{"id":352878,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:51","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/glossary-of-visa-terms.html"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:13:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T18:13:00","slug":"glossary-of-visa-terms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/glossary-of-visa-terms.html","title":{"rendered":"Glossary of Visa Terminology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Glossary of Visa Terminology<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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If you’re in the process of obtaining a visa, you should become familiar with the terminology. Understanding key visa terms helps you make sense of the rules, deadlines, and requirements that shape your immigration journey.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Terms used in the visa process have specific meanings, often distinct from those in everyday language.<\/p>\n

This glossary explains the most common legal terms and jargon so you can navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Keep reading for an alphabetical list of terms you will encounter throughout the visa process.<\/p>\n

Get Legal Help With a Visa<\/h2>\n

An immigration attorney can explain how specific terms apply to your visa application, helping you make informed decisions and avoid unintentional delays. They can also review your forms and notices for potential issues<\/a>, since even small misunderstandings of terminology can slow down the visa process.<\/p>\n

FindLaw\u2019s\u00a0directory of immigration attorneys<\/a>\u00a0can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective lawyers, including ratings, languages spoken, and whether they offer free consultations.<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/h2>\n

Accompanying Visa:<\/b>\u00a0A visa that is given to immediate family members of the primary visa applicant. This allows the family member to accompany the primary visa applicant to the host country.<\/p>\n

Adjustment of Status:<\/strong>\u00a0To adjust one’s status is to change from one visa status to another or to adjust from a visa-holder to a\u00a0<\/span>lawful permanent resident<\/a> or green card holder.<\/span>\u00a0The status can also be adjusted from noncitizen to U.S. citizen.<\/p>\n

Admission:<\/b> Customs and Border Protection<\/a> (CBP) officers with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authorize entry, or admission, into the U.S. CBP officers determine whether you can be admitted into the country and for how long, based on your visa and other factors.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Adopted Child:<\/b>\u00a0According to\u00a0U.S. immigration law<\/a>, an adopted child is a person under 16 years of age who has spent two years of legal custody and residence with the adoptive parent. The two-year residency and legal custody requirements could be met before or after the adoption. An adopted child has a similar status as that of legitimate natural children.<\/p>\n

Advance Parole:<\/b>\u00a0A travel document that allows certain noncitizens\u00a0permission to re-enter the U.S. without an immigrant or non-immigrant visa after traveling abroad. DHS officials must grant noncitizens\u00a0advance parole before leaving the U.S. Aliens on a K-1 visa, parolees, asylum applicants, those with temporary protected status (TPS), and some trying to adjust their status may need to obtain advance parole before leaving the country.<\/p>\n

Advisory Opinion:<\/b> This is an opinion from the Office of Visa Services in the U.S. Dept. of State that answers a question by an embassy or consulate about the interpretation of immigration law or the legal basis of a visa refusal. Immigration Judges refer to these opinions in the Immigration Court when making decisions. An Advisory Opinion can also be obtained to determine if a J1 visa holder<\/a> is subject to the two-year residency rule.<\/p>\n

Affidavit of Support:<\/b>\u00a0A document pledging that the signee agrees to support the corresponding visa applicant in the U.S. Family-based financially and some employment-based immigration cases use\u00a0Form I-864<\/a>. Other cases use\u00a0Form I-134<\/a>\u00a0(PDF).<\/p>\n

Agent:<\/b> An individual who receives all visa-related correspondence and pays the application processing fee. The agent may be anyone the applicant chooses, as well as the applicant themselves.<\/p>\n

Alien:<\/b>\u00a0An outdated term for an\u00a0individual who is not a U.S. citizen, replaced by others such as noncitizen. Noncitizens\u00a0either have permanent resident status (green card) or are in the country on a temporary visa.<\/p>\n

Applicant:<\/b>\u00a0A non-resident noncitizen\u00a0who is applying for a visa. For petition-based visas, the applicant may be referred to as the\u00a0beneficiary.<\/p>\n

Appointment Package:<\/b>\u00a0Correspondence, forms, and related documents informing the applicant of the immigrant visa interview date. This includes forms that must be completed before the interview and preparation instructions.<\/p>\n

Approval Notice:<\/b>\u00a0This is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) form, Notice of Action Form I-797<\/a>, indicating that the USCIS has approved a request for a stay extension or change of status. This is also used when USCIS approves any immigration benefit.<\/p>\n

Asylee:<\/b>\u00a0A foreign national who cannot return to\u00a0their\u00a0home country for fear of persecution. The well-founded fear of persecution is often due to their race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or being a member of a particular social group. Visit the\u00a0USCIS Asylum page<\/a>\u00a0to learn more or to file for asylum status.<\/p>\n

Arrival-Departure Card:<\/b> A form previously given to all foreign visitors upon arrival in the U.S. (usually a small white card) that inquires about the visitor’s immigrant classification and period of stay. This is more commonly known as Form I-94. See the CBP’s primer on\u00a0filling out Arrival-Departure Records<\/a>\u00a0for more information. These cards are no longer used\u00a0unless the electronic I-94 system is down. The form I-94 can now be electronically accessed at the\u00a0CBP website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

B<\/h2>\n

Beneficiary:<\/b>\u00a0The individual named in a visa or adjustment-of-status petition from the USCIS (the applicant).<\/p>\n

Biometrics:<\/b>\u00a0Biologically unique data sets<\/a>, such as fingerprints and iris scans, are used to authenticate someone’s identity and run background checks.<\/p>\n

C<\/h2>\n

Canceled Without Prejudice:<\/b>\u00a0When an embassy or consulate<\/a> stamps a visa to indicate a mistake in the visa or that it is a duplicate. It neither affects the validity of other visas associated with the passport nor means the passport holder will not get another visa. The term “without prejudice” means a technical error that needs to be addressed.<\/p>\n

Case Number:<\/b>\u00a0A number with three letters and ten numeral digits given by the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) to each immigrant petition case. The three letters represent the overseas consulate or embassy responsible for processing the visa (for example, KGN stands for Kingston, Jamaica). The digits represent the date the case was created. The case number is different than the USCIS receipt number.<\/p>\n

Certificate of Citizenship:<\/b>\u00a0DHS-issued document proving that an individual is indeed a U.S. citizen by birth or derivation<\/a> and not by naturalization.<\/p>\n

Certificate of Naturalization:<\/b>\u00a0DHS-issued document proving that an individual became a U.S. citizen (was naturalized) after immigrating to the U.S.<\/p>\n

Change of Status:<\/b> Transitioning from one nonimmigrant status to another while in the U.S. is permitted for certain types of visas, subject to approval by the USCIS. Requests must be submitted to the USCIS by the visa holder. To learn more about changing your status, see Extend Your Stay<\/a>\u00a0at the USCIS Website.<\/p>\n

Charge\/Chargeable:<\/b>\u00a0When applying for immigrant status, there are limits on the number of immigrant visas granted to\u00a0noncitizens\u00a0from any foreign country. To be charged means to be counted towards a country’s limit.<\/p>\n

For example, an immigrant born in Guatemala is charged to Guatemala and thus counted towards that country’s numerical visa limit. An immigrant may sometimes be charged to another country other than their country of birth for immigration purposes. See the U.S. Dept. of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n

Child:<\/b>\u00a0For the purposes of immigration law, a\u00a0child\u00a0is an unmarried person under the age of 21. For stepchildren, the marriage between the U.S. citizen and the parent must have taken place when the child was 16 or younger and the child must have lived with\u00a0and been in legal custody of\u00a0the parent for two years.<\/p>\n

An orphan who has either\u00a0been adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen\u00a0or has the U.S.\u00a0citizen parent file\u00a0an immediate relative petition to take the orphan to the U.S.\u00a0may qualify as a child.<\/p>\n

Common-law marriage:<\/b>\u00a0A marriage agreement in the absence of a religious or civil wedding ceremony. For immigration purposes, it may not be recognized as a marriage.<\/p>\n

Conditional residence visa:<\/b>\u00a0A visa granted to the spouse of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or a green card holder if the couple has been married for less than two years when the green card was issued. The conditional status must be removed after two years with the DHS. The EB5 or T5\/C5 visa,\u00a0referred to as an investor visa<\/a>,\u00a0also is a conditional residence.<\/p>\n

Current\/non-current:<\/b>\u00a0There are limits on the number of immigrant visas granted to noncitizens\u00a0from any single foreign country, which is the same for all countries (based on place of birth, non-citizenship). Because of these limits, the granting of an immigrant visa is subject to waiting times.<\/p>\n

To be\u00a0current\u00a0means the date of a visa application is before the cut-off date in accordance with the Visa Bulletin. See the\u00a0Visa Bulletin<\/a>\u00a0at the U.S. Dept. of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website for more information about cut-off dates.<\/p>\n

Cut-off Date:<\/b> The date that determines when an immigrant visa applicant may be scheduled for a visa interview in a given month. See the\u00a0Visa Bulletin<\/a>\u00a0at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website for more information about cut-off dates.<\/p>\n

D<\/h2>\n

Department of Homeland Security (DHS):<\/b>\u00a0DHS<\/a>\u00a0comprises the USCIS, CBP, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agencies regulate the flow of immigrants, visitors, and U.S. workers.<\/p>\n

Department of Labor\/DOL:<\/b>\u00a0Cabinet-level agency<\/a> in the U.S. government that oversees all labor-related matters, including whether or not foreign workers can work in the U.S.<\/p>\n

Derivative Status:<\/b> An individual who obtains a visa (status) through another applicant has derivative status. For example, an H-1B visa<\/a> holder’s spouse and children would be granted derivative status.<\/p>\n

Diversity Visa\/DV Program:<\/b> Under this program<\/a>, as many as 55,000 immigrants may enter the U.S. annually from countries that have low rates of immigration to the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Documentarily Qualified:<\/b>\u00a0An applicant who has returned Form DS 2001 to the visa-issuing post or has notified the post that\u00a0they\u00a0have\u00a0all of the required immigrant visa application documents is said to be\u00a0documentarily qualified.<\/p>\n

Domicile:<\/b>\u00a0An individual’s primary place of residence. Applicant must intend to keep that residence for the\u00a0foreseeable future.\u00a0An immigrant visa applicant’s sponsor must have a domicile in the U.S. for the visa to be issued.<\/p>\n

Duration of Status:<\/b>\u00a0Some visa categories, including diplomats and students, allow visa holders to stay in the U.S. for as long as it takes to complete a given activity. For example, a student might need more than four years to complete a degree program.<\/p>\n

As opposed to admission into the country for a specific period of time, such visa holders are admitted for the\u00a0duration of status. This is typically the case with student visa holders, who may need more than four years to complete a degree.<\/p>\n

E<\/h2>\n

Exchange Visitor:<\/b>\u00a0A foreign national who travels to the U.S. to participate in an educational, training, or otherwise authorized exchange visitor program. See the Bureau of Consular Affairs Website to learn about\u00a0exchange visitor visas<\/a>\u00a0and the Exchange Visitor Program.<\/p>\n

F<\/h2>\n

Family First Preference:<\/b>\u00a0A family immigration\u00a0category (F1)<\/a>\u00a0for unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age or older) of U.S. citizens.<\/p>\n

Family Second Preference:<\/b>\u00a0A family immigration category (F2) for spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents (those with green cards).<\/p>\n

Family Third Preference:<\/b>\u00a0A family immigration category (F3) for the married children of U.S. citizens, including their spouses and children. This was known as the Fourth Preference (P-4) before 1992.<\/p>\n

Family Fourth Preference:<\/b>\u00a0A family immigration category (F4) for the siblings of U.S. citizens, including their spouses and children. The U.S. citizen must be 21 years old before he or she may file a petition. This was known as the Fifth Preference (P-5) prior to 1992.<\/p>\n

Federal Poverty Guidelines:<\/b> Published by the Deptartment of Health and Human Services annually, these guidelines establish the minimum income for families of a given size to be considered living at or above the poverty level. This is used to determine whether or not a visa applicant’s sponsor has the means to support a new immigrant. See the USCIS’ Poverty Guidelines page<\/a>\u00a0for details.<\/p>\n

Fiscal Year:<\/b>\u00a0For the U.S. government, the fiscal year,\u00a0or budget year,\u00a0begins on Oct. 1 and ends on September 30 the following year.<\/p>\n

Following to Join:<\/b>\u00a0Type of derivative visa status in which a family member receives a visa after the principal applicant.<\/p>\n

Full and Final Adoption:<\/b>\u00a0Legal adoption that grants the child all the rights of a natural-born child.<\/p>\n

G<\/h2>\n

Green card:<\/b>\u00a0Also known as a permanent resident card or I-551<\/a>. This is a wallet-sized card indicating permanent resident status. The card was once green in color, hence the name.<\/p>\n

H<\/h2>\n

Homeless:<\/b>\u00a0Foreign nationals whose country of origin does not have a U.S. embassy or consulate<\/a> are said to be\u00a0homeless.<\/p>\n

I<\/h2>\n

Immediate Relative:<\/b>\u00a0For immigration purposes, a spouse, widow,\u00a0or widower; unmarried children under the age of 21 and, if the U.S. citizen is 21 years old, a parent.<\/p>\n

Immigrant Visa (IV):<\/b>\u00a0This is for individuals who plan to live in the country permanently<\/a> or indefinitely, as opposed to a visitor or employment-based visa, which is typically for a set period of time.<\/p>\n

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA):<\/b> Public Law No. 82-414, enacted in 1952, the INA established the basic framework for U.S. immigration law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS):<\/b>\u00a0A now-defunct branch of the Department of Justice (DOJ), the INS was renamed as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and folded into the DHS.<\/p>\n

Ineligibility:<\/b>\u00a0Individuals who are prevented from entering the U.S. based on specific actions or conditions are said to be\u00a0ineligible\u00a0for entry. Such conditions and actions are referred to as\u00a0ineligibilities. Examples include suspicion of terrorism, fraud charges, and having active tuberculosis. For specifics, see\u00a0Ineligibilties and Waivers<\/a>\u00a0on the U.S. Dept. of State Website.<\/p>\n

In status:<\/b>\u00a0Individuals who follow specific requirements as visa holders are said to be\u00a0in status. Meanwhile, those who fail to meet these requirements are considered\u00a0out of status\u00a0and can result in deportation or removal proceedings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

J<\/h2>\n

Joint Sponsor:<\/b> A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident over 18 who accepts legal responsibility in support of an immigrant applying for a visa. To qualify, joint sponsors must complete an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and meet the 125% income requirement, based on the federal poverty level.<\/p>\n

Jurisdiction:<\/b> The authority to apply the law within a particular region. The INS district office in Los Angeles, for example, has the\u00a0jurisdiction\u00a0to handle a family-based petition filed by an individual living in the Los Angeles area. Some immigration matters fall under the specific jurisdiction of a law enforcement agency in every state.<\/p>\n

K<\/h2>\n

Kentucky Consular Center (KCC):<\/b>\u00a0A facility in Williamsburg, Kentucky, operated by the U.S. Dept. of State, which manages the Diversity Visa (DV) Program<\/a> and supports the worldwide affairs of the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office.<\/p>\n

L<\/h2>\n

Labor Certification:<\/b>\u00a0First step in the process of getting permission to work in the U.S. as a foreign national. It is the employer’s responsibility to obtain a\u00a0labor certification<\/a>\u00a0from the Department of Labor. The labor certification ensures that U.S. workers have legal rights and legal status to work for a U.S. employer.<\/p>\n

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR):<\/b>\u00a0An individual who is not a U.S. citizen but has immigrated legally and possesses a Permanent Resident Card (also called a green card<\/a> or Form I-551). These individuals have undergone immigration reviews and were given immigration benefits such as work permits and lawful permanent residency in the United States.<\/p>\n

Lay Worker:<\/b>\u00a0Someone who works for an organization affiliated with a religion but who is not a member of the clergy.<\/p>\n

Legitimation:<\/b>\u00a0A legal process by which a father formally acknowledges his children born outside marriage. An illegitimate child must be legitimized to be considered a child\u00a0for immigration law purposes.<\/p>\n

LIFE Act:<\/b>\u00a0The Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act<\/a> allows foreign spouses of U.S. citizens and their children, plus the spouses and children of some lawful permanent residents, to enter the U.S. to complete permanent residence processing. The LIFE Act took effect in 2000.<\/p>\n

Local Educational Agency (LEA):<\/b> The term refers to a school or school district and is used to determine tuition charges for students with F-1 visas<\/a>. F-1 visas are given to adults or minor children who want to pursue studies in the United States.<\/p>\n

Lose status:<\/b>\u00a0To become “out of status” with respect to one’s permission to stay in the U.S. Reasons people\u00a0lose status\u00a0include overstaying one’s visa, staying in the U.S. after the visa’s expiration date, or failing to comply with the terms of the visa. This could lead to inadmissibility for future visa applications.<\/p>\n

M<\/h2>\n

Machine Readable Passport (MRP):<\/b>\u00a0A passport with certain biographical information required for traveling with a visa on the\u00a0Visa Waiver Program<\/a>\u00a0(U.S. Dept. of State). The issuance of MRP makes the visa application much faster.<\/p>\n

Machine Readable Visa (MRV):<\/b>\u00a0Visa with biometric information about the passport holder, such as fingerprints, read with special machines upon entry to the U.S.<\/p>\n

Means-Tested Public Benefits:<\/b>\u00a0Government assistance<\/a> such as Medicaid and food stamps. The Immigration Reform and Control Act added some restrictions on these benefits for certain noncitizens.<\/p>\n

N<\/h2>\n

NAFTA:<\/b>\u00a0North American Free-Trade Agreement<\/a>. The Agreement contains provisions on the issuance of TN visas to professional workers from Mexico and Canada. This allows Canadian and Mexican professionals to enter the U.S. for business temporarily.<\/p>\n

National Interest Waiver:<\/b>\u00a0For physicians working in Veterans Affairs facilities or areas lacking adequate health care. Eligible physicians may file visa petitions without applying for a labor certification first.<\/p>\n

National Visa Center (NVC):<\/b>\u00a0Dept. of State facility in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, processes immigrant visa petitions from the DHS for individuals who apply at embassies and consulates overseas. See the\u00a0NVC<\/a>‘s Website for details.<\/p>\n

Native:<\/b>\u00a0Anyone who was born in a particular country is a\u00a0native\u00a0of that country.<\/p>\n

Naturalization:<\/b>\u00a0The legal process by which a foreign national becomes a citizen of a country where they\u00a0were\u00a0not born<\/a>. The continuous amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act shape the current naturalization process.<\/p>\n

Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV):<\/b>\u00a0Visas obtained by U.S. visitors for a purpose other than permanent residence<\/a>, such as tourists and students. NIV documents could also include visas given for specific purposes. For instance, artists, coaches, athletes, or entertainers are given NIV.<\/p>\n

Notice of Action:<\/b>\u00a0An official document (Form I-797) declaring that the USCIS has either received a submitted petition, taken action, approved, or denied a petition.<\/p>\n

O<\/h2>\n

Orphan:<\/b>\u00a0A child without parents\u00a0due to death, abandonment, or disappearance. Adoptive parents must use\u00a0Form I-600<\/a>\u00a0to petition for an orphan.<\/p>\n

Out of Status:<\/b>\u00a0A visa holder is considered\u00a0out of status\u00a0if\u00a0they overstay the\u00a0visa, disregard\u00a0the visa’s requirements,\u00a0or engage in prohibited activities.<\/p>\n

Overstay:<\/b>\u00a0Staying in the U.S. longer than is permitted<\/a>, as shown on the Arrival\/Departure (I-94) card.<\/p>\n

P<\/h2>\n

Panel Physician:<\/b>\u00a0A physician selected by a given visa-issuing embassy or consulate to conduct medical examinations for immigrant visa applicants<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Port of Entry:<\/b>\u00a0The place where an individual requests entry into the country<\/a>, such as airports, border crossings, etc.<\/p>\n

Post:<\/b>\u00a0A U.S. embassy, consulate, or similar diplomatic mission outside of the U.S.<\/p>\n

Poverty Guidelines:<\/b>\u00a0Published by the Dept. of Health and Human Services annually, these guidelines establish the minimum income for families of a given size to be considered living at or above the poverty level. This is used to determine whether or not a visa applicant’s sponsor has the means to support a new immigrant. See the USCIS’\u00a0Poverty Guidelines page<\/a>\u00a0for details.<\/p>\n

Preference Immigration:<\/b>\u00a0A system for determining which and when people can immigrate to the United States within the limits of immigration set by Congress. In family, immigration preference is based on the status of the petitioner (American citizen or lawful permanent resident) and\u00a0their\u00a0relationship to the applicant. In employment, immigration is based on the qualifications of the applicant and labor needs in the United States.<\/p>\n

Principal Applicant:<\/b>\u00a0The individual named in a petition. Family members of\u00a0principal applicants\u00a0get derivative status.<\/p>\n

Priority Date:<\/b>\u00a0This determines an individual’s turn to apply for a visa.<\/p>\n

Public Charge:<\/b>\u00a0Someone dependent upon the government for basic living expenses like food and shelter. Applicants who become public charges are ineligible for a visa.<\/p>\n

Q<\/h2>\n

Qualifying date:<\/b>\u00a0Date used by the U.S. Dept. of State for determining when to send an immigrant visa applicant\u00a0their\u00a0Instruction Package.<\/p>\n

R<\/h2>\n

Rank Order Number:<\/b>\u00a0Number given to entries in the Diversity Visa Program as selected by the computer. Winning entries are allowed to apply for immigration in order of their\u00a0rank order number.<\/p>\n

Receipt Notice:<\/b>\u00a0DHS Form I-797 (Notice of Action), indicates that the agency has received the petition.<\/p>\n

Re-entry Permit:<\/b>\u00a0Document issued by the DHS to lawful permanent citizens who plan to live outside the U.S. between one and two years. Visas to foreign countries can be added to a\u00a0re-entry permit<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Refugee:<\/b>\u00a0A foreign national who has a legitimate fear of being persecuted in\u00a0their\u00a0home country<\/a> upon return. The individual applies for a visa to the U.S. in another country and enters the U.S. as a\u00a0refugee.<\/p>\n

Retrogression:<\/b>\u00a0This occurs when an immigration case that is current one month becomes non-current the next, typically when the numerical limit for a particular type of visa is reached. This often happens near the end of the fiscal year ending Sept. 30.<\/p>\n

Returning Residents:\u00a0<\/b>Lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S. after living in another country for more than a year or beyond the expiration of a re-entry permit.<\/p>\n

Revalidation\/Renewal of Visa:<\/b>\u00a0Nonimmigrant applicants who currently possess a visa and want to\u00a0revalidate\u00a0or\u00a0renew\u00a0their visa for travel to the U.S. must do so in their country of residence. Exceptions: A, G, and NATO diplomatic and official visas (excluding A-3, G-5 and NATO-7).<\/p>\n

Revocation of a Visa:<\/b> Cancellation, meaning the\u00a0visa is no longer valid for travel to the U.S.<\/p>\n

S<\/h2>\n

Schedule “A” Occupations:<\/b>\u00a0Occupations for which the DOL has given the USCIS authority to approve labor certifications. They include physical therapists, nurses, and people determined to have “exceptional ability<\/a>” in the arts or sciences.<\/p>\n

Section 213A:<\/b>\u00a0A section of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states that sponsors are legally responsible for supporting immigrants they want to bring to the U.S. Sponsors must complete an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864<\/a>\u00a0).<\/p>\n

Son\/Daughter:<\/b>\u00a0A child is considered a\u00a0son\u00a0or\u00a0daughter, for the purposes of immigration law, upon\u00a0their\u00a021st birthday or marriage. Also, the individual must have once met the immigration law definition of a child.<\/p>\n

Special Agricultural Worker (SAW):<\/b>\u00a0Agricultural workers (in perishable products) who could adjust their status as lawful permanent residents after working for a specified period.<\/p>\n

Special Immigrant:<\/b>\u00a0Immigrant visa category for individuals who lost their citizenship through marriage or service in foreign armed forces; certain graduates of foreign medical schools; immigrants from the Panama Canal Zone; and others.<\/p>\n

Sponsor:<\/b>\u00a0An individual who submits a petition for an immigration visa or an affidavit of support (Form I-864).<\/p>\n

Sponsored Immigrant:<\/b>\u00a0An immigrant applying for a visa for whom an affidavit of support has been filed.<\/p>\n

Spouse:<\/b>\u00a0A legally married partner (does not include a cohabitating partner; may or may not include a common-law spouse).<\/p>\n

State Workforce Agency:<\/b>\u00a0Entity in each state that handles employment and labor matters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Surviving Parent:<\/b>\u00a0The living parent,\u00a0if not remarried,\u00a0when a child’s other parent is no longer living.<\/p>\n

T<\/h2>\n

Temporary Worker:<\/b>\u00a0Foreign national who works in the U.S. for a specified period of time<\/a>. Visas for temporary workers include H, L, O, P, Q, and R. For those seeking to come to the U.S. as temporary workers, their prospective employer must file a petition with USCIS. This petition must be approved before a visa application may be filed.<\/p>\n

Termination of a Case:<\/b>\u00a0A visa application case will be terminated if the applicant does not reply to inquiries sent by their embassy or consulate. Before the termination of a case, though, applicants are sent a follow-up letter. A termination letter is sent if the applicant fails to respond within one year.<\/p>\n

Third Country National:<\/b>\u00a0Individuals who are neither\u00a0U.S. citizens nor\u00a0a citizen of the country in which they are applying for a visa. For example, you are considered a\u00a0third-country national\u00a0if you are a Russian citizen applying to visit the U.S. while in Costa Rica.<\/p>\n

U<\/h2>\n

Upgrade a Petition:<\/b>\u00a0You may request an\u00a0upgrade\u00a0to your visa petition if you become a U.S. citizen to change the status of family members. For example, a petition for a spouse<\/a> would be upgraded, and the applicant would no longer have to wait for their\u00a0priority date. While an immediate relative petition is favorable for a spouse, it does not permit derivative status to children.<\/p>\n

V<\/h2>\n

Visa:<\/b>\u00a0An authorization for foreign nationals who are not legal permanent residents to enter the U.S. Immigration law dictates the type of visa noncitizen\u00a0visitors must obtain based on the reason for the visit, duration, and other factors.\u00a0Visa\u00a0applicants apply overseas, usually in their country of residence.<\/p>\n

Visa Numbers:<\/b>\u00a0The Visa Office issues visas according to preference and priority date, which are reflected in the\u00a0visa number<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Visa Waiver Program (VWP):<\/b>\u00a0Citizens of countries participating in the\u00a0Visa Waiver Program\u00a0(VWP) who meet the program’s requirements may enter the U.S. for up to 90 days for business or pleasure without obtaining a visa.<\/p>\n

Voluntary Service Program:<\/b>\u00a0Participants in\u00a0voluntary service programs, projects organized by nonprofit or religious organizations to provide assistance to the poor or needy, may qualify for B visas.<\/p>\n

W<\/h2>\n

Waiver of Ineligibility:<\/b>\u00a0Despite certain ineligibilities, such as criminal activity<\/a> or medical conditions, some applicants may still apply for permission to enter the U.S. This special permission is called a waiver of ineligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n

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