US Immigration Glossary

Updated 2026-05-29 · General information, not legal advice.

Common terms you will see in US immigration, in plain language. For deeper guides, see our guides hub.

• USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services; the agency that decides petitions like the I-130 and I-485.
• NVC — National Visa Center; handles a case between USCIS approval and the consular interview.
• Petitioner / Beneficiary — the petitioner files for a relative (the beneficiary).
• Priority date — your place in line, the date USCIS received the petition. See priority dates.
• AOS — Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), getting a green card inside the US.
• Consular processing — getting an immigrant visa at a US consulate abroad.
• EAD — Employment Authorization Document (work permit, Form I-765).
• Advance Parole — travel permission (Form I-131) while a case is pending.
• Affidavit of Support — Form I-864, the sponsor's financial obligation.
• Conditional resident — a 2-year green card; remove conditions with Form I-751.
• RFE — Request for Evidence; USCIS asks for more documents.
• Biometrics — fingerprints and photo appointment.
• Green card — proof of lawful permanent residence.
• Naturalization — becoming a US citizen (Form N-400); see the citizenship test.