Reference

Immigration glossary

What each USCIS form is for and what the terms on them mean, in plain English.

General information only, not legal advice. Forms and rules change; check the form's page on uscis.gov before filing.

USCIS forms

I-130Petition for Alien Relative

Filed by a U.S. citizen or green card holder to prove a family relationship with a relative who wants to immigrate.

When it's needed: A U.S. citizen or green card holder wants a relative to immigrate: a spouse or unmarried child (citizens and green card holders), or a married child, parent or sibling (citizens only). It is the first step in most family green card cases.

Approval of an I-130 does not by itself give the relative a green card; it establishes the relationship so the relative can then apply, either from inside the U.S. (I-485) or through a U.S. consulate abroad.

I-130ASupplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary

Filed with an I-130 when the relative is the petitioner's spouse. It collects the spouse's address, employment and parents' information.

When it's needed: Only when the relative on the I-130 is the petitioner's husband or wife. File it in the same package as the I-130.

I-485Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

The green card application for someone already in the United States. Changing to permanent resident this way is called adjustment of status.

When it's needed: The person is in the U.S. and has a basis for a green card, such as an approved I-130, or one filed at the same time for an immediate relative. Not used when the person will get the visa at a consulate abroad.

See also: Adjustment of status, I-130, I-864

I-864Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

The sponsor's legally binding promise to support the immigrant financially. Required for most family-based green cards.

When it's needed: In most family green card cases, at the I-485 stage (inside the U.S.) or at the National Visa Center stage (consular cases). Also in employment cases where a relative filed the petition or owns 5% or more of the employer.

The sponsor's household income generally must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size (100% for active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child). If it is not, a household member can add income with an I-864A, or a joint sponsor can file a separate, complete I-864.

I-864AContract Between Sponsor and Household Member

Signed by a relative who lives with the sponsor (or is claimed as a dependent) to add their income to the sponsor's on the I-864. The signer becomes legally responsible for support along with the sponsor.

When it's needed: The sponsor's income alone is below the I-864 requirement and a relative who lives with them, or a tax dependent, will add their income.

This is different from a joint sponsor, who files a whole I-864 of their own and must qualify alone.

I-864WRequest for Exemption for Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support (discontinued)

Discontinued. People exempt from the I-864 (for example, those with 40 qualifying quarters of U.S. work, or children who become citizens automatically on arrival) now claim the exemption on Form I-485.

When it's needed: No longer filed. If the immigrant is exempt from the Affidavit of Support, say so on the I-485.

I-765Application for Employment Authorization

Requests a work permit (EAD card). Filed alone or together with another application such as an I-485 or I-821. Asylum applicants file it separately, after their I-589 has been pending 150 days.

When it's needed: Someone needs permission to work while a case is pending or because their status allows it: green card applicants, asylum applicants after the waiting period, TPS and DACA holders, and others. Also used to renew or replace a work permit.

See also: EAD, Eligibility category, I-765WS

I-765WSI-765 Worksheet

A short financial worksheet filed with the I-765 for certain categories, such as (c)(14) deferred action and (c)(33) DACA, to show economic need for work authorization.

When it's needed: Only with an I-765 in the categories that require it, such as (c)(14) deferred action and (c)(33) DACA.

I-131Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records

Requests a travel document, most often advance parole so a pending green card applicant can travel abroad and return.

When it's needed: A person with a pending green card case (or certain other statuses) needs to travel abroad and come back without abandoning the case. Also used for refugee travel documents and reentry permits.

I-693Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

The green card medical exam. Completed and signed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, not by the applicant or preparer.

When it's needed: Every adjustment of status green card applicant, with few exceptions. Book the exam with a civil surgeon before filing: USCIS rejects an I-485 filed without the signed I-693.

I-90Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

Renews or replaces a green card that is expiring, expired, lost, stolen, damaged or has wrong information.

When it's needed: A permanent resident's 10-year card is expiring within six months, has expired, or was lost, stolen, damaged or printed with wrong information.

Not used to remove conditions on a 2-year card; that is the I-751.

I-751Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence

Filed by a conditional resident who got a 2-year green card through a marriage less than two years old, to receive the 10-year card.

When it's needed: A conditional resident's 2-year green card from marriage is in its last 90 days. File before it expires to keep status.

Normally filed jointly with the spouse in the 90 days before the 2-year card expires; waivers exist when the marriage has ended or in cases of abuse.

I-601Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility

Asks USCIS to forgive a ground of inadmissibility (for example certain crimes, fraud or unlawful presence) so the person can still immigrate.

When it's needed: A person is inadmissible for a reason that can be waived (some crimes, fraud or misrepresentation, unlawful presence and others) and has a qualifying relative who would suffer extreme hardship.

I-601AApplication for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver

Lets certain relatives of U.S. citizens and green card holders ask, before leaving the U.S. for their consular interview, to waive only the unlawful-presence bar.

When it's needed: A relative of a U.S. citizen or green card holder who is in the U.S. without status must leave for a consular interview and would face the 3- or 10-year unlawful presence bar. Filed before leaving.

I-212Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal

Needed by someone who was deported or removed (or left under certain orders) and wants to return before their bar period ends.

When it's needed: A person was deported or removed, or left while under a removal order, and wants to return before the waiting period (often 5, 10 or 20 years) is over.

I-912Request for Fee Waiver

Asks USCIS to waive the filing fee for eligible forms based on income, means-tested benefits or financial hardship. Some fees, including the newer statutory asylum, parole and TPS fees, cannot be waived.

When it's needed: The applicant cannot afford a filing fee and the form allows a waiver. Common for N-400, I-90 and I-765 in some categories; check the form's fee page first.

I-129FPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)

Filed by a U.S. citizen to bring a foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. on a K-1 visa so they can marry within 90 days of arrival.

When it's needed: A U.S. citizen plans to marry a foreign fiancé(e) in the U.S. They must have met in person within the two years before filing, with limited exceptions.

I-134Declaration of Financial Support

A sponsor's statement of income and assets, used in K-1 fiancé(e) cases and some other visa and parole cases. Unlike the I-864, it is not a binding support contract.

When it's needed: In K-1 fiancé(e) cases at the consular interview, and in some visitor visa and parole cases, to show the traveler will be supported.

N-400Application for Naturalization

The application to become a U.S. citizen for green card holders who meet the residence, presence and other requirements.

When it's needed: A green card holder has met the waiting period (generally 5 years, or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen) and the other requirements. It can be filed up to 90 days early.

N-648Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions

Completed by a licensed doctor or psychologist so an N-400 applicant with a qualifying disability can be excused from the English and civics tests.

When it's needed: An N-400 applicant cannot learn or show English or civics because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. Filed with the N-400 or at the interview.

N-600Application for Certificate of Citizenship

For someone who is already a U.S. citizen through a parent (at birth abroad or automatically as a child) and wants proof in the form of a certificate.

When it's needed: A person who became a citizen through a parent wants official proof. Many use a U.S. passport instead; the certificate is permanent and does not expire.

N-600KApplication for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322

Filed for a child living outside the U.S. whose U.S. citizen parent wants the child naturalized; the child usually travels to the U.S. for the interview.

When it's needed: A child lives abroad with a U.S. citizen parent who does not meet the requirements to pass citizenship automatically.

I-589Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

The asylum application, also used to ask for withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture.

When it's needed: A person in the U.S. fears returning home because of persecution. File within one year of the last arrival unless an exception applies.

Asylum must generally be requested within one year of the last arrival in the U.S., with limited exceptions.

I-730Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition

Filed by a person granted asylum or refugee status to bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21, generally within two years of the grant.

When it's needed: A person granted asylum or refugee status wants their spouse or unmarried children under 21 to join them. File within two years of the grant.

I-821Application for Temporary Protected Status

Applies for TPS, or re-registers for it, for nationals of a country the U.S. has designated for TPS.

When it's needed: A national of a country designated for TPS applies for the first time during the registration period, or re-registers when the designation is extended.

I-821DConsideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

The DACA request form, for an initial request or a renewal. Filed with an I-765 and I-765WS. Check USCIS for whether initial requests are currently being processed.

When it's needed: Renewing DACA, ideally 120 to 150 days before the current period ends. Check USCIS for whether initial requests are being accepted.

I-360Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant

Covers several special categories, including VAWA self-petitions by abused spouses, children and parents, widow(er)s of U.S. citizens, and special immigrant juveniles.

When it's needed: Self-petitions (VAWA abuse victims, widow(er)s of U.S. citizens) and special categories such as special immigrant juveniles and religious workers.

I-918Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status

Filed by a victim of a qualifying crime who has helped, or is likely to help, law enforcement.

When it's needed: A victim of a qualifying crime in the U.S. has a signed law-enforcement certification (Supplement B) and wants U status.

Supplement A adds qualifying family members. Supplement B is the law-enforcement certification, signed by the certifying agency, not the victim.

I-918 Supplement APetition for Qualifying Family Member of U-1 Recipient

Filed with or after an I-918 to request U status for qualifying family members of the victim.

When it's needed: The U visa victim wants status for qualifying family members.

I-918 Supplement BU Nonimmigrant Status Certification

The certification signed by a police department, prosecutor, judge or other certifying agency confirming the victim's helpfulness.

When it's needed: Every U visa case. The victim asks the police, prosecutor or other certifying agency to sign it.

I-914Application for T Nonimmigrant Status

Filed by a victim of a severe form of human trafficking who is in the U.S. because of the trafficking.

When it's needed: A trafficking victim who is in the U.S. because of the trafficking wants T status.

Supplement A adds family members; Supplement B is an optional declaration from a law-enforcement officer.

I-914 Supplement AApplication for Family Member of T-1 Recipient

Requests T status for eligible family members of a trafficking victim.

When it's needed: The T visa applicant wants status for eligible family members.

I-914 Supplement BDeclaration of Law Enforcement Officer for Victim of Trafficking in Persons

An optional declaration from a law-enforcement officer supporting a T visa application.

When it's needed: Optional in a T visa case, when a law-enforcement officer is willing to support it.

I-192Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant

A waiver of inadmissibility for nonimmigrants; often filed with U and T visa applications.

When it's needed: A U or T visa applicant (or other nonimmigrant) is inadmissible and needs that ground forgiven.

G-639Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request

Requests copies of a person's immigration records (for example the A-file) from USCIS. Requests can also be made online.

When it's needed: You don't have your I-94 or your entry date is unclear, you need copies of past filings or notices, you are unsure what is in your immigration history, or you are preparing a new case and need the full record first. Requests to CBP (entry records) and USCIS (the A-file) are separate; both can be made online.

G-28Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative

Tells USCIS that an attorney or accredited representative represents the applicant, so notices are also sent to the representative.

When it's needed: An attorney or accredited representative is handling the case. Not used by preparers who are not attorneys or accredited representatives.

G-1145E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance

A one-page request, clipped to the front of a paper filing, to get a text or email when USCIS accepts it.

When it's needed: Optional, with any paper filing, to get a text or email when USCIS accepts it instead of waiting for the mailed receipt.

Immigration terms

A-file

The government's main immigration file on a person, identified by the A-Number. Copies can be requested with a G-639 FOIA request.

Why it matters: It holds every filing, notice and decision on a person. Reviewing it before a new filing avoids contradicting earlier answers.

A-Number

Alien Registration Number: the 7- to 9-digit number USCIS assigns to a person's immigration file (A-file). It appears on green cards and many notices.

Adjustment of status

Applying for a green card from inside the United States, with Form I-485, instead of through a consulate abroad.

Advance parole

A travel document, requested with an I-131, that lets certain people with pending applications leave and return to the U.S.

Why it matters: Leaving the U.S. while an I-485 is pending without it usually abandons the application.

Applicant

A person who files an application for themselves, such as an N-400 for naturalization or an I-589 for asylum.

Asylum

Protection for a person in the U.S. who fears persecution in their home country because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

Beneficiary

The person a petition is filed for: the relative, fiancé(e) or worker who will receive the immigration benefit.

Biometrics

Fingerprints, photo and signature taken at a USCIS Application Support Center appointment after filing.

Why it matters: Missing the appointment without rescheduling can lead to the case being denied as abandoned.

Civil surgeon

A doctor designated by USCIS to perform the green card medical exam and sign Form I-693.

Class of admission

The status a person was admitted in, as shown on the I-94 or passport stamp: for example B-2 visitor, F-1 student or K-1 fiancé(e).

Conditional resident

A green card holder with a 2-year card, usually because the marriage was less than two years old when the green card was granted. They file an I-751 to remove the conditions.

Consular processing

Getting the immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad after the petition is approved, through the National Visa Center.

DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: temporary protection from removal and work permission for certain people brought to the U.S. as children. Court rulings have limited it; check USCIS for current rules.

EAD

Employment Authorization Document: the work permit card issued after an approved I-765.

Edition date

The date printed at the bottom of each page of a USCIS form. USCIS accepts only the edition(s) listed on that form's page on uscis.gov and rejects others.

Why it matters: Filing an outdated edition gets the whole package rejected. Check the form's page on uscis.gov before filing.

Eligibility category

The code on the I-765 that names the legal basis for the work permit, such as (c)(9) for a pending I-485 or (c)(8) for a pending asylum case.

Why it matters: A wrong category code on the I-765 is a common reason for denial.

FOIA

Freedom of Information Act: the law that lets a person request copies of government records, including their own immigration file.

Why it matters: A FOIA request is the way to get your records when you don't have your I-94, are unsure of your entry date, lost old notices, or need your full immigration history before filing a new case.

Household member

For the I-864, a relative living with the sponsor, or a dependent on the sponsor's tax return, whose income can be counted by signing an I-864A.

I-94

The arrival/departure record created when someone is admitted to the U.S. It shows the date and class of admission and how long they may stay. Most can be downloaded from the CBP website.

Why it matters: Many forms ask for the I-94 number, date and class of admission. If it can't be found on the CBP website, a FOIA request to CBP can locate it.

Immediate relative

The spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent (if the citizen is 21 or older) of a U.S. citizen. No yearly limit applies, so there is no waiting line.

Inadmissibility

Legal grounds (health, crime, fraud, unlawful presence and others) that can bar a person from getting a visa or green card unless waived.

K-1 visa

The fiancé(e) visa. The couple must marry within 90 days of arrival, then the foreign spouse applies for a green card.

Lawful permanent resident

A green card holder. Can live and work in the U.S. permanently and, after meeting the requirements, apply for citizenship.

Naturalization

The process of becoming a U.S. citizen after birth, with Form N-400.

NOID

Notice of Intent to Deny: USCIS's warning that it plans to deny a case, with a deadline to respond.

Why it matters: Answer by the deadline with evidence that addresses each reason listed, or the case will be denied.

NVC

National Visa Center: the State Department office that collects fees, forms and documents for consular-processing cases before the interview is scheduled.

One-year deadline

Asylum generally must be requested within one year of the person's last arrival in the U.S., unless changed or extraordinary circumstances apply.

Why it matters: Missing it can bar asylum, leaving only withholding of removal or CAT protection.

Parole

Permission to enter or stay in the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, without a visa. It is not an admission.

Petitioner

The person who files a petition for someone else, such as the U.S. citizen filing an I-130 for a spouse.

Poverty guidelines

Yearly federal income figures by household size. The I-864 compares the sponsor's income to 125% of these (Form I-864P).

Preference category

Family or employment categories with yearly limits (for example F2A for spouses of green card holders), so applicants wait for their priority date.

Priority date

The date that marks a person's place in line for a visa in categories with yearly limits. Usually the date USCIS received the petition.

Why it matters: In categories with yearly limits, the green card can't be issued until this date is current on the Visa Bulletin.

Re-registration

Renewing TPS during the period USCIS announces for a country's extension. Missing the window can mean losing TPS.

Why it matters: TPS holders must re-register in every extension window to keep their status and work permit.

Receipt number

The 13-character case number (three letters and ten digits, such as IOE0123456789) printed on the USCIS receipt notice for each filing.

Why it matters: Used to check case status online and to refer to a case when contacting USCIS.

RFE

Request for Evidence: a USCIS notice asking for more documents before deciding a case. It gives a deadline to respond.

Why it matters: Answer by the deadline on the notice; missing it usually means a decision on the evidence already in the file.

Self-petition

A petition a person files for themselves, without a family member or employer, as in VAWA cases.

T visa

Status for victims of severe human trafficking. Applied for with Form I-914.

TPS

Temporary Protected Status: temporary permission to stay and work for nationals of countries designated because of armed conflict, disaster or other extraordinary conditions. Designations change often.

U visa

Status for victims of qualifying crimes who help law enforcement. Applied for with Form I-918.

Unlawful presence

Time spent in the U.S. after an authorized stay expires or after entering without permission. More than 180 days but less than one year, then leaving, triggers a 3-year bar; one year or more, then leaving, triggers a 10-year bar.

Why it matters: Leaving the U.S. after building it up can trigger a 3- or 10-year bar on returning.

USCIS online account number

A number given to people who have a USCIS online account. It appears on some notices and is different from the A-Number.

VAWA

Violence Against Women Act: lets abused spouses and children of U.S. citizens and green card holders, and abused parents of adult U.S. citizens, petition for themselves, without the abuser, using Form I-360.

Visa Bulletin

The State Department's monthly chart of which priority dates can move forward in each family and employment category and country.

Why it matters: Check it monthly in preference-category cases to see when the green card can move forward.