A
The process of applying for a green card from within the U.S. without having to leave the country.
A
A U.S. federal law that governs how federal agencies propose and establish regulations.
A
A travel document that allows certain foreign nationals to travel outside the U.S. and return while their adjustment of status application is pending.
A
A paid announcement in a professional publication or website to attract qualified candidates during PERM recruitment.
A
A written statement of fact that is sworn under oath.
A
A document ensuring a visa applicant has financial sponsorship in the U.S.
A
A situation where a child's age exceeds the permissible limit to be included in their parent's immigration petition.
A
A person who is not a citizen or national of the United States
A
Another term for PERM, indicating DOL's approval to hire a foreign national.
A
A unique identifier assigned to non-citizens by USCIS.
A
A request to a higher authority to review a decision made by a lower authority.
A
The date when an applicant can receive a green card, as indicated in the Visa Bulletin.
A
A formal decision by USCIS or another agency to grant an immigration benefit.
A
A legal principle that protects communications between an attorney and their client.
A
An investigation by the DOL into an employer's PERM application or LCA process.
A
A collection of documents relating to the PERM recruitment process, which may be requested by the DOL.
A
B
A nonimmigrant visa for business visitors.
B
A nonimmigrant visa for tourists and visitors.
B
The process of verifying an applicant’s criminal history, work history, and educational background.
B
The actual person or entity that has ownership or control of an entity.
B
The foreign national who is seeking an immigration benefit.
B
A scheduled appointment for fingerprinting, photos, and/or signature collection related to a pending application.
An appellate body for Immigration cases in the US.
B
A requirement for a position that is a necessary part of the business operation and cannot be easily adjusted.
C
The period between when an H-1B visa petition is approved and the start date of the fiscal year (October 1st) when the worker is eligible to start.
C
The estimated length of time for USCIS or other agencies to adjudicate a case.
C
The process of filing multiple immigration applications at the same time, often used for adjustments of status.
C
A required interview at a U.S. consulate for visa applicants.
C
The process of obtaining an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
C
An employee who is hired for a limited period to complete a specific project.
C
The country used for visa quota purposes, usually the applicant’s country of birth.
C
An assessment of foreign education to determine its U.S. equivalent.
C
A priority date that is eligible for green card processing without delays.
C
Employment authorization for F-1 students that is a direct part of their degree program.
C
D
Work authorization for F-1 students from the first day of their program.
D
A formal decision by USCIS or another agency to reject an application or petition.
D
The federal agency responsible for overseeing labor-related aspects of immigration.
D
The federal agency that handles visa issuance through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
D
A family member (spouse or child) who receives immigration status based on the principal applicant's status.
D
When an employer hires an employee, directly, not through a third-party agency.
D
A visa classification allowing nonimmigrants to apply for permanent residence without invalidating their temporary visa status.
D
A legal principle requiring the government to follow procedures that ensure fairness and transparency.
D
E
A nonimmigrant visa for treaty traders.
E
A nonimmigrant visa for treaty investors.
E
Specialty occupation visa exclusively for Australian nationals.
E
An online system that allows employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their employees.
E
A document that allows a foreign national to work in the U.S.
E
The employment-based first preference category for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, and multinational executives/managers.
E
Green card for individuals with extraordinary ability.
E
Green card for outstanding professors and researchers.
E
Green card for multinational executives and managers.
E
The employment-based second preference category, primarily for advanced degree professionals.
E
Green card for professionals whose work benefits the U.S. and qualifies for a PERM waiver.
E
Employer-sponsored green card for advanced-degree professionals.
E
The employment-based third preference category for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
E
The employment-based fifth preference category for investors who create jobs in the U.S.
E
Online pre-clearance system for Visa Waiver Program travelers.
E
A written guide of employer policies that employees follow.
E
Immigration pathways that allow foreign nationals to obtain legal status in the U.S. through employment opportunities.
E
A role within a company involving setting strategy or direction, relevant for L-1A visas.
E
An employee who is not subject to minimum wage and overtime requirements.
E
F
A nonimmigrant visa for international students.
F
A court at the federal level that handles some appeals to immigration rulings.
F
Laws that exist to protect workers from unfair treatment and safety issues.
F
A request to waive government application fees, often based on an inability to pay.
F
A USCIS office that may hold in person interviews.
F
An assessment that states the equivalency of foreign education in the US.
F
A non-U.S. citizen, synonymous with "Alien."
F
Online application form for nonimmigrant visas.
F
Online application form for immigrant visas.
F
Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.
F
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
F
The Petition for Alien Relative which can be used for some family members who will then pursue adjustment of status through employment.
F
Application for Travel Document.
F
Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, used for employment-based green cards.
F
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
F
Application for Employment Authorization.
F
An employee that regularly works 35-40+ hours per week.
F
G
When an employer acts genuinely, with honesty and the intent to comply with the regulations.
G
Time allowed for visa holders to remain in the U.S. after their status expires (e.g., 60 days for H-1B).
G
A document proving a foreign national's permanent resident status in the U.S.
G
H
The annual numerical limit on new H-1B visas (65,000 regular cap, 20,000 for master’s degree holders).
H
Random selection process for H-1B applicants exceeding the cap.
H
Process allowing an H-1B worker to change employers without leaving the U.S.
H
A nonimmigrant visa category for specialty occupation workers.
H
A nonimmigrant visa category for specialty occupation workers from Chile and Singapore.
H
A nonimmigrant visa for temporary non-agricultural workers.
H
A nonimmigrant visa for trainees.
H
Work authorization for H-4 spouses of H-1B visa holders.
H
A waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility based on extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
H
I
The ability to change employers while maintaining an employment-based green card application.
I
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