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The process of applying for a Green Card from within the United States, without leaving the country, typically by filing Form I-485.
The process of collecting your fingerprints, photograph, and signature as part of a U.S. immigration application.
Biometrics are usually taken at an Application Support Center (ASC) after you file certain forms, such as adjustment of status or employment authorization.
The U.S. government agency responsible for inspecting travelers at airports, land borders, and ports of entry. CBP officers decide whether you may enter the United States and in what status.
The procedure for applying for an immigrant visa (Green Card) or nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States, rather than applying from within the U.S.
The government department responsible for U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. The DOS handles visa issuance and publishes the monthly Visa Bulletin.
A work permit issued by USCIS that allows certain noncitizens to work legally in the United States for a specific period of time.
Officially known as Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, a Green Card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. It is often the step before applying for U.S. citizenship.
An electronic record created when you enter the United States. It shows your date of entry, your immigration status, and how long you are authorized to stay.
Important: Your I-94, not your visa expiration date, controls your lawful stay in the U.S.
A visa issued by a U.S. consulate that allows you to enter the United States as a permanent resident. Once admitted, you receive Green Card status.
A temporary visa that allows you to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose and limited period, such as tourism (B-2), business (B-1), study (F-1), or work (H-1B, O-1).
A formal request submitted to USCIS (such as Form I-140 or I-129) asking the government to classify a foreign national under a specific immigration category. Some petitions require employer sponsorship; others allow self-petitioning.
The date on which an immigrant petition is properly filed with USCIS (or, in limited cases, a labor certification is filed). Priority dates determine when you may move forward with a Green Card application based on visa availability.
A formal notice issued by USCIS requesting additional documents or clarification before a decision can be made. RFEs are common in evidence-heavy categories such as EB-1A and EB-2 NIW.
Depending on the case, a sponsor may be an employer filing a petition, or a family member submitting an affidavit of support.
Not all categories require a sponsor; some employment-based cases allow self-petitioning.
The primary agency that adjudicates immigration petitions and applications filed within the United States, including Green Cards, work permits, and naturalization.
A monthly publication by the Department of State showing which immigrant visa categories are currently available based on priority dates. It determines when applicants can file for or receive permanent residence.
Visa: A travel document issued by a U.S. consulate that allows you to request entry to the United States.
Immigration Status: Your legal permission to stay in the U.S. after entry, governed by your I-94 record.
Important: A visa may expire while you are lawfully present in valid status.
A program allowing nationals of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism or business without a visa, with approved ESTA authorization.
Note: Employment and long-term stays are not permitted under this program.
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