center, usually after an I-485 is filed.
The country a visa number is counted against, generally your country of birth (not citizenship). It decides which column of the Visa Bulletin applies to you.
Submitting Form I-485 at the same time as Form I-140 when your priority date is current under the chart USCIS designates that month.
Getting an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad instead of adjusting status inside the U.S.
A rule that can let a person be charged to a spouse’s country of birth instead of their own, which may mean a shorter wait.
The Visa Bulletin chart that shows when applicants may submit paperwork. USCIS announces monthly whether I-485s use this chart or Final Action Dates.
A spouse or unmarried child under 21 who can obtain a green card based on the principal applicant’s petition.
The three-part test from Matter of Dhanasar (2016) that USCIS uses to evaluate National Interest Waiver requests.
The employment-based first preference category for individuals of extraordinary ability. Applicants can self-petition.
The second preference category for members of the professions holding advanced degrees or people of exceptional ability.
A work permit card. Adjustment applicants can request one with Form I-765 while their I-485 is pending.
In EB-2, expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts or business, shown through specific regulatory criteria.
In EB-1A, a level of expertise indicating one of the small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field.
The Visa Bulletin cut-off that determines when a green card can actually be approved for a given category and country.
The U.S. government year running October 1 to September 30. Annual visa limits reset each October.
Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. The petition filed for EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 categories, including self-petitions.
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: the green card application filed from inside the U.S.
Proof of lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
USCIS data on pending applications. The I-485 inventory shows how many employment-based cases are waiting by country, category and priority date.
The Department of Labor process an employer normally completes before sponsoring a worker. The National Interest Waiver waives it.
A request in the EB-2 category to waive the job offer and labor certification because the applicant’s work benefits the U.S. national interest.
The Department of State office that collects documents and fees for consular processing cases before the interview.
A USCIS notice explaining why it intends to deny a case and giving the applicant a chance to respond.
The cap of roughly 7% of preference visas available to natives of any one country each year, which creates longer waits for high-demand countries.
Your place in line for a visa number. For self-petitions, generally the date USCIS receives the properly filed I-140.
The 13-character case number on a USCIS receipt notice (for example, three letters followed by ten digits), used to track case status online.
A USCIS request for more documentation before a decision. It lists what is missing and sets a response deadline.
When a Visa Bulletin cut-off date moves backward because demand exceeds the visa numbers available.
Filing an immigrant petition on your own behalf, without an employer sponsor. Allowed in EB-1A and EB-2 NIW.
The USCIS office that processes a petition, such as the Nebraska or Texas Service Center. Processing times can differ between centers.
The Department of State’s monthly publication of cut-off dates for each preference category and country.
One of the limited immigrant visas available each fiscal year. A green card cannot be approved until a visa number is available.
What each form does and who files it. Fees are USCIS fees as of October 2026; always confirm on the official form page before filing.
Establishes that you qualify for an employment-based category (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW and others) and sets your priority date.
The green card application filed from inside the U.S. once a visa number is, or is about to be, available.
Requests a work permit (EAD) while the I-485 is pending.
Requests advance parole so you can travel abroad while the I-485 is pending.
Pays for a guaranteed USCIS action time on an eligible petition, such as the I-140.
The medical exam and vaccination record completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
The online application for people completing their case through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Asks USCIS to send a text or email when it accepts your filing.
The government pages we use ourselves. These open the official USCIS and Department of State sites.
Check your case with your receipt number.
Official times by form, category and office.
Monthly cut-off dates from the Department of State.
Which Visa Bulletin chart USCIS accepts each month.
Form G-1055: the official list of current fees.
The rules officers apply, including EB-1 and EB-2.
Locate licensed attorneys and accredited representatives.
USCIS guidance on spotting and reporting scams.
Pending I-485s by country, category and priority date.
Monthly cut-off movement and retrogression alerts.
Form-by-form USCIS processing metrics.
EB-1A and NIW approval and denial trends.